Remember the dishy guy in the Bombay Vikings video, ‘Chhod do anchal, zamana kya kahega’? He’s back with his latest release Wajah Tum Ho, hot on the heels of Beiimaan Love. Rajniesh P Duggall is batting fierce and quick with multiple films that are setting the box office jingling in more ways than one.
To make sizeable inroads into Bollywood without a godfather is definitely a feat for a Delhi-raised guy. “I always believe that god alone is my godfather,” he says. “My faith in god is unshakeable. Also, if life isn’t challenging, it is no fun. Persistence, hard work and smart planning go a long way in ensuring success. I feel there is a place for every talented person in the industry. Eventually, you create your own niche over a period of time through your sincerity and commitment.”
Given a choice, what would he choose today: Delhi or Mumbai? He reveals, “Mumbai is my karam bhoomi, and Delhi is my janam bhoomi. So, I love being in both the cities.” Popular on the ramp Before stepping into the big, bad world of Bollywood, Rajniesh was crowned the winner of Grasim’s Mr. India in 2003 and the runner-up at the Mr. International Contest the same year. Adjudged the ‘Kingfisher Model of the Year 2005’ in Mumbai, Rajniesh clawed his way up the popularity charts in no time, with fans galore. And there has truly been no looking back since then. Letting us in on his journey further, he says, “Subsequently, I featured in several advertisements, including ad films and print commercials for brands like Monte Carlo, Raymond …
The coveted Raymonds campaign clinched for him his biggest project, the super hit horror thriller 1920 with filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. He then starred in Bhatt’s Dangerous Ishhq, the first biggest 3D film to be made in India. Heroine Karishma Kapoor made her much touted comeback opposite him with this movie. Of course, Rajniesh had a Plan B in place when he decided to take to acting as a career. After all, he had graduated from Delhi University and even pursued his Bachelors in Business Administration
Shilpi Madan for Sunday Herald