The Early Spark of Acting
Rajkumar Kanojia, a well-known face in Bollywood’s comedy and character roles, did not come from an acting family. Born in Uttar Pradesh and raised in Mumbai, his interest in acting sparked in school and later blossomed during spiritual classes where live stage plays gave him the “acting bug.” College years deepened his passion as he participated in theatre, eventually working with names like Makarand Deshpande at Prithvi Theatre.
First Breaks and the Theatre Foundation
His first income came unexpectedly from dubbing work in the early 1990s, followed by small roles in Doordarshan serials. Theatre became his real training ground, where he performed in multiple languages including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English. Rajkumar believes theatre gave him discipline and confidence, preparing him for the big screen.
Bollywood Journey and Typecasting
Despite his versatility, Rajkumar often found himself cast in comic roles, especially after memorable performances in films like Style. He reflects that the industry tends to stereotype actors, making it difficult to break patterns. Still, he embraced every role that came his way, while recently exploring more diverse characters in series like Rana Naidu and Sunflower.
On Nepotism and Industry Challenges
Rajkumar candidly accepts that nepotism and lobbying exist in Bollywood. However, he emphasizes that one’s survival depends on individuality, honesty, and persistence. Unlike many, he never compromised his integrity or resorted to flattery, relying instead on theatre and professional work to carve his path.
Personal Philosophy: Stay Content, Not Complacent
He lives by the principle of limiting desires, believing greed only leads to suffering. Fitness for him is not about gyms or strict routines but about moderation: eating less, living simply, and staying spiritually aware. He values spirituality over superstition, drawing strength from experiences like time spent with Himalayan sadhus.
Memorable Experiences and Setbacks
From receiving double pay from appreciative directors to facing exploitation by unprofessional producers, Rajkumar has seen the highs and lows of the industry. He openly calls out exploitation, insisting that both the exploiter and the exploited share responsibility. Despite setbacks, he continues to learn and move forward, believing acting is a lifelong process.
Views on Stardom and Success
Rajkumar has worked alongside legends and newcomers alike, from Salman Khan to fresh OTT actors. He admires humility in stars like Rajinikanth and Mithun Chakraborty, who remain grounded despite fame. For him, overnight success is like a balloon—rising quickly but just as quickly deflating. True success lies in staying rooted, content, and committed to the craft.
Life Beyond Acting
Outside work, Rajkumar enjoys traveling, solitude, and self-reflection. He believes in meeting people, observing life, and bringing those observations into his performances. He values “me-time” deeply, staying away from negative influences and addictions. His advice to aspiring actors: focus on education, life experiences, and traveling to truly understand the world and yourself.
Final Takeaway
Rajkumar Kanojia’s journey from a lower-middle-class background to hundreds of films and plays is a testament to persistence, humility, and the power of theatre. His philosophy blends spirituality, simplicity, and acting as a lifelong learning process. For aspiring actors, his story is a reminder that success without shortcuts is still possible with passion and discipline.
FAQ
Q: Did Rajkumar Kanojia face nepotism in Bollywood?
Yes, he acknowledges nepotism exists, but he never compromised his integrity and focused on building his identity through theatre and honest work.
Q: What was his first acting break?
His first on-camera role was in Doordarshan’s Angulimala, while his first income came from dubbing in the early 1990s.
Q: How does he maintain his fitness?
He believes in moderation—eating less, living simply, and avoiding gyms or heavy workouts.
Q: What are his future projects?
Rajkumar is part of upcoming Marathi films, the Hindi film Suswagatam Khushamadeed, and a unique project titled Kanojia Ke Kisse.
Q: What advice does he give to aspiring actors?
Study well, travel, learn from life, and focus on building character over chasing shortcuts.
Watch & Listen
You can listen to the full conversation with Rajkumar Kanojia on the Kabir Vani Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Prime Music.
