Sarabhai vs Sarabhai fame Rajesh Kumar reveals he had applied for Shark Tank India; says 'I was rejected after clearing two rounds, I thought being an actor...’

Rajesh Kumar, a well-known actor in Indian television, recently shared that he applied to be on "Shark Tank India" after transitioning from acting to farming. Despite clearing two rounds, he wasn't selected for the show. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Rajesh Kumar discussed a period when he had no film projects and was experimenting with various ventures, including an attempt to get selected for Shark Tank India.

He said, "I had applied for Shark Tank India and made it through two out of three rounds. You had to submit videos, and I thought being an actor, being a recognizable face would help. It might work to my advantage—an actor who is also a social entrepreneur advocating for agriculture. My presentation took place in Kolkata and was completed in just one day. My father even paid for the tickets."

The actor expressed that during that time, his confidence was deeply shaken, leading him to doubt that he could receive movie offers without auditioning. He was, however, ready for the opportunity when the Nawazuddin Siddiqui film "Haddi" came along.

"Right before I left for Shark Tank India, I received a call about 'Haddi,' and they wanted to meet me. My confidence was so shaken that when I arrived at the casting director's office, I assumed I would audition. However, after meeting with the director, they mentioned that the production team would discuss the payment, and I thought my audition would follow. To my surprise, they then said, 'Sir, you are confirmed.'"

"I was surprised and asked, 'What about my audition?' He replied, 'We just want you on board.' The director had one request: if I could shave my head. I agreed, but only if they paid me an extra one lakh, and they did," he recalled with a laugh.