Comedian-turned-actor Rajiv Thakur has surprised everyone by playing a villain in the Netflix web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. Known for his comedy roles, Rajiv has taken on a serious and intense character, which has gained him praise from both fans and critics. The actor, who once made audiences laugh with his comic timing, is now seen in a completely different avatar as a terrorist in this gripping thriller.
In a recent interview, Rajiv shared that he almost missed out on this opportunity due to a prior commitment with Kapil Sharma’s team for a tour. However, it was Kapil Sharma himself who encouraged Rajiv to take on the challenging role.
From Comedy to Crime: Rajiv Thakur’s Journey
Rajiv Thakur, who became a household name with his appearances on The Kapil Sharma Show, has now ventured into the world of web series with a character far removed from his usual comedic persona. In IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Rajiv portrays the role of a terrorist, known as ‘Chief’, who masterminds the hijacking of a plane. This role has helped Rajiv showcase his versatility as an actor and prove that he can do more than just make people laugh.
Why Rajiv Almost Said No to the Role
Rajiv initially had no plans to take on this role. Speaking about the situation, Rajiv revealed, “I had already committed my June dates to Kapil Sharma and his team for their US tour. But the makers of IC 814 wanted the same dates for filming. So, I refused the offer from the film’s producers.”
However, things took a turn when casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who was adamant about Rajiv playing the role, reached out to him again. Despite the offer, Rajiv still preferred to go ahead with his original commitment to The Kapil Sharma Show.
How Kapil Sharma Helped
When Kapil Sharma got to know about the situation, he didn’t want Rajiv to miss this golden opportunity. Rajiv shared, “Kapil called me and asked me what happened. When I explained the situation, he encouraged me to accept the role in IC 814. He told me not to let this chance slip by and even postponed the US tour till July so I could be part of the film. It was only because of Kapil’s support that I was able to take on the role.”
From Side Roles to Leading the Show
Rajiv Thakur’s journey on The Kapil Sharma Show has seen its ups and downs. While he initially played smaller side roles, he eventually stepped away from the show for some time. Now, with his breakthrough performance in IC 814, Rajiv has proven his acting skills on a much bigger platform. His role in the series has marked a significant shift in his career, moving from comedy to more intense, villainous roles.
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Controversy Surrounding IC 814
While IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has gained attention for its performances and gripping storyline, it has also faced controversy. The series is based on the real-life hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1999. However, critics have pointed out that the names of the terrorists in the series were changed, leading to accusations that the makers tampered with facts.
Despite the controversy, the series has garnered a lot of attention, and actors like Vijay Verma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, and Patralekha have delivered stellar performances alongside Rajiv Thakur. Directed by filmmakers with a keen sense for thrilling narratives, IC 814 has kept audiences hooked since its release on Netflix.
Rajiv Thakur’s journey from a comedian to a serious actor is a testament to his talent and the encouragement he received from his friend Kapil Sharma.
