Actor Rajesh Kumar is currently basking in the success of Saiyaara as the romantic drama continues its dreamy box office run. The former Sarabhai vs Sarabhai star had played a supporting role in the film, heralding it as a much-needed return to the spotlight. The actor has also seen turbulent times in his career — including a phase where he had merely Rs 2500 in his account and Rs 2 crore in debt.
‘Not able to generate money for survival’
“Bankruptcy, yes. The incoming and outgoing flow had gone for a toss. There was no incoming, and I had exhausted all my reserves because of the outgoing. I went under debt of Rs 2 crore. (Bankruptcy) is a big word, but definitely, I had that feeling with me for a long time. I was not able to generate money for survival also. This was definitely a phase,” he revealed during a recent interview with Meri Saheli.
Kumar had taken up farming a few years ago but faced a series of immediate setbacks — from inclement weather conditions to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time lockdown hit, he had used up all his saving and was “literally bankrupt”.
‘One of finest Bollywood film in recent times’
“It (Saiyaara) is one of the finest films to have come out of Bollywood in recent times. In the last, probably, 20-25 years, I can say that I have not seen a similar kind of craze as it is for Saiyaara. The last time we witnessed this type of euphoria was at the release of ‘Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai’, which was Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel’s launchpad,” film trade Analyst Komal Nahta told ANI.
Saiyaara has created a strong buzz in recent weeks — garnering more than Rs 400 crore at the worldwide box office. The film has also sparked discussion due to the reaction of theatre viewers after watching the film. Multiple videos shared on social media platforms by fans showed weeping inconsolably after watching the movie.
(With inputs from agencies)