Raghubir Yadav talks about his creative metamorphosis from an actor to a passionate fan of Hindi and Urdu poetry, to attend Jashn-e-Adab, a literary festival in Delhi
Fresh off the season 2 finale jury and crime thriller six suspectsActor Raghubir Yadav says he is the kind of artist who rarely falls under cultural constraints. Even though he is acclaimed as an actor, it is music, poetry, singing and set designing that drives him forward.
Read also | Get ‘First Day First Show’ our weekly newsletter from the world of cinema delivered to your inbox, You can subscribe for free here
The actor, who played a memorable character in his debut film, said, “I never go out of work because I don’t chase fame or money, but focus on doing good.” messi sir For recent OTT release in 1985 pgllight in 2020. “I don’t work according to the modalities and pace of the film industry, but wait till I get a role that I am absolutely sure of.”
that he has been an important part of six films (Peepli Live, Rudali, Bandit Queen, Salaam Bombay, Lagaan and NewtonIndia’s nomination for the Oscars has been celebrated. But not many know what his penchant for poetry is. “The poem is often overlooked, but it promotes pluralism and shows the courage to speak out against injustice,” says Yadav. Willingness to change things. ,
This passion has inspired him to participate in the 10th edition of Jashn-e-Adab, a three-day poetry festival to be held in New Delhi from 17th December. Here he would recite the works of Ghalib, Tulsidas and Kabir. Whose lines he admires. “They are full of pain but underline hope,” he says.
Yadav’s acquaintance with poetry and art began in his childhood, which he spent listening to old film songs on gramophones in the fields of Ranjhi Karondi village in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. “Watching the village Ramlila and Rasleela got me curious and taught me many things about live performances, costumes, make-up and folk music.”
When his grandfather established a school in the village, Yadav was forced to study science. The fear of failing the exam made him leave home before completing high school. “I didn’t run. I explained to my father that music was my calling and left the house requesting the family not to search for me,” he says.
He landed in a Parsi theater company near Lucknow, UP, and was paid ₹2.50 as salary for singing performances. After six years of doing Urdu and musical plays, he trained at NSD, Delhi, where he also worked on plays starring theater director Barry John. Then, messi sir happened, and he debuted as an actor. “But my dream was to become a singer.”
Yadav’s style is difficult to define as he acts independently and his failures foster a drive in him. Folklore remains his constant source of fascination and music helps him tide over crises, he says, and is also a good word for OTT productions as young talents are getting an opportunity to show their artistic curiosity and creativity.
Significant roles in small films helped Yadav climb the Bollywood ladder, but he still believes he is humble. “My desire has always been to be a part of fine pieces of art,” he says, and he believes that every learning in life comes from lack. “Contemporary cinema today is fantastic. Art has turned into business. So today there is no place for entertainment.”
(The 10th International Hindi and Urdu Poetry Festival will be held from 17 to 19 December at India International Centre, Max Muller Marg, Lodhi Road, New Delhi)
,