Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 26, 2020)

Talent ko mauka milta hai industry mein, but it’s not how it should be. Dabaake rakha jaata hai. People like me, from theatre or small towns, have been through such experiences and more,” says actor Raghubir Yadav, who feels there isn’t enough encouragement for talent in the industry.

He goes on to say, “Either actors put in their own money in films or producers chase star power due to personal relations, hype the actors and make them big stars. Khaamakha bada bana dete hain. And that’s why our cinema is lagging behind. We are unable to achieve excellence… If one isn’t well trained or a good actor, but keeps getting films, it’s obvious that people will have no option but to watch them. So whatever they make, the audiences watch. And then the industry says, ‘This is what the audiences want’.”

Yadav, 63, is glad to see so many people speaking up about talent and opportunities in films. “Imaandari se kaam kariye. Culture is about the soul, we have to retain it. Agar culture mein imaan na ho, toh culture kis kaam ka? Sab kuch banavati hoga. We should make films with good intentions and honesty. Sadly, filmmaking has become a business. I hope these discussions give us an insight, help us make better films.”

Having started his film career with Massey Sahib (1985), Yadav reveals he was never interested in doing films. “Mujhe Shekhar Kapur (director) Delhi se ghaseet ke Mumbai le aaye. I never bothered about what roles I didn’t get or missed opportunities. I knew I have theatre and music to rely on,” he shares.

Yadav, however, regrets sharing his story ideas. “People have stolen my story ideas and passed them off as theirs. I would be shocked that I shared an idea and the next thing I hear is that it is the story of a project, without due credit. But I would leave such groups if I felt I was being used. I don’t want to force anyone to work with me. Jo jaisa karega, waisa bharega,” he signs off.