Acting is in my genes: Rajesh Jais

• How did you pick up acting?

I was in a Marwari College in Ranchi when one day I got to know about a cultural group. I met them. I was asked to sing, dance and, surprisingly, I did that quite effortlessly. Honestly, the feeling was very liberating. It touched my heart. My professor, my mentor, Ajay Malkani, was the one who introduced me to National School of Drama and that’s how my acting journey started.

• How did your family support you in this journey?

I feel acting is in my genes. In fact, I got to know quite late that my parents used to work in the theatre group of Minoo Mumtaz.

• In your career spanning more than two decades is there any particular role that you feel was your best?

My best is yet to come. Still if I have to name one, then it will be Life OK show Sapno Ke Bhawar Mein.

• Which is your favourite medium – TV, web or films?

Theatre. I am still a part of the famous play Mughal-E-Azam, where I am the narrator and also playing a character called Sangtarash. We have completed 250 shows altogether. I enjoy stage the most. I feel an actor gets his due on stage.

• Indoo Ki Jawani is releasing today. How will you sum up your experience of working in the film?

I have played Kiara Advani’s father in the film. The experience was nice. The film is releasing on the big screen and that’s a great thing.

• How has life changed for an actor during the pandemic?

This year in February I was back after finishing an overseas schedule. After that I was at home for eight months. Neither me nor my family ventured out. We have to learn how to live in this new normal.

• What is your next project?

I am currently shooting for Chhorii, which is a horror film, with Nushrratt Bharuccha, somewhere close to Bhopal.