His website says "What a beautiful way to experience many lives in one life".
That perhaps sums up the philosophy of Ranchi-born Bollywood actor Rajesh Jais. You've seen him as the principled dad to the spirited Shastri Sisters on television, you're seeing him as an officer in the Indian embassy who helps Akshay Kumar evacuate Indians trapped in Kuwait in the recently released Bolly adventure flick Airlift.
Jais, who looks younger than his 48 years, has brought alive many such roles on the big and small screens. A trained actor from National School of Drama, Jais, who's based in Mumbai since the past 25 years, has done big and small roles in numerous commercials, TV serials such as Malini Iyer, Bandhan Saat Janmo Ka, Shastri Sisters, Akhir Bahu Bhi Toh Beti Hai and films like Rab Ne Bana De Jodi, Rocket Singh-Salesman of the Year, Tashan, Johnny Gaddaar and many more.
Now shooting for his upcoming film Ajab Singh Ki Gajab Kahani at Kharsawan since January 14, where he plays a zamindar, Jais while speaking to The Telegraph on Wednesday morning, said he was lucky to be an actor at a time when opportunities to play diverse roles were growing.
"Though I started with TV serials and then started getting roles in films, I got recognition in the film Gandhi-The Mahatma when I played the role of Gandhi," he said about the film on what happens after Gandhi's death.
Though younger than the Khans who're playing heroes for a quarter of the century, Jais has been typecast in roles of father, brother, friend or police officer. But, he has no regrets.
"I love acting. I love getting into the skin of a character. And, I am more than satisfied to get work from well-known directors and production houses," said the urbane Jais who played SRK's fun-loving buddy in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
"It has been a wonderful journey for me from a small-town to the film world of Mumbai," added the Airlift man who will be seen next in the Tabu-Manoj Bajpai starrer Missing to be released in February where he plays a police officer in Mauritius.
The Ranchi boy, who grew up in Doranda and Ratu Road areas, is looking forward to visit his hometown on January 29.
"I am looking forward to it," he laughed over the phone. "I will visit my alma mater Marwari Boys College where I did my BCom honours and meet the current crop of students. I'll also meet well-known theatre personality Ajay Malkani. He is my mentor."
Does he have any message for aspiring Jharkhand actors who want a break in mainstream Bollywood? Concerned that many talents of Jharkhand are still not able to get the right platform to showcase their acting skills, Jais believes aspirants from Jharkhand, Bengal and Bihar should get state government support.
For Jharkhand especially, Jais believes a Film City is a must. "Nowadays, many Mumbai-based directors do look forward to visit Jharkhand to shoot their films. The government should allot 500 acres for Film City. Once it comes up, the infrastructure will not only boost state tourism but also generate employment opportunities for actors, technicians and youths at large in Jharkhand. A film development corporation should also be formed to look after day-to-day affairs of the film industry," he said.
