Ramdev's life has not been easy, says child actor Naman Jain

Naman Jain

All of 16, Naman Jain already has extensive plans for his Bollywood career. As he awaits his class 12 examinations, the National Award winner intends to enrol in a cinema school tounderstand the ropes of filmmaking, both behind, as well as before the camera. The child actor stole our hearts with his performance as Janghya in Chillar Party (2011), following it up with notable outings in Raanjhanaa (2013), Bombay Talkies (2013), and Rustom (2016). He talks to mid-day about being "inspired" to play the yogi guru in Swami Ramdev: Ek Sangharsh.

How did this project come your way?
I was called to audition at Ajay Devgn sir's office. My first screen test didn't go well because I was not well versed with Haryanvi. So, I went back, trained, and came back to audition for the role. I wasn't informed that this was for a TV show. I agreed to do it because I was inspired on learning of Baba Ramdev's story. I wouldn't have done a TV show otherwise.

How much of the show is a reflection of his real life?
Everything is real. The storyline has been set in collaboration with Baba Ramdev. There is not much fiction, although a hint of it is added for dramatisation. The story revolves around his journey, his passion to study and educate himself, despite all the discouragement he faced. His life has not been easy. I've never known of a person who endured so many hardships. The unit will also showcase what he learns from others, and how those people have enriched his life.

Jain uses prosthetics to play Ramdev

Can you highlight the challenges you encountered while playing this part?
Given that he had suffered paralysis, I had to use prosthetics to showcase that aspect. His tears are shed from one eye only. He smiles from one half of his face. So, replicating that disability was tough. My eyes were heavy under the makeup. I wore dentures to give my jaw an angle. But, it was all worth the effort.

Have you met him?
I had met him at a shoot for the show, Comedy High School. He was a guest. He is humble, fearless and full of life. I haven't met many like him, except for Salman Khan. We tried out yoga asanas together.

Baba Ramdev

Child artistes often struggle to attain success when they grow up. Does that bother you?
Yes, but I will not let that affect me. I plan to take a break after this show. Post my examination, I will enrol in a cinema school. I want to hone my skills and learn everything about the art.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here.

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go