Mirzapur actor Rajesh Tailang: “As a child I felt like a misfit, so I would find my own corner”

Actor Rajesh Tailang, best known for his roles in Mirzapur and Delhi Crime, has been part of projects like Bandish Bandits, Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2, Comedy Couple, Pagglait, Haseena Parkar, Selection Day, Phantom, Umrika, Aiyaary, Omerta, and Panga.

The prolific and bona fide actor, in an interview with Richa Anirudh, shares that even growing up in a big family, he used to feel like a misfit even in a room full of cousins, so he would find his own corner.

He further shares, “I was an introvert and shy as a child. I still enjoy my solitude. The shyness is still there. While acting helped me break out of my shell, I still value my solitude, and a touch of shyness remains. Being in the limelight can be enjoyable, but ultimately, I prefer to keep a lower profile. Even in my acting, I strive for a more understated approach to conveying emotions.”

He continued, “I think most actors are shy people. Because while acting, we aren’t ourselves. Acting allows me to step outside my comfort zone. I become someone else on stage. While I’m hesitant as myself, I can embody characters fearlessly. Many actors are shy offstage but thrive in performance settings. I feel shy being myself, but not while portraying a character.”

Later, he shares his desire to become a scientist. “As a child, I wanted to be a scientist. With a printing press, tools, and a projector at home thanks to my father, I was surrounded by opportunities. But I didn’t know how to become one, so I gave an entrance exam, but my score was negative.”

Rajesh Tailang will next be seen in Janhvi Kapoor’s starrer Ulajh.