Rajesh Kumar, best known for his role as Rosesh Sarabhai in the popular sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, made headlines when he stepped away from acting to pursue farming. His decision wasn’t driven by a lack of acting opportunities but by a desire to give back to society. In an industry where fame and glamour often take center stage, Rajesh’s shift to organic farming in his village in Bihar has inspired many. He now proudly calls himself an actor/farmer and continues to act while raising awareness about the importance of agriculture.
Connecting Two Worlds: Rajesh’s Film Role as a Bridge Between Generations
Rajesh is set to appear in several upcoming films, including Binny and Family, where he plays characters deeply connected to his personal experiences. In Binny, he portrays Vinay, a man balancing the perspectives of two generations – his father and his granddaughter. This role resonated with him because, like his character, Rajesh himself is caught between the traditional upbringing of his father from Bihar and his children’s more modern upbringing in Mumbai.
Rajesh shared that his personal life mirrors his on-screen character. His own father is from Bihar, while his children grew up in the bustling city of Mumbai. There were moments of confusion for his kids, especially in the beginning, as they observed the respectful and slightly fearful dynamic Rajesh had with his father. However, their bond with their grandparents grew strong, and his children eventually overcame their initial fears.
Choosing Farming Over Acting: Rajesh’s Bold Decision to Make a Social Impact
Rajesh Kumar’s decision to take up farming wasn’t just a career change; it was a statement. While many parents in India push their children toward traditional professions like doctors or engineers, no parent ever says, “My child will become a farmer”, Rajesh pointed out. This mentality, he believes, is part of the larger problem. Despite the fact that everyone needs food, the people who grow it – farmers – are rarely respected or glamorized.
He reflected on how the Covid-19 pandemic made people realize the importance of having good food. He emphasized that if the importance of farming isn’t recognized, the future generations will face dire consequences. He took the leap into farming at the age of 42, an age when many would hesitate to take such a risk. He believed it was the perfect time for him, as he was still full of energy and able to give farming his all. He didn’t want to wait until his 60s, when age might limit his abilities.
His family, while initially unsure, came to respect his decision. Rajesh noted that his children have learned to appreciate both the vegetable seller and the grower, understanding that they deserve respect for their work. This sense of gratitude is something Rajesh instilled in his children, ensuring they recognize the importance of food and the hard work that goes into growing it.
Facing Losses in Organic Farming: Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Rajesh’s journey into organic farming wasn’t without its challenges. He initially faced huge losses, nearly reaching penury. From floods to fires, his farming efforts seemed doomed at times. However, he didn’t lose hope. “The day we stop asking for free coriander is the day farmers will truly prosper,” Rajesh said, highlighting the hard work that goes into every vegetable grown.
Rajesh explained that his father played a crucial role in helping him recover from his financial struggles. His father, recognizing that his son was in over his head, stepped in to pay off the loans and bring the situation under control. Despite the setbacks, Rajesh remained positive. He saw every failure as a learning experience and emerged from the challenges with a deeper understanding of the problems faced by farmers across India.
This experience taught him that the plight of the Indian farmer is real and often ignored. Through farming, he learned firsthand the struggles that lead to many farmers taking their own lives. He believes that when people truly understand the effort involved in agriculture, there won’t be a need for roundtable discussions about farmer suicides. Instead, there will be real change and respect for those who work the land.
Reaping Rewards: Rajesh Finds Success in Both Farming and Acting
Despite the difficulties he faced in farming, Rajesh Kumar’s decision to take a break from television has paid off. He is now playing a variety of roles in films and web series, including popular titles like Kota Factory and Yeh Meri Family. After being known primarily for his comedic role as Rosesh, he is finally being seen in a new light by filmmakers.
Rajesh explained that people now see him as Rajesh Kumar, the actor who can take on serious roles, not just the funny man from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. His versatility is being recognized, and the trust that filmmakers are placing in him is allowing him to explore different genres and characters.
The Shadow of Rosesh: A Role That Lives On in Memes
Although Rajesh has successfully transitioned to other roles, the shadow of Rosesh Sarabhai continues to follow him. Social media is filled with memes celebrating his iconic character from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Rajesh, however, doesn’t mind. He likens his connection with Rosesh to the way Amitabh Bachchan is associated with the Angry Young Man persona or how Shah Rukh Khan is linked to his romantic roles.
For Rajesh, Rosesh was a significant chapter in his career, but he is now focused on writing new chapters, both as an actor and a farmer. He hopes to inspire others to see farming not as a last resort, but as a viable and important career path. By doing so, he believes that the respect and recognition for farmers in India will continue to grow.
