Rahul Bose says he’d ‘never get a lead role in a big-budget film’, reveals why he played a chauvinist husband to Priyanka Chopra in Dil Dhadakne Do

Rahul’s journey in the film industry has been marked by thoughtful choices, often prioritising substance over commercial appeal. When asked if he consciously chose to be part of films leaning towards parallel cinema, he explains, “I don’t think that I’d ever be offered a lead role in big-budget films because I don’t justify that expense. I realised that I wanted to only play leads, so I would have to go for small-budget films.” This realisation led Rahul to focus on smaller, more meaningful projects. “Those making big-budget films, they would cast the stars, why would they cast me? That’s been a big deciding factor; from 1993 till 2012-13, I only played lead roles. Of course, I did Vishwaroopam with Kamal Haasan where he was the hero and I was the villain.”

Did he ever feel bitter about not being considered the first choice as a star in mainstream Bollywood? “Oh, no, of course not,” Rahul exclaims. “The fact that I have had 30 years with this kind of face, I should be full of thankfulness and gratitude. I am not some wonderful physical specimen of humanity.”

One mainstream Hindi film for which he ventured out of his comfort zone is Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), starring Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, and Farhaan Akhtar in the lead.  Rahul says that the film holds a special place in his filmography. As the film approaches its tenth anniversary, Rahul reflects on his experience. “Dil Dhadakne Do has a special place in my filmography, and I cherish that film.” His character, Manav, may not have been the lead, but Rahul recognises its significance. “The story would not be the same if Priyanka didn’t have to deal with divorce.”

On being asked what was his takeaway from Dil Dhadakne Do, he says, “My takeaway from it is the same as everyone else. It is a story of Indian families. There are ups, there are downs, there are twists and there are turns, but finally, everybody muddles together, gets along, and finds space for themselves. The only way you can navigate the impossible twists and turns of an Indian family is by staying true to your heart.”

“I remember telling Zoya (Akhtar) and Javed (Akhtar) sahab that this film is going to run and run and run forever because it has something for everyone. Are you the neglected daughter? Are you the son, who the father doubts? Are you the wife who sits and waits for her husband to come home? Are you the husband who is misunderstood? Are you a frustrated businessman who thinks you deserve much more than what you have achieved? You can find yourself anywhere in the film,” he adds.

How does he as Rahul Bose react to Manav’s character in the film? He responds, “In the same way Farhan’s and Ranveer’s characters did. I have worked on gender for the last 22 years. Whatever Farhan wrote for his character was absolutely spot on.”

Rahul’s latest project, Berlin, is a departure from his previous work. “It is very different. It has a lot of interiority, lots of silences, it is very psychological, it is not just a whodunnit. It is a psychological whodunnit. You are not quite clear as to who you should be supporting — who’s black, who’s white, who’s grey? I am satisfied with the film, satisfied with my work, and very satisfied with the film,” Rahul concludes.