Decoding The Brilliance Of Raghubir Yadav In The World Of Cinema, Advertising And Theatre!

There is something endearing and honest about Raghubir Yadav. The way he uses his chameleon trait to present a character is both surprising and astonishing.

Like, years ago, I remember watching Ram Gopal Verma's 'Darna Mana Hai' and in one of the short stories, Raghubir Yadav plays the role of an eccentric teacher who loses his sanity after his childhood friend who dies because of his fault, returns as a ghost.

Raghubir Yadav

The way he begins to write on the roads is what blows your mind off! How could someone you once adored in childhood as Chacha Chaudhary, manage to scare you off all of a sudden?

Raghubir Yadav

Well, that's the brilliance of what we call-Raghubir Yadav.

Raghubir/Youtube

With a career spanning over 30 years, he has had his share of struggles. In a recent interview with PTI, he recalled his days of struggle and confessed that even when he could make just a little money, he managed to receive some of the best life lessons.

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"When I was doing the Parsi theatre, I would get Rs 2.50 per day and there were days when it was only 50 paisa. For six years, I lived like a nomad with that theatre company. It taught me everything about art, culture, and music. Our industry is all about business and unless and until one learns these things they can't do good work."

Raghubir Yadav/Pinterest

He went on to add that even when his love for theatre didn't pay bills to earn him his daily meals, his thrill of being curious and learning new things fed his heart well.

"The best lessons in life are learned in scarcity. If I would have been living in the luxury of big houses, I would have never gained the knowledge. The thrill of learning gave me another kind of high."

After spending six gypsy years in toiling hard for his love for theatre, he eventually landed in the National School of Drama, Delhi.

His journey into the world of cinema began in 1985 with Massey Sahib.

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He was lauded for his performance in the movie and he received many prestigious awards including the best actor recognition at the Venice Film Festival as well as FIPRESCI Critic's Award.

Next up for the man was: "Mungerilala Ke Haseen Sapne" and "Mullah Nasruddin"-the two shows that established himself as a dependable artist.

Raghubir Yadav/DD Archives

But there is a lot more to Raghubir Yadav than all his characters that you've seen. After every one or two years, he lands himself up in a role that manages to refresh your memory of him and yes, you rightfully praise him in your heart too.

Raghubir/Twitter

The 62-year old actor who just entered the OTT game with his latest series 'Panchayat' makes us want to look back and appreciate the artist that he has moulded himself into.

Here's to decoding the magic that the artist Raghubir Yadav is! Read on.

1. His love for theatre remains unparalleled

raghuveer yadav/The Aryan School

He has worked in over 70 plays and about 2500 shows. From traveling in caravans, living in tents and performing on makeshift stages in villages, towns, and cities of India, he has done it all. Raghubir was associated with the Parsi Theatre Company (1967¨C1973). Later, he shifted to Rangoli Puppet Theatre, Lucknow (1973¨C1974) and performed with glove puppets. During his stint at the National School of Drama Repertory (1977¨C1986), he acted in about 40 plays in over 2000 shows. His contribution doesn't remain intact to acting but he was also the one who occasionally managed music, sets, costumes, and masks. In 2006, Avikal Theatre company and Nanhi Duniya Rangashala presented ¡® Piano¡¯ a play in Hindi adapted, directed and designed by him. He led the cast along with his wife Mrs. Roshni Achreja and son Abir Yadav.

2. The man who became the voice behind many of India's iconic brands!

From Pepsi, Parle, Vim, Kotak Mahindra, Icy Cool Mint, Coke, Midday, Bagh Bakari Chai, Crack cream, Maggie Mania, Britannia, etc, Yadav has given voice-over and also acted in many commercials.

3. A native of Madhya Pradesh himself, he won a lot of hearts (and of course, praises) for 'MP ajab hai, sabse gajab hai'

He was the voice behind one of Ogilvy's most successful ad campaigns-'MP ajab hai, sabse gajab hai'

4. He was the narrator who gave voice to Ramlila for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Dilli 6

5. He took over the Coke Studio India's stage!

Yadav collaborated with Hitesh Sonik for the song 'Lamh Tera' in the second episode of Coke Studio @ MTV, Season 2. The song is a folk song from Madhya Pradesh.

6. A poster boy for common-man with ordinary dreams but extra-ordinary hope- Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne

Mungerilaal

Getting into the skin of his characters is what could be counted as one of his many talents. In DD's show, Yadav played a small-time clerk whose miseries didn't just remain confined to his workplace where he had to deal with a nosy boss but his wife and father-in-law too would do everything to make his life hell. He gets bossed around by his wife at home and by his boss at the office. But later on, he finds peace in day-dreaming where he over-achieves all his unfulfilled desires.

7. The beginning of his Cinematic journey: Massey Sahib and Chillum in Salaam Bombay

Salaam Bombay

He entered the world of cinema with Pradip Krishen¡¯s Massey Sahib: a period film about an over-smart yet bearable government clerk whose only aim in life is to win over his colonial boss. Later, he got recognized and validated for his role as Chillum from Salaam Bombay. As Chillum, a drug-addict, Yadav searched for the purpose of his life by taking care of a child. His portrayal of Chillum shatters you into pieces that only make you feel empathetic. Even though he kickstarted his journey with lead-roles, he went on to take up many roles irrespective of the screentime.

9. He turned himself into India's favorite cartoon-book character Chacha Chaudhary

Raghubir Yadav

He connected with kids after he ruled the evening slots reserved for kids who would only get to watch Chacha Chaudhary in the evening-as a filler between their evening homework slots.

10. He also found his happy space in films with lesser-screentime. Even with bigger 'Stars' in films like Sui Dhaaga, Love Per Square Feet and many more, he won hearts.

Raghubir Yadav/YouTUbe

Instead of being lost oblivion because of the bigger names and A-listers, Yadav has always managed to stand firm on his ground even in supporting roles. With the kind of empathy that only he can evoke, he has always managed to get into the skin of his characters. He makes you ache in parts of your heart you never know they existed.

11. A Lucky mascot for Oscars

Raghubir Ydav/twitter

In 2017, Newton that co-starred Rajkummar Rao along with him became his sixth movie to be selected as India's official entry to the Oscars.

In a career spanning over three decades, Yadav has been a part of six films that were sent for the Oscars, including Deepa Mehta's Indo-Canadian film Water, Kalpana Lajmi- directed Rudaali, Shekar Kapur's Bandit Queen and Newton.

Two of his films, Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay and Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan, made it to the final Oscars nominations. Which means, 8 of his films starring him has found its way to the Oscars! Well, it says enough.

12. Shifting gears and doing politically woke and relevant films- Lagaan Peepli Life, Newton.

Raghubir Yadav/Twitter

With his characters, he has unknowingly stood up for millions of Indians who would fear to raise their voice against oppression in any form.

13. After conquering (and still royally owning every medium of entertainment), he made his web-series debut with Panchayat.

Raghubir Yadav/Twitter

Co-starring Neena Gupta, Jitendra Kumar, Chandan Roy, and Faisal Malik, the show, "Panchayat", started streaming from April 3. Written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, the show is winning hearts and praises of everyone.

In an interview with PTI, Yadav said he loved the way the series captures the essence of rural India without making it look caricatures. "I really liked the script of 'Panchayat' because the language of the show, the characters, the story are all very real. I know the villages really well. I know how a panchayat functions because I'm from a village. The script has captured the real essence of a village beautifully."

Are you watching Panchayat as well? Which is your favorite character or the scene from the series? Tell us in the comments below.