Golden period for character actors: Gajraj Rao

Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta are the heartbeat of "Badhaai Ho", a film about a middle age couple facing unexpected pregnancy.

Rao, who considers Badhaai Ho as the best film of his career, says a lot has changed in cinema as character actors are no longer treated as fillers in the story.

"Today roles are written for us and there is respect as well from everyone. Credit goes to leading man as they are not insecure about their craft and that is the reason why character actors like me are getting to do great roles," Rao told PTI.

He says it was after a long while that he got the opportunity to showcase his acting prowess.

"I was not getting exciting work and I chose to not to pick up everything and anything. I used to earn money for my living from other things. I wan to fulfil my creative emotional urge, be it through films or theatre. My home runs because of ad films that I direct."
"I had heard stories of struggling actors and so I was prepared for the struggle but I did not want to play a bechara actor. I had quit my job as I was not earning enough from theatre, I did script writing for TV news channels."
"Whatever roles I have done so far are interesting but they were supporting parts or cameos. On page, maybe they did not seem memorable. For me, it is going to be like before and after 'Badhaai Ho'."