There exists no stronger bond than that of a family and 'Raksha Bandhan' is a film that is truly an embodiment of this belief. As we bid adieu to 2022, Zee Cinema brings the World Television Premiere of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday. Ahead of its premiere, Akshay Kumar, who plays the main lead in the film as a caring brother to four sisters, talks about why family subjects are close to him.
Excerpts from the interview:
What about this film appealed to you the most?
RakshaBandhan’s simplicity is its finest feature. I don't typically weep when watching a movie, but this one really got under my skin. It also made me realise how quickly we've all been moving and how little time we've been giving to our relationships. It's been a long time since anyone attempted to make a film about siblings or the bond between family so beautifully. The feelings are very genuine. The sobbing is genuine. The plot is authentic. The dowry system and everything else that occurs in the movie are so real. I believe that a lot of people will identify with the movie, and I am really honoured and thrilled to be a part of it.
What parts of you did you bring to your character Lala Kedarnath Agarwal?
I could really identify with my character. I think I share the same values as him. As a result, I was able to express those feelings of love and worry easily. Like Lala, I am also very family-oriented and share a great relationship with my real sister, so it brought up a lot of memories of childhood and our growing up days. In the movie, which also struck a chord with me, I had to work relentlessly in order to be financially secure. I understand the sense of having a responsibility or a family to care for. So you can say that despite our differences, I see a lot of myself in Lala.
Does family play an important role in the kind of films you choose?
Not in choosing a role or a film but somewhere they do affect my choice subconsciously. While I want to dabble in a variety of entertainment genres, I do support making family-friendly movies while taking into account both their message and financial feasibility.
I ensure that the films that I’m a part of are suitable for families, they should be able to watch it without hesitation.
What was the experience like working with the ensemble, especially given that it’s your second collaboration with both Bhumi and Aanand Rai ?
My regard and admiration for my friend and co-star Bhumi has increased significantly.
To accept a role in a film which stars four sisters, takes a very confident performer, it was great fun having got the opportunity to work with her again. As for Aanand Sir, if I were to sum up, I'd say he's a warm embrace. Being around him has that effect. He is really sincere and enthusiastic about his work and I can resonate with it. Therefore, he won't force you to do anything that isn't true to the movie character. What makes us click is that we seem to have a lot in common—simple lifestyles, love of food, always a delightful experience.
