“Barah Singa” Promises Story, Music, Entertainment, and a Strong Message- Rajesh Sharma

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Everyone in Bollywood has to struggle. About 35 years ago, Rajesh Sharma came to Mumbai from the small town of Barmer in Rajasthan and began his long battle to make a mark in the industry. From performing in IPTA plays to acting in Rajshri Productions’ TV serial Paying Guest, Balaji Telefilms shows, and several films, Rajesh Sharma has continued his journey with persistence. He has also played lead roles in some serials and movies. These days, he’s in the spotlight for his upcoming film Barah Singa. Here are excerpts from his conversation:

Would you like to shed light on your long-acting journey so far?

I’m from Barmer, Rajasthan. Whatever makes a deep impression on a person’s mind in childhood remains with them for life. When I was in fifth grade, I was already obsessed with films. All I could think about was becoming an actor. Alongside my studies, I would watch films of all the greats, especially Raj Kapoor. I always dreamed of going to Bombay one day and working in films.

Despite this passion, I completed my college education in science, earning a B.Sc. I even passed the medical entrance exam. Whenever people asked who my favorite actors were, I would proudly say, Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. Their performances deeply inspired me.

One particular film, Kala Bazar, left a lasting mark on me. There’s a scene in which Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman, once lovers, have a misunderstanding. Later, both are waiting at a bus stop, and a taxi arrives. They both reach for the door handle, and the song “Rimjhim ke tarane lekar aayi barsaat, yaad aaye kisi se woh pehli mulaqat…” plays in the background. That moment moved me profoundly.

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In Barmer, it hardly ever rained — sometimes not a single drop for two or three years. Watching rain on screen, my favorite stars, and the magic of Bombay—it all became a dream. I decided then and there: no matter what, I will go to Bombay and work in films.

Later, I took a crash course at the National School of Drama while still in school. Under the guidance of NSD teachers like Mangal Bihari Saxena, Ramesh Sanathya, and Afsar Hussain, I acted in several plays, even though I was only in the ninth grade. One play, Aprasangik by Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Lal, dealt with changing student–teacher dynamics. I played the lecturer, while a real college lecturer played the student. The play was staged at the famous Ambar Talkies—which has now become a hotel. The then-Governor of Rajasthan even awarded me for it. That was when the acting bug truly took over, and after completing my studies, I came to Mumbai.

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You must have faced struggles in Mumbai, too?

Absolutely. As soon as I arrived, I joined IPTA and started doing theatre. I began backstage work for Prem Srivastava’s play Suryast, which featured Anjan Srivastav, Amrit Pal, and Sudha Mishra. Later, I joined Om Katare and did plays like Ek Tha Gadha and several others.

With a few friends, I also acted in a play called Badnaam Log, which was later made into the film Jeete Hain Shaan Se. It had three main characters—Jani, Jummaan, and Jaggu. The role of Jani was first played by Prithvi Soni, then by Rumi Jaffery, and later by Jalees Sherwani—all of whom went on to become successful film writers. After them, I played Jani for nearly 15 years in live shows.
Then I did Singhasan Khali Hai and Bhumika by Rajesh Sethi, followed by Rajshri Productions’ TV serial Paying Guest. Later, I became busy with television and was seen in several Balaji Telefilms shows.

Did you not get into films?

I did. The film industry has an unwritten rule—if your first film releases on time and succeeds, producers line up for you. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen in my case.
While I was busy with TV, I got my first lead role in a historical film, but it never released due to political issues. Then I acted in another film with Jackie Shroff, playing the main villain. Sadly, that too didn’t release. It was a turning point for me.
Later, I did a major Doordarshan serial called Vidhaan, in which I played a double role. Veteran actors like Navin Nischol, Beena, Sudha Chandran, and Vikram Gokhale were also part of it. But fate had other plans — one day, I met with a major accident on set and was bedridden for four years. Despite Vidhaan’s success, those four years away from work cost me dearly.

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And after you recovered?

To make a living, I started doing stage shows and hosting live events for a friend. I would also sing sometimes. Meanwhile, I did a few episodes of Crime Patrol and other shows. The struggle never stopped.

You’re said to be making a fresh start with Barah Singa?

Yes! Barah Singa is completely my story. Whatever I went through in life is reflected in the character of Shekhar. I’m a pure theatre actor — and that training shows in my performance. Even when I did live announcements, the artist within me stayed alive.
Six years ago, I wrote this story based on my real-life experiences and always wanted to make a film out of it. Finally, with the right team, that dream is coming true.

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How did Barah Singa finally start?

One day, a friend introduced me to director Rajeev Ranjan Das, who has worked as an associate director with Prakash Jha and also directed independent films and TV series. Things clicked instantly, and the film went on floors. It’s now ready for release.

Who selected the cast?

Director Rajeev Ranjan Das handled all casting decisions. He even made me give ten auditions before finalizing me for the role. The film also features Dr. Anil Rastogi and artists from the popular TV show Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain.

Tell us about your role in the film.

I play Shekhar, a father who was once a successful businessman handling crores. He saw himself as a king and found joy in helping others. But life takes a drastic turn when his grown-up son needs money to build his career, and Shekhar no longer has any. People still see him as rich, and when a wealthy man suddenly becomes broke, the world treats him differently. The story shows a middle-class father’s emotional and financial struggles and his determination to see his son succeed, no matter what.

What message does the film convey?

It reflects the struggles of the middle class. We wanted to deliver a positive message—but not a forced one. After a long time, audiences will see a film with a good story, soulful music, and real emotions.
It also portrays the gap between our dreams and reality — and questions what one should do when denied basic constitutional rights.

Why did you choose to shoot the film in Barmer, Rajasthan?

As I said, I’m originally from Barmer. Even after settling in Mumbai, I never disconnected from my roots. Barmer is just 100 km from Jaisalmer, 200 km from Jodhpur, and about 350 km from Jaipur. Big-budget films are shot in those cities, but hardly any in Barmer — though it’s a beautiful and historic place. I wanted to repay my homeland by showcasing it on screen. The locals supported us wholeheartedly during the shoot.

What’s next?

My next film is already in the pipeline. The story is ready, and I’ll start soon.