Bollywood actor Gajraj Rao is currently celebrating the success of his latest film, “Jolly LLB 3.” In a recent social media post, he reflected on his memorable first encounter with co-star Ram Kapoor, sharing a heartwarming anecdote from 14 years ago.
A Memorable Encounter
Rao expressed his admiration for Kapoor, stating, “Ram Kapoor is not just an actor; he is an outstanding actor — a human cyclone. His charismatic personality can take over any room, any film set.”
Recalling his early impressions, he said, “I first noticed him around 25 years ago in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding and later in Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, where I had a small cameo alongside Saurabh Shukla. A few years later, I watched him in Motwane’s Udaan and instantly became a fan of his craft.”
The First Meeting
Gajraj Rao detailed their first meeting, which occurred during a promotional shoot for Kapoor’s popular TV show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain in 2011. “I was thrilled — here I was, about to direct one of my favourite actors and one of the biggest TV stars of that era. But instead of a warm smile, I got cold, distant glances from Ram.”
He noted that while his co-star Sakshi Tanwar was cooperative and open to ideas for the TVC, Kapoor was not. “After the first shot, he firmly told me he would perform only the way Ekta Kapoor, the producer, had visualised his character — not the way I was explaining. Suddenly, I was in a tight spot, with the entire unit staring at me. For a moment, I felt like Premnath facing Pran in Bobby.”
Overcoming Embarrassment
Rao reminisced about his feelings of embarrassment, saying, “I nearly surrendered but then gathered courage and politely requested Ram to give me one option to take — the version I had already discussed with Sony’s marketing head, Mr. Danish Khan, during our pre-production meeting.” Ultimately, after much persuasion, Rao revealed, “Ram reluctantly agreed.”
After finishing that take, Rao silently cursed his situation, promising himself never to work with Kapoor again. However, ten minutes later, he felt a tap on his shoulder. “It was Ram. He admitted, with disarming honesty, that after watching the monitor, he realised my interpretation was indeed correct.” Rao praised Kapoor’s grace, stating, “And just like that, the man I had judged arrogant all morning transformed into the most collaborative and graceful actor on set.” The day proceeded smoothly, with the promos succeeding and the show becoming a hit.
A Transformation
Using a metaphor, Rao described Kapoor as “like a coconut — tough on the outside, but tender at heart. He speaks his mind, unfiltered, but at the core, he is warm, gracious, and a delight to work with.” Reflecting on his recent experience with Kapoor in “Jolly LLB 3,” Rao added, “Cut to 2024: I was back on set with Ram. He is still outspoken, still unfiltered, but beneath that, he is like an enthusiastic teenager — always eager to explore, always full of energy. On the shooting floor, his presence is electric.”
A Standout Performance
Rao commended Kapoor’s performance in “Jolly LLB 3,” saying, “As Hari Bhai Khaitan’s defence lawyer, Ram is outstanding. His final courtroom argument is delivered with finesse and class. He lights up the screen with every frame.”
He encouraged fans to watch the film, particularly for Kapoor’s remarkable acting skills: “Watch Jolly LLB 3 for Ram Kapoor’s shining performance — in a theatre near you.” The movie features Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Gajraj Rao, and Ram Kapoor in pivotal roles, along with Amrita Rao and Huma Qureshi. Since its release, the film has been receiving positive reviews from audiences and critics alike.