Rrahul Sudhir: ‘Television is restrictive for men’

Rrahul Sudhir

After starting out with web shows, Rrahul Sudhir forayed into television in 2019 with Rajaa Betaa, following it up with Ishq Mein Marjawan 2. The latter was enough to make him a household name. Given his character's popularity, the actor reprised his role in another season of Ishq Mein Marjawan, which streamed on OTT platforms. Now, Sudhir is back on the small screen as the leading man of Dabangii - Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi, after its 14-year leap. In conversation with mid-day, the actor talks about joining a show mid-way, and his idea of true success.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

When you're entering a popular show mid-way, do you feel the pressure to keep the momentum going?
It is a tricky place to be in. Since everybody is already working, there is no time to figure out [from scratch] what exactly to do. So, you have to figure that out as you are shooting. But if you start worrying about it, it hinders the process.

Did you watch Dabangii - Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi before joining the show?
I know the entire story, but I watched the first few episodes to understand the show's tone.

Did you get enough time to prep, or was it a walk in the park having played similar characters before?
There was no choice here; I got hired and started shooting. I am playing a rich businessman, and although I have played such a role before, that had a different shade altogether. [In Ishq Mein Marjawan] I was a rich businessman with a lot of baggage and used an [almost] robotic voice. This time, I just jumped on board.

Why did you take up this role considering it's not exactly challenging?
Can't I repeat my characters? Just kidding. Things just happened quickly. I was called for a mock test and didn't realise I would get hired. This is a different character; he is not like Vansh Raisinghani from Ishq Mein Marjawan. That was a thriller. Here, he is a regular, ordinary businessman.

While you were on a break, did you try working in a different medium?
There are two aspects to it. One is: what is putting food on the table? The other is: what do you intend to do in life? These two could be similar or drastically different. As far as I'm concerned, I want to be an actor and want to get better at this. I shot for a feature film last year, which is set to release in March. After a long time, I felt alive on a set. The takes, the treatment - the whole thing was so different.

What is the film about?
It's a drama where I'm playing a [quadriplegic]. The film is adapted from one of [Sadat Haasan] Manto's plays. I've never played a guy on a wheelchair or showcased their struggles and feelings.

Didn't you crave something more challenging on television?
Television doesn't have that daayra [scope]. TV is about how the hero and heroine's chemistry is great, how good they look together and how many people watch them. Normally, television leads are intense, or chirpy, or a village boy/girl. There aren't that many different characters on TV. It's very restrictive for men. I am not
blaming anyone, but this is what works on TV at the end of the day.

What would be ideal for you - to play a role that puts food on the table or one that satisfies you creatively?
The balance between the two would be my ultimate goal in life. Some day, if I can take care of myself and my family, and simultaneously be able to do what I intend to do in life, I'll consider myself successful.