Rajesh Kumar is an Indian television and film actor best known for playing Rosesh Sarabhai in the Hindi sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, which originally aired on Star One from 2004 to 2006. He reprised the role in the 2017 web continuation Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Take 2 on Hotstar. His portrayal of an eccentric, mother-fixated aspiring poet became a cult favourite among Indian television audiences.
Key facts
| Name | Rajesh Kumar |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor |
| Languages | Hindi, Bhojpuri, English |
| Notable role | Rosesh Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai |
| Medium | Television, web series, film, theatre |
| Education | National School of Drama, New Delhi |
| Origin | Bihar, India |
Background and training
Rajesh Kumar hails from Bihar. He trained in acting at the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, one of India's premier theatre training institutions, before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in television and film. His early years included theatre work and small screen appearances before his breakthrough in the mid-2000s.
Career
Television
Rajesh Kumar achieved nationwide recognition with Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, produced by Hats Off Productions and directed by Aatish Kapadia and Deven Bhojani. As Rosesh Sarabhai, the awkward poet son of Maya and Indravadan Sarabhai, he became one of the most quoted comic characters in Indian television history.
He has also appeared in serials including Yes Boss, Akbar Birbal, and various comedy and drama shows on Indian television.
Web and film
He returned as Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Take 2, the digital revival of the original show. He has appeared in Hindi and Bhojpuri films and continues to take on supporting roles in cinema alongside television commitments.
Other ventures
In addition to acting, Rajesh Kumar has been associated with agriculture-related entrepreneurship, having spoken publicly about engaging in farming activities in Bihar. He has used his platform to highlight rural livelihoods and farm-to-market issues.
Significance
Rajesh Kumar's portrayal of Rosesh is widely cited as an example of how a supporting character can become central to a show's popular memory. The character's mannerisms and poetry recitations contributed to the long afterlife of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai through reruns and internet circulation, making the show one of the most-referenced Indian sitcoms of the 2000s.