Actor Gajraj Rao credits legendary figures Irrfan and Manoj Bajpayee as his mentors, emphasizing the influence of fellow actors in his pursuit of excellence in Indian cinema.
MUMBAI — Actor Gajraj Rao has expressed admiration for legendary actors Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee, describing them as his mentors. He believes that fellow actors in the industry inspire him and motivate him to strive for excellence.
Rao shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the ‘Pehla Pehla’ podcast, hosted by actor Gopal Datt. In the episode, he reflected on the individuals and experiences that have significantly influenced his journey in Indian cinema.
“You look for your mentors. I have many mentors. Irrfan, Manoj Bajpayee, they are my mentors,” Rao stated. He highlighted the importance of observing how established actors conduct themselves in their careers. He also mentioned Anil Kapoor, noting how the actor has maintained his energy and dedication to his craft since the 1980s and 1990s.
Rao’s comments extended to Akshay Kumar, with whom he worked on the film ‘Jolly LLB 3.’ He revealed that his perception of Kumar changed after their collaboration. “Earlier, I used to hear what kind of person he is. You believe in hearsay. But he is very innocent. He is disciplined,” Rao explained.
He acknowledged that while Kumar may take on multiple projects, not all of them are successful. “He might do six things, four of them might be bad. But doing bad things is not a crime. No one has a formula. You never intentionally do bad things,” Rao added.
The podcast episode also delves into Rao’s personal journey in the film industry, including the challenges he faced and the unexpected turns that shaped his career. His reflections on fellow actors underscore the value he places on learning from those who have established themselves in the field.
The ‘Pehla Pehla’ podcast featuring Gajraj Rao is available for streaming on the YouTube channel of IVM Pop, providing insights into his experiences and the influences that drive him.
According to IANS, Rao’s dedication to his craft and his respect for his peers highlight the collaborative spirit that characterizes the Indian film industry.