Rajiv Thakur Interview - IC814 The Kandahar Hijack

The web series 'IC814: The Kandahar Hijack', which was recently released on Netflix, has become a topic of discussion on social media. Rajiv Thakur, who has made a different place in the world of comedy with this series, is starting his new innings. What is special in this series and how different is this character from the characters he has played in his career so far, comedian Rajiv Thakur had a special conversation with Mayapuri about this.

• You are seen as a serious character in 'IC814 The Kandahar Hijack', what would you like to say about this?

I shot this series in June-July of the year 2023. At the same time, I was on a world tour with Kapil Sharma, our shows were going on in America. I managed the shooting of both the shows and the web series at that time. I used to do shows in America on Friday-Saturday, and then I used to come to India by flight on Sunday. After that, I used to shoot for IC814 from Monday to Thursday. After this, I would again take a flight to America on Monday. At that time, we would do shows in different cities of America. I would be very tired. But they say, "When God has to do something right, his ways may be difficult but they are right."

• This web series is based on a real story. How challenging was it for you?

It was less challenging for me because of Anubhav Sir, our writer Nilesh, and the Netflix team, because they explained our character to us very well. The way they explained it to me, that character got embedded in me. Everyone has done a lot of research on it, for about 5 years. This character was great for me because, on the one hand, I was making people laugh, on the other hand, I was playing a serious character. This is challenging and beautiful in itself.

Some scenes have come out very well, like that bus wala. But the editing team and the background team have a big hand in all this.

• Although everyone's characters in this series have been strong, you have been like a surprise package in this series, because for the first time, the audience is seeing you as a villain. Would you like to say something about this?

I am thankful to Anubhav Sir, Mukesh Chawra Sir, and Netflix's internal team for giving me this chance. When my audition was sent to Anubhav Sir, his call came to Mukesh Chawra ji. He said that he has really done very well but it may happen that when I present my villain in front of the world, the world starts laughing or thinks that he will do something later that will make people laugh. Then Mukesh said that if you do not give a chance then who will give a chance, this thing touched his heart and he gave me a chance. Apart from this, I am also thankful to Kapil because the shooting of both Kapil's show and web series was clashing with each other. But he told me to go and do the web series. Kapil is a very kind man.

• Who called you first after seeing your character that was different from expectations?

Though I got a lot of calls, but one call was from Kumud Mishra sir. I felt very good when he praised me, he remembered every scene. Apart from this, when I got a message from Dia Mirza Ma'am on Instagram, my day was spent. Apart from these, I got calls from Devendu sir and Gajrav sir. Then I understood that I have done something good.

• What would you like to say to your fans?

The love that I got when I entered the comedy industry 15 years ago, I am getting that love once again today, I am thankful to the audience. I would like to say to the fans that those who have seen the IC814 series, thank you and those who have not seen it yet, go and watch it and give your feedback about my work, whether you like it or not. Rest, keep me in your prayers.