The seasoned actor opens up about breaking stereotypes, embracing diverse roles, and the evolution of Indian cinema.
Mumbai, December 13: With a film career spanning over two decades, Rahul Dev has etched his name in the annals of Indian cinema through his powerful portrayals of villains. The Mass actor recently reflected on his Bollywood debut and how it shaped his career, leading to a string of memorable negative roles.
Rahul made his debut in 2000 with Champion, where he played a menacing antagonist. Following this, he delivered impactful performances in films like Aashiq, Awaara Paagal Deewana, and Mass. However, Rahul soon realized the need to diversify his roles and began exploring South Indian cinema to break away from the monotony of playing villains.
“In 2000, the divide was very clear. Artists were labeled as heroes or villains. Acting schools teach you various methods, but practical application reshapes your perspective,” Rahul shared. Reflecting on his big break, he said, “Champion was a significant project. Sunny Deol, being a larger-than-life hero, needed an equally strong anti-hero. While the success of Champion opened doors, it also confined me to a certain type of role. That’s why I ventured into South Indian films. It was getting monotonous.”
In recent years, Rahul’s career has witnessed a resurgence, thanks to the opportunities provided by OTT platforms. The actor has showcased his versatility in popular web series such as The Test Case, Who’s Your Daddy, Poison 2, LSD, Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega, Empire, and Adhura.
Speaking about the impact of OTT platforms, Rahul noted their role in bridging the gap between South and North Indian cinema. “The South-North divide has diminished. Many watched Pushpa 1 on its first day, despite it being in Telugu. Audiences today seek quality content over language barriers,” he observed. He also highlighted the example of Tumbbad, which was re-released post-Covid and received better reception than its initial run.
Rahul’s next project, Zabt, will stream on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, Waves, starting December 13. The film, co-starring Eijaz Khan, revolves around an ambitious man who moves to Mumbai and borrows money from an underworld don to purchase real estate. After being robbed, the story delves into the mysteries of his past and his quest to recover the lost money.
As Rahul continues to reinvent himself, his journey stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and the endless possibilities for seasoned actors to explore new horizons.