Rahil Azim has played many iconic characters in his career of 25 years. However, his recent character as Parag Kothari is a strict yet caring and loving father. He plays this role in Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi’s popular show Anupamaa. This performance has struck a chord with the audience. He is happy with the feedback he is receiving from the audience. He credits Rajan for giving him the character. Rajan believed that he would be able to play it with perfection.
Rahil said, “Having talent is a wonderful thing. But what’s even more important is having someone who can recognize that talent. It matters to test it and truly understand its worth. I’ve been in this industry for 25 years now. As far as I remember, I’ve played almost every kind of character. Yet, only one or two people have genuinely respected, evaluated, and understood my craft. Among them is Rajan ji”
“When I got the call for Anupamaa, I wasn’t sure what to do. I had never worked with him before. I knew he was an exceptional director and producer. He had given several hit shows. I always wanted to work with him. When the shoot began, Rajan sir approached me after two to three months. He once told me, ‘I always wanted Rahil Azam to play Parag Kothari.’ At that moment, I didn’t understand why he said that. But now I realize he must have seen something in me. It made him firmly decide that only I should play this role,” he added.
While talking about a scene from the show that has stayed with him till now. Rahil said, “One of the most beautiful and powerful moments we shot in Anupamaa was the farewell scene. It was between Parag Kothari and his daughter, Prarthana. The bond between a father and daughter can be portrayed in so many different ways. The farewell scene itself can be written and presented in countless styles. Rajan Ji conceived and wrote this scene in a moving way. It instantly increased my responsibility as an actor. I was nervous. I have been working for so many years. Even so, when you know a scene has been envisioned by someone like him, the responsibility doubles. My only aim was to at least justify his vision, if not go beyond it.”
The scene was done. They moved on to the next. What made it extra special was receiving a message from Rajan. Rahil shared that it was a heartfelt message filled with appreciation and blessings. Quoting Rajan’s message, he said, “As Rajan ji himself said, ‘I think Raahil has given one of the best performances. It was amazing to watch such a nuanced act. Raahil is one of the finest performers in Indian television. The depth and vulnerability he displayed while portraying a father’s pain were extraordinary. This is why I personally called him. I wanted to congratulate him. It’s rare and beautiful to see emotions expressed so powerfully from a male perspective.'”
Rajan Shahi’s message boosted his morale and encouraged him. “When I heard Rajan ji’s voice note, I was speechless. For someone so experienced and respected to personally send me such praise it left me humbled. It gave me a fresh energy to push myself higher because now his expectations from me are greater. In an industry filled with many actors, directors, and producers, talent also gets noticed by channels and shows. If your talent stands out, it’s significant,” Rahil said.
Rahul’s belief has always been to give his best, but an appreciation surely makes a difference. He said, “Everyone who watched the farewell scene had tears in their eyes. Of course, I was only one part of it. The entire team our directors, co-actors, cameramen, everyone contributed to making it special. I give my hundred percent and leave the rest to destiny. But in television, genuine appreciation is rare. The magic lies in Rajan sir and his team. And I feel fortunate to be even a small part of it. For me, if I can deliver even fifty percent of what he signed me for, I’ll consider myself lucky.”
Talking about the scene, he said that it brought out the father-daughter bond in the most beautiful way. Rahil said “I can challenge anyone whoever watches it will surely have tears in their eyes. This is not because I was a part of it. It is because, as a whole, the scene came out so beautifully. I am genuinely thankful to Rajan ji and his entire team for giving me this opportunity,” .
Having done a huge number of shows before, Rahul understands the value of a good show and a good time. And with Anupamaa everything came organically to him. “Here, everything was already set Anupamaa was already a huge success. I just had to face the camera. Afterward, this kind of scene came my way. I’m also grateful to Star Plus for giving this show so much respect and support,” he said.
“The team here is special. Our three directors work in such perfect sync. As actors, it makes our job so much easier. Not once did I feel any confusion or difference in vision. Everything moved in harmony,” he added. Rahil once again thanked Rajan and said, “Thank you for believing in me. I may not be able to say everything that’s in my heart, but I’m deeply grateful.”
Unsung bollywood 