Mumbai:
He began his journey in the industry with 'Love, Sex Aur Dhoka' and went on to do films like 'Ragini MMS' and 'Shaitan', but actor Rajkumar feels popularity came his way only after the success of 'Kai Po Che'.
The actor says the film by Abhishek Kapoor changed the game for him. 'Kai Po Che' was based on Chetan Bhagat's novel 'Three Mistakes of My Life'.
"The film ('Kai Po Che') definitely brought a lot of popularity for me than my previous films. The commercial success of this film worked for me, the makers promoted the film in a big way, I was there on posters and everywhere. That is how people know about me now," Rajkumar told PTI in an interview here.
Prior to 'Kai Po Che', Rajkumar revealed he was often rejected for not having a proper eyebrow or not being fair enough. But now that his last film has done exceptionally well, the perception of the industry has definitely changed.
"The perception has changed, the game has changed. Now I can choose the films. The reason for me to reject a film is the (bad) script and character," he added.
However, the success has not changed the way he works as an actor.
"I like to do all kind of films provided the script and the character is interesting enough. Luckily I haven't been typecast. I don't divide films on basis of parallel and mainstream cinema, for me everything is equal," he added.
Rajkumar will be seen next in Hansal Mehta's directorialventure 'Shahid', based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi who was assassinated in Mumbai in 2010.
After that he will be seen alongside Kangana Ranaut in 'Queen', a comedy-drama directed by Vikas Bahl.
Both the projects will see the actor as solo lead.
"It is not that I am focusing on solo hero films. I am ok being part of two- or three-hero films as well. It is the role that matters to me. The character should be exciting and challenging enough.
"I am happy where I am today professionally. I feel fortunate to have worked with great directors and actors. But I am critical about myself. I feel this is a small start that I have made, there is a long way to go."
