When the right time comes I will get a lead role: Deepraj Rana in Lucknow

Actor Deepraj Rana, known for films like 'Daas Dev', 'Gunday' and 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', was in the city recently to shoot for a film. The film and television actor, who hails from Allahabad, has shot many films in Lucknow. He shared his experience of shooting in Lucknow, memories of his hometown, how Allahabad played a key role in him becoming a successful actor and more.
For the actor, Lucknow is not a new place.He has been visiting the city since his childhood, "Before moving from Allahabad to Chandigarh for my graduation and post-graduation, I used to come to Lucknow quite often since I have many relatives here," shared Deepraj. He added, "And a few months back, I shot three-four films in Lucknow including 'Shorgul' and 'Dass Dev'. So, it feels like home now."
Deepraj Rana in Lucknow (BCCL/ Vishnu Jaiswal)
Talking about what he likes about the city, he said, "Lucknow ke bare mein kya kehna! From the food to the architecture, everything is fascinating here. I like coming back to Lucknow, again and again."
Ask him how Allahabad has helped him in becoming a successful actor and the actor replied, "Though till the time I was in Allahabad, I never thought of acting but whatever I am today, jo meri personality hai, jo mera baat-cheet karne ka tareeka hai ya humour hai, woh sab Allahabad ki den hai. And I feel proud to say that I am an Allahabadi."
Ask him about how UP is honing the talent in acting and theatre, and the actor says there’s not much scope for actors in the state and that’s why most of them move to Mumbai to look for greener pastures. "No doubt you are honing the skills in acting but unlike a plumber or welder who can open a shop anywhere, an actor has to move to a place where his skills can be put to use. So, Mumbai is the place where there is a lot of demand for actors, especially in the television industry. Yet Deepraj sees the states' film policy as the silver lining. "But ek kaam bahut accha hua hai aur woh hai film subsidy policy. It is a very good thing because mujhe itne saare Lucknow ke kalakaar milte rehte hain sets pe jo ki pehle kabhi mere saath kaam kar chuke hain. Toh scope hai ki ek actor yahin par seekh kar yahin pe kaam kar sakta hai." Talking about the potential of actors in the state, he says,"With institutes like Bhartendu Natya Akademi (BNA) being functional in Lucknow, there is no dearth of talent in the state. Many big actors have made it big in tinsel town who have trained at BNA."
The Allahabadi actor, who has a big and diversified body of work in films as well as television has not been seen in the lead roles yet. Ask him the reason and he says, "I think it’s just fate; when the right time comes I will get a lead role. You have to be patient and stay positive as you have to wait for the right time. I feel in the acting line you have to give your whole life, so for me, time does not matter. Someday, I will get the due credit."