Rajpal Yadav reunites with Akshay Kumar after 11 years in Bhooth Bangla: ‘Same hunger’

Rajpal Yadav, in an exclusive conversation, reflected on comedy, his personal philosophy and the changing entertainment landscape, while speaking about his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.

Discussing the horror-comedy genre, Rajpal said it continues to resonate because it taps into deeply rooted human emotions. “From childhood, we grow up with certain fears—‘don’t go there’, ‘don’t do this’. That curiosity stays. That’s why horror comedy will always exist. Like comedy, horror and realism, these genres never die,” he said, adding that working in such spaces brings him a sense of childlike joy.

He also spoke about reuniting with filmmaker Priyadarshan after several years, calling the experience special. “It didn’t feel like there was any gap. It was as if we had just paused and resumed. In fact, I saw him working even harder than before, with the same energy but even more effort now,” he said, referencing past collaborations like Hungama and Chup Chup Ke.

Reflecting on how the industry has evolved, Rajpal noted the massive shift in content consumption. “Earlier, there were a handful of channels. Today, there are thousands. Reality is everywhere now—so what is left for artists? Entertainment,” he said, stressing the importance of constantly learning and adapting in a rapidly changing world.

He also credited social media for giving his work a new life among younger audiences. “Today, a 10-year-old knows me as ‘Chhota Pandit’, and a 20-year-old knows me through memes. That means my work has reached a whole new generation,” he said, expressing gratitude for the renewed visibility his performances have gained online.

Speaking about longevity and growth, Rajpal emphasised staying a student of the craft. “If we don’t upgrade ourselves, we will be left behind. Even today, I feel I am still new and still learning,” he said, adding that working alongside actors like Akshay Kumar continues to inspire him.

Sharing a glimpse into his personal philosophy, he described three aspects of his identity—his responsibilities as a human being, his connection with nature, and his role as an artist driven by creativity.

When asked about his best on-screen pairing, Rajpal gave a reflective answer: “With everyone—but most importantly, with myself. If an actor does not connect with himself, he cannot truly connect with others.”

Bhooth Bangla is set to release in cinemas on April 10, marking another chapter in Rajpal Yadav’s enduring career.