Raj Singh Chaudhary was not only the lead actor in Anurag Kashyap’s Gulaal, but he also co-wrote the film, an intense, politically charged drama that explored themes of student unrest, power struggles and rebellion. Sharing his thoughts on the film’s legacy, Raj said, “I am immensely proud of Gulaal because even after sixteen years, the film is still relevant, still talked about, and has achieved the status of being a cult film. Wherever I go, people first talk to me about Gulaal.”
The Power Of Piyush Mishra’s Music
Among the many standout elements of Gulaal, its music, composed by Piyush Mishra, holds a special place in Raj’s heart. He revealed, “Aarambh Hai Prachand has become a sort of anthem at so many places, whether at political stages or in colleges. A lot of social media reels use the song. It makes me proud because I was not just an actor in the film but also co-wrote it and helped put the production together. I constantly receive messages about Gulaal.”
A Theatrical Re-Release On Cards?
With many classic films being re-released in theatres, Raj hopes Gulaal gets another shot on the big screen. He shared, “In the era of re-releases, I feel if the film is released again in theatres, it will do very well.”
How Gulaal Was Born?
Speaking about the film’s origins, Raj explained, “I wrote the initial story and took it to Anurag Kashyap, who really liked it. We decided to set it in Rajasthan and traveled there for research. During our meetings with locals, the whole idea of Dukey Bana’s character, played by Kay Kay Menon, and the Rajputana angle materialized. We came back, and Anurag wrote the screenplay again. We discussed it, refined it, and wrote subsequent drafts.”
Overcoming Funding Struggles
The film’s journey wasn’t easy, as Raj revealed the team faced funding challenges. “It took us a while to get the film going because funds were not coming in. There were many starts and stops. Between the first day of shooting and the final day, it took us seven years.” Reflecting on his collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, he shared, “Working with Kashyap at that time was a huge learning curve for me. His skill, not just as a screenplay or dialogue writer but also as a thinker, was remarkable. He was a genius at work. I came of age during the writing and making of Gulaal.”
Even after 16 years, Gulaal remains a film that continues to captivate audiences with its hard-hitting themes and powerful storytelling.
