Rajesh Kumar Approaches Financial Milestone, Shares Insights on Lifestyle Choices
Renowned actor Rajesh Kumar, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Rosesh in the cult classic Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and last seen in Mohit Suri's film Saiyaara, has disclosed significant progress in overcoming a substantial financial challenge. The actor, who previously revealed a debt burden of Rs 2 crore, now states that only approximately 10 to 15 percent of that amount remains outstanding, translating to roughly Rs 20 lakh pending clearance.
From Financial Strain to Stability
In a candid interview with Aftab Puntoo on his YouTube channel, Rajesh Kumar reflected on the difficult period that followed his venture into organic farming during the pandemic. "When I shared that I have taken up farming, went bankrupt... And during that time, when people saw me taking an auto rickshaw, they would say, 'Bechara, he can't afford a car, he is taking an auto'. Now, when I take an auto, after working so much, they call me 'down to earth'," he recounted, highlighting the shifting public perception of his circumstances.
The actor's farming endeavor, undertaken without sufficient experience, led to financial difficulties so severe that he once sold vegetables outside his son's school to manage expenses. "That was also when my EMIs began bouncing. Credit card agents started coming home. I had accumulated a lot of debt. We had to leave the farm and walk away," he had shared in an earlier interview, acknowledging the steep learning curve involved in agriculture.
The Real Reason Behind Selling His Car
Addressing speculation about his transportation choices, Rajesh Kumar clarified that his decision to sell his car was motivated by practical considerations rather than financial constraints. "I sold my car because of traffic. I only use local transport. Even for shoots, I take Ola or Uber. I prefer that, I prefer Rapido," he explained, emphasizing Mumbai's notorious congestion as the primary factor.
He further elaborated on his philosophy, stating, "My upbringing tells me that convenience is more important. Show off is another thing. Even if I buy an expensive car, I will be stuck in the same traffic." When humorously questioned about ego, he responded, "Pagal hai kya (Are you mad?)" underscoring his pragmatic approach to daily life.
Family Support and Future Plans
In a separate conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Rajesh Kumar shared how his family rallied to support him during his financial recovery. "After I became obsessed with agriculture, my sisters—who have been citizens of the US and Finland for the past 25 years—decided to join me. Around my 50th birthday in January this year, my elder sister, who is four years older than me, resigned from her job in America and flew down to India. That was her birthday gift to me," he revealed.
His sister's commitment prompted his younger sister to also resign and plan to join them in March, allowing Rajesh to refocus on his acting career while they managed the farming operations. Looking ahead, the actor hinted at new developments, saying, "I'm out of that financial cycle now. Only about 10–15% of the debt remains. Soon, I am going to surprise people with something new—still related to farming, but something unique."
Embracing Public Life and Inner Happiness
Rajesh Kumar also discussed his comfort with public recognition, whether using metro services or other transport. "That's not a problem. People come up to you, talk to you, take pictures. They do that at the airport too. So how is metro any different? Even if you are abroad, people from the Indian community recognize you, take pictures. That's the perk of your job," he noted, adding that auto drivers often take selfies with him.
He concluded with a reflective perspective on personal fulfillment, stating, "You should stop giving so much importance to yourself. You should be happy. Inner happiness is the best way." This outlook, combined with his nearing financial freedom and continued dedication to both acting and innovative farming projects, marks a resilient chapter in the actor's multifaceted career and life journey.
