Latest news with #BaaBahooAurBaby
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Saiyaara actor Rajesh Kumar recalls going into debt of ₹2 crore: ‘People said, iski itni buri halat ho gayi…'
Actor Rajesh Kumar, popularly known for his role in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, is currently basking in success for his latest release, Saiyaara. In an interview with Meri Saheli, Rajesh opened up about falling into severe debt and struggling to survive financially after taking a break from acting to pursue farming. Rajesh Kumar talked about going bankrupt. Rajesh Kumar on going bankrupt Talking about the reports of his financial struggles, Rajesh said, "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 into debt of ₹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." He recalled the different narratives that emerged online about his break from acting, 'But thanks to social media, three kinds of stories had surfaced, one was that people said I had taken a break from acting and was doing farming; another was that I had quit acting and taken up farming; and the third was iski itni buri halat ho gayi hai ki kheti karni pad rahi hai (that I was in such a bad state that I was forced to do farming). So, I was very much against the third perception. Friends and family never doubted my capabilities.' About Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar is an Indian actor and producer, widely recognised for his portrayal of Rosesh Sarabhai in the beloved TV sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. He also made his mark in popular shows like Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Neeli Chatri Waale, Yam Kisi Se Kam Nahin, and Yeh Meri Family. In 2019, he left acting to pursue farming full-time. However, Rajesh later returned to acting with renewed passion, taking on web and film projects such as Kota Factory (as Gagan Rastogi), Yeh Meri Family, Haddi, Rautu Ka Raaz, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Binny and Family, and most recently the blockbuster Saiyaara. Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara features Rajesh as Aneet Padda's father. The film has received praise from both critics and audiences, turning Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday into overnight stars. The romantic musical drama has grossed ₹450 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing romantic film in the history of Indian cinema.
NDTV
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
When Saiyaara Actor Rajesh Kumar Was Rs 2 Crore In Debt: "Had Rs 2500 In My Account"
New Delhi: Rajesh Kumar, who played Aneet Padda's father in Mohit Suri's sleeper hit Saiyaara, is in headlines as he opened up about his financial struggles in recent interviews. A couple of years ago, Rajesh quit acting and took up farming to change people's mindset. But when he was struggling to make money, his family stood by him. What's Happening In a recent interview with Meri Saheli, Rajesh Kumar said that he went bankrupt and had only Rs 2500 in his account. He said, "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." Rajesh, who rose to fame with his iconic character Rosesh Sarabhai, took up farming to bust the myth that people take up this with no options left. He said that nobody these days dreams of becoming a farmer when they grow up, and he wants to change this mindset. He said that his family supported him when he was not making any money. "Financially, I was on a slide. By the lockdown, I had used up my savings, and was literally bankrupt. I didn't have anything in my pocket. I had huge loans, and that was adding to the pressure," he told Rajshri Unplugged. "I had just Rs 2,500 in my bank account when I was in the UK. I traveled back and forth twice during that 24-day shoot, but I couldn't bring back even two chocolates for my kids," he said in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar. About Rajesh Kumar's Career Rajesh has an illustrious career on television. He acted in daily soaps like Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Comedy Circus Kaante Ki Takkar, Comedy Circus, Durgesh Nandinii, to name a few.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shweta Keswani: For South Asians, making it in the West is always a hustle
Shweta Keswani and (right) with Sakshi Tanwar in a still from Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii Shweta Keswani, known for her roles in TV shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, moved to the US after marrying lawyer Ken Andino in 2012. However, relocating didn't stop her from pursuing acting. She embraced the opportunities in the West but admits that the journey has been difficult. Reflecting on her 13-year experience, she says, 'For South Asians, especially those trying to make it here, it's always a hustle. It's taken me 13 years to get to where I am today. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an agent like Priyanka Chopra or to get a quick breakthrough.' The actress, who has been part of projects like The Heart Stays (2019), As Sick As They Made Us (2022), Roar (2022) and The Beanie Bubble (2023), and is currently executive producing and acting in the short film Tabassum, highlights how her acting journey in the US has required a major shift. She shares, 'The acting here is different. If I replicated my style from India, I wouldn't book jobs. So, I've been training in acting under several teachers. People asked, 'Why are you learning acting when you've been acting for 20 years?' But the style of acting and auditioning here is so different,' she explains. As an actor of Asian descent, she often finds herself navigating the challenges of typecasting in the industry. She says, 'It's a hit or miss. Sometimes I get offbeat, interesting auditions, but I'm also offered the usual stereotypes. My typical casting range ends up being an FBI agent, a doctor, a lawyer, a web designer, or the aspirational Indian mom. I try to break out of that box by showcasing my versatility through my demo reel to prove that I'm capable of so much more. ' While she's embraced her new life, she misses the chaotic energy of Hindi TV sets. She reminisces, 'I miss the camaraderie, the Indian-ness of it all — the banter, eating together — those moments were special. The people became family.' Shweta also shares her thoughts on possibly returning to India for work. 'I'd love to do mini-series or short projects for OTT where I can complete the work in 15-20 days and return home. I can't commit to the same monthly grind I did in television because I have a family here now. But I miss acting in Hindi TV shows,' she concludes.
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
JD Majethia: Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai ki film nahi banni chahiye
Producer JD Majethia has given successful comedy franchises like Khichdi, Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and shows like Baa Bahoo Aur Baby to the Indian TV and film industry. Recently, he announced that he is coming with Khichdi 3 in 2027, but admits that comedies are going downhill in the industry. 'The overall level of comedy has gone down in our industry. You will find small gags and videos on social media, but the hunger to spend money to go watch something has reduced. You won't find any comedy that can become legendary today, as you used to until a few years earlier, and the reason is we don't have such talented crop of writers and actors for that,' he says. The producer adds, 'It's a very challenging genre. In non-fiction, you have some amazing people like Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover and Kiku Sharda, but fiction is lacking. And in comedy, if you don't give the best, people won't come. Khichdi still instils that faith in people that if these iconic characters come together, it will be for something special. Some storylines may falter, but you will end up laughing out loud.' Having made Khichdi into a film series, ask him if he aims to do the same with Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, considering the love it gets till date, and JD responds, 'Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai ki film nahi banni chahiye. It could have been made earlier but not now. There should be more to that series too, but it's too late to make a film on that. I am not too sure, but we will wait and see.' JD insists that comedy is dependent on the audience's connection, and asserts that their loyalty is 'fragile'. 'Even with big stars, if one film does well, other might not. So, you have to respect the audience loyalty. The Indian audience is such that even if a cricketer wins four world cups but then loses one to Pakistan, they will remember that. The people are sensitive and extremists in their love, so you have to try to give them the best always,' he says.
