Rajpal Yadav credits Ram Gopal Varma's ‘Jungle’ as the '150% turning point' of his career: 'The entire village honored me'

Rajpal Yadav, who is currently preparing for the release of 'Bhooth Bangla' alongside Akshay Kumar, recently reflected on a crucial phase in his career. In a recent candid conversation, the actor spoke about how 'Jungle', directed by Ram Gopal Varma, proved to be a life-changing project, shaping both his professional path and personal outlook significantly.

Recalling the film's impact, Rajpal shared with India Today, “Jungle was a turning point, 150 per cent,” emphasising how deeply it influenced his journey. He explained that the recognition he received after 'Jungle' extended beyond the film industry to his roots, altering how people in his hometown perceived him.

Rajpal Yadav on courting recognition beyond the industry

Sharing a heartfelt memory, he added, “When I received recognition for Jungle and went back to my village, the entire village and my area honoured me. For the first time, people who did not even recognise my face earlier began to see me as one of their own, like family. That film gave me a kind of respect that the industry gives you for a lifetime,” highlighting the emotional value of that acceptance.

Rajpal also revisited an important childhood lesson that stayed with him over the years. “There was an incident from my childhood that stayed with me. Once, my father told my teacher, ‘Only pass him if he deserves it, otherwise fail him.’ At that time, I felt hurt and angry,” he shared, explaining how he initially struggled to understand his father’s strict stance on merit and honesty.

Yadav continued, “Later, my father explained, ‘Do you want me to keep bribing people so you pass even if you do not deserve it? If you fail, I will decide whether you should study more or do something else.’ At that time, it felt harsh. But later in life, I understood what he meant,” revealing how that perspective shaped his values over time.

That lesson came full circle after his success with 'Jungle'. Recalling a deeply personal moment, Rajpal said, “After I won the Sansui Screen Best Actor award in a Negative Role for Jungle, I met my father privately. I asked him something very honestly, ‘If you truly feel I have done good work, only then say it. Otherwise, do not say it just for the sake of it.’” He added, “He listened to me, hugged me, and said, ‘Rajpal, now you have passed for life.’”

The actor admitted that the film changed his outlook towards success. “After Jungle, when I received awards and recognition, I felt that whatever the industry had to give me in terms of identity, it had already given it. Everything after that is not something I need; it is something I do out of passion. That shift changed my mindset completely,” he explained.

Looking ahead to ‘Bhooth Bangla’

Up next, Rajpal will be seen in 'Bhooth Bangla', directed by Priyadarshan, which is slated for release on April 10. The film features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Paresh Rawal, and marks another interesting chapter in the actor’s long and diverse career.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”