EP-312 | Rahul Bose on Movies, Politics, Rugby, Regional Cinema, Nepotism, OTT & more

Rahul Bose is an actor, director, and writer who has worked in more than 55 films in different languages. He is famous for picking meaningful roles. Movies like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, The Japanese Wife, and Chameli show how he prefers strong and thoughtful characters.

Rahul is more than just a film personality. He was also a national-level rugby player and is currently the President of Rugby India. He is working hard to grow the sport. For him, rugby is not just a game; it’s a way to teach kids teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

In this episode of The ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rahul talks about his 32 years in the film industry. He clears up some common myths, like the idea that Bollywood is only about glamour and big money.

More about the process behind choosing a film, the debate between theatres and OTT platforms, and whether Bollywood is lacking in content.

Timestamps

00:00 – Coming Up

01:53 – Introduction

03:10 – Story Behind Carrying His Own Chair on Sets

10:45 – Left's Influence in Bollywood

12:21 – Working with Female Directors

16:35 – Experience in South Indian Film Industry

22:35 – Process Behind Choosing a Film

26:45 – Script Improvisation

28:45 – Journey into Rugby

36:50 – Advice on Overcoming Fear

40:50 – Role of Discipline in Sports

43:43 – Rugby: A Costly Sport?

50:10 – Benefits of Playing Rugby

54:30 – Nutrition for Rugby Players

01:02:35 – Rugby vs. Films

01:04:30 – Theatres vs. Films vs. OTT

01:07:58 – Impact of OTT on Storytelling

01:13:32 – Lack of Quality in Bollywood Content?

01:17:30 – Lessons from His Parents

01:25:25 – Rahul Ever Regretted Doing a Film?

01:30:12 – Laapataa Ladies & Thappad

01:39:24 – Upcoming Projects