(NEWS) Lucknow has no dearth of potential : Raja Bundela

Lucknow Has No Dearth Of Potential : Raja Bundela

Actor, writer and director Raja Bundela who has made a name for himself in India as well as overseas, was in town for a film promotion.

Bundela is all set for the January release of his film 'Sirf romance, love by chance' a film written and directed by him and shot at Malaysia. The film stars Hyder Khan (Aamir Khan's brother), Raj Babbar, Zeenat Aman, Alok Nath etc. His next film as writer and director that is in the pipe line already has a title-- 'First Time, Pehli Baar'.

Asked how he chanced to enter the film industry, Bundela said it was sheer chance as no one in his family has ever had any links with the film industry. "I am the first one in my family to become a part of the film fraternity. If I was not in cinema, my biggest dream would have remained unfulfilled".

His roots being in Bundelkhand, the star also desires to work for the development of the region. He is today managing politics and films but says he has never mixed the two and would never do so. He also reminisced on his opposition to the use of English language but says destiny pushed him to direct an English film. "I accepted the American offer and told them about the objections I once had". The film is called 'The Game of Chess' and has been released in America. The dubbed version will be released in India by March."

Bundela has fond memories of Lucknow, from the times of shooting his serial, 'Mujhe Chand Chahiye'. "Lucknow is a wonderful city and I wish I could do something to promote the monuments and locations but there is always a lack of support from the bureaucrats." As a member of the 'Film Development Council says he had once suggested that rather than export talent from Mumbai, local film makers could select local talent and attach them to established production houses in Mumbai. Once the talent gains experience, he/ she should come back to make a difference here. "There is no dearth of potential in Lucknow."

Comparing present times with the times when he first made a foray in films with movies like 'Adharshila' and 'Vijeta', he says, contemporary Bollywood offers a huge platform and a wide range of options but one has to be competent to survive in the field. "It is easy to climb steps but lack of competence can result in a rapid fall from grace," he averred.

Bundela denied having come across any instance of Underworld money being used to fund films. "I do not know of such instances," he said. "When I finally joined the National School of Drama at Delhi, my father asked me, 'So.. this is your temple?' I had no choice but to nod and seek his blessings."

Courtesy: ExpressIndia Lucknow