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Veteran actor Rajeev Verma is away from the glittering world of Bollywood and is living a peaceful life in his hometown Bhopal. People still remember Salman Khan’s father’s role in his first film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’. This film made him popular among many generations. But Rajeev Verma recently told openly in a podcast why despite working in such big films and TV shows, he decided to leave Mumbai.

Salman Khan was also unknown at the time of ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’

Rajiv Verma refreshed his memories in Dear Generation Podcast. He told that ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ was his first film. At that time no one knew Salman Khan. This was his first film as a hero. Rajiv Verma was already quite famous on TV. People knew him well because of popular serials like ‘Chunauti’ and ‘Mujrim Hazir’. After the release of the film, people often tell him, ‘Hey, you are Salman Khan’s father!’ But while making the film, the entire cast was new. There was no big star. Rajiv Verma says that he never regretted this.

Early work with big stars

Rajiv Verma shared many interesting things about his career. He told that many actors who later became superstars, had worked with him in their initial films. For example, Rajiv Verma was also in Akshay Kumar’s first film ‘Deedar’. Karisma Kapoor was also in that film. Although ‘Deedar’ was released later, some other films of Akshay and Karisma had released earlier. Similarly, Lara Dutta’s first film was also with Rajiv Verma. He said, ‘I never thought that I was working with big stars, I just wanted to do my work well.’

Leave your job and concentrate completely on acting

Rajeev Verma acted while working for almost ten years. In 1996, he resigned from the job and devoted full time to films and TV. But he never saw himself as a celebrity. He says that a good actor is one who does good work, whether he is a star or a side actor.

phase of monotony and burnout

After the success of the film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, Rajiv Verma started getting offers for mostly the same type of roles. He was often seen in the role of a businessman or father. Initially it was fine, but gradually he stopped enjoying acting. He says, ‘There came a time when acting started seeming like an office job to me. The salary was high, but the excitement and happiness that was there earlier was gone. It all had become monotonous and routine.

Return to Bhopal for family and peace

This feeling had been growing in his mind for many years. He returned to Bhopal about five-six years ago. He told that he started missing these small happiness like spending time with friends, attending family weddings and ceremonies, living with his parents. All these were left behind in the busy life of Mumbai. Finally he decided that now peace of mind is more important than professional success.

Now theater and fun filled life

Now Rajiv Verma lives in Bhopal. He has a small hotel. The children are well settled. Therefore there is no financial worry. He does theater most of the time, which he likes very much. He says, ‘I now do theater and enjoy life to the fullest.’

The sparkle has now faded

Rajeev Verma believes that today’s entertainment industry is not the same as before. Due to OTT platforms, a lot of work is being done, but the earlier recognition and respect has reduced. Referring to a recent incident, he laughingly says that some Gujarati tourists came to get their photographs clicked. He praised his characters, but finally asked, “Sir, what is your name? On this Rajiv Verma smiled instead of feeling bad. He says, ‘If people remember my character then that is enough for me. Forgetting the name is not a big deal.’

Rajiv Verma’s journey

Rajeev Verma’s career spans more than four decades. Apart from ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, he worked in films like ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, ‘Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, ‘Chalte Chalte’ and ‘Andaz’. He is always remembered even on TV. Today he is enjoying acting through theater in Bhopal, away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. His decision shows that along with success, mental peace and family are also very important in life.