Rajpal Yadav: I Empty Myself Like a Vessel for Priyadarshan

March 17, 2026

MUMBAI — Bollywood’s seasoned comic powerhouse Rajpal Yadav has opened up about the profound creative chemistry he shares with ace filmmaker Priyadarshan. In an exclusive conversation with IANS on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the actor described his unique acting process, stating that he chooses to “empty himself like a vessel” whenever he steps onto a set helmed by the legendary director.

The student-Teacher Dynamic

Despite having an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, Rajpal Yadav revealed that he approaches every Priyadarshan project with the humility of a debutant. The duo, who have delivered some of Indian cinema’s most enduring comedies—including Hungama, Malamaal Weekly, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa—are currently reuniting for the highly anticipated horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla.

“I surrender myself completely. I become a student,” Rajpal said, reflecting on his method. “To understand him, to understand his thoughts, I empty myself like a vessel. Then it becomes easier to understand his vision and execute it. When you are empty, you have the space to be filled with the director’s creativity.”

Beyond the Recent “Education” Controversy

The actor’s glowing words come just days after a brief public misunderstanding regarding Priyadarshan’s comments on Rajpal’s “innocence” and “education” amid his recent legal hurdles. While some interpreted the director’s remarks as a slight on the actor’s academic background, both have since clarified that the bond they share is more like that of a father and son.

Priyadarshan recently praised Rajpal as “the most innocent person in the industry,” while Rajpal reiterated his immense respect for the director, alongside David Dhawan and Ram Gopal Varma. “I have done over 50 films with just these three directors. They are the pillars of my career,” Rajpal noted, dismissing any rumors of friction.

The Bhooth Bangla Reunion

The upcoming film Bhooth Bangla is being hailed as a major homecoming for the duo. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and Akshay Kumar, the film marks their first major collaboration in over 13 years. The movie features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, and Tabu.

Priyadarshan has expressed immense confidence in Rajpal’s performance in the new project, predicting that the actor will “spring back as one of the biggest stars of comedy” once the film hits theaters on April 10, 2026.

Resilience and Craft

For Rajpal, who recently faced a challenging period due to a long-standing cheque-bounce case, work remains his ultimate sanctuary. “Cinema is my passion. I work in a way that the work stays with me,” he remarked. By “emptying himself” for a director like Priyadarshan, Rajpal continues to prove why he remains a “vessel” for some of the most iconic characters in Bollywood history.