Lasting friendships are always made when we’re young; the memories linger throughout life despite success and failure, time and distance. A classic example of this is the friendship between Superstar Rajinikanth and Raj Bahdur. And now, Bahadur will be featured in a bilingual film.
Speaking about the film, Raj assures that the two have been long time friends. “Shivaji Rao (Rajinikanth) and I worked together and were part of a lot of dramas. I tried my best to help him with financial and emotional support during his struggling times. And he grew to become a star. He gave me a few chances in his own films, like Padiyappa and Chandramukhi. Today, while there is a hero and a heroine in this movie, which will be released in Kannada and Tamil, it will see a lot of me. The story revolves around me,” he reveals.
One Way, directed by Rushi, will be titled as Oru Vazhi Saalai in Tamil and it is about how success can be achieved with love and not by revenge. “Because of the bond I share with Shivaji, I did not want to take advantage of him. I set a few conditions to the director and producer before I started this project. I told them that in no way should Rajinikanth’s name or photo come in the picture. However, it did not work as everybody knows that Rajinikanth’s friend Raj Bahdhur is doing a film. And when I mentioned it to Shivaji, he said, ‘Okay Okay ma. There is no problem in using my name in your film’,” he reveals.
Raj also states that the Superstar is curious about the release of the film. “He is more curious then me. He once told me, ‘Yavaga cinema barutho, nanu ninu ebaru hogi theatrealli cinema nodona. (Let me know when the film releases, we will go watch it together). He is excited about my film. When I mentioned that it is being made in Tamil and Kannada, he said, ‘People are aware of Raj Bahdur and after this film, you will reach places in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’. We are sure to watch the film in one of the theatres, probably in disguise,” he says.
Shooting for the bilingual, Raj says that a lot of his mannerisms have been inspired by Rajnikanth.”I did get back to our drama days. This film will see his style in my character. A little of Rajinikanth will breathe through me in this film,” he says.
About Raj Bahdur
I am blessed to have worked with Raj Bahdur, who is a very down-to-earth person. He always addresses Rajinikanth as Shivaji Rao. He is a person with a lot of self esteem. I learnt a lot from him while shooting. I got to know that he taught a lot of styles to Rajinikanth. I heard that Raj had pledged his chain to help Rajinikanth financially during his struggling days. In fact, it was surprising to hear that out of the `400 that he used to earn, he sent a sum of `200 to Rajinikanth till he got settled. It was his motivation that pushed Rajinikanth to be a superstar today. Now, he is happy with an income of `25,000. And what is more heartwarming is that Rajinikanth makes sure he spends time with his friend when he is in Bangalore. I am glad to be associated with such great people.”
Raj and rushi
Raj Bahdur and I have known for each for eight years now. I had a subject, and when I contacted him, he agreed to be part of this project.
On references to Rajini in the film
Though he has done some guest appearances in the past, this is the first time he is playing a full-fledged role where he has more screen space. This being a universal subject, there is one character representing Rajinikanth. The actor playing him will not be unveiled till the film’s release. I have never once asked Raj about bringing his friend, because the actor should not feel I am doing this film because he is Rajinikanth’s friend. Of course Rajinikanth sir will be ready to play the role if Raj requests him.
He will be seen as a bachelor in this film. Raj Bahdur plays Rajanna in the film and he has many facets to his character. We have not profiled Raj Bahdur nor does this film highlight his personal life. We have used references of Rajinikanth and felt it was fine to do so because he is a public figure through whom we can send across a message to the society.
Nine Music directors turn singers for One Way
Nine music directors have sung in the movie — Arjun Janya, Anoop Seelin, Jassie Gift, Manikanth Kadri, Vani Harikrishna, Bharath, Sridhar, Veersamarath and AM Neel. Musicians turning singers will bring a different flavour to the song. As composers, I felt they will do a good job and we roped in all of them. Vijay Prakash has also sung a song, which goes — Beladare beliya beku Rajinikanth thara (If you want to grow, grow into Rajinikanth)