Bhubaneswar: Sometimes life changes for good in the blink of an eye and this statement aptly fits to Rajkumar Nayak of Odisha's Kandhamal district. His journey from being a migrant worker to an actor in the Mollywood (Malayalam film industry) is nothing sort of a miracle.
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Hailing from a non-descript village Belghar in Kandhamal district, Rajkumar has carved a niche in the Malayalam film industry with his sheer determination and hard work. He is now a popular face in the Mollywood and has already acted in six movies. Moreover, he has essayed a crucial role in the critically-acclaimed 2019 action film, Jallikattu.
Director Lijo Jose Pellissery, who helmed Jallikattu, described Rajkumar as a wonderful actor and wished to see him in Ollywood (Odia film industry).
“I know him since 3-4 years and he is a wonderful actor and hardworking gentleman. I would love to see Rajkumar in a few Odia films,” said Pellissery.
In 2012, Rajkumar had taken Plus II admission in a College in Tumudibandh but financial problem posed a hurdle in the path of his study and he landed in Angamaly of Kerala in search of work.
Initially, he started working in a hotel and within a short span of time he learnt to cook delicious Malayali dishes. In the mean time, he also joined a gym. Moved by his gentle behaviour, a gym instructor introduced Rajkumar to some actors and directors.
In course of time, Rajkumar ended up working as a cook of a director who later gave him first break in Mollywood.
“The director and his team got highly impressed with cooked items. They asked whether I know acting. I told them that I never did acting, but will give it a try if given chance. They offered me a small role in a film. I completed the 20 second shot in one take. The director praised me and assured to help me with the acting career,” said Rajkumar.
Back in village, Rajkumar’s family as well as fellow villagers are proud of him and wished to see him in Odia films. “People of our village are praising my son a lot as he has become a hero. He will garner more accolades if he works in Odia film industry,” said Kamaldei Nayak, an elated mother of Rajkumar.
Laxmikant Nayak, a villager said, “It is a matter of pride that a youth from such a remote area became an actor and now plays various roles in films.”
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)