Actor who worked with Naseeruddin Shah’s wife turned to farming but ended up with Rs 2 crore debt

Television favourite Rajesh Kumar, best known for playing Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, has once again opened up about his financial struggles following a failed farming venture, and where things stand now.

While Rajesh Kumar has continued to take on acting projects, including his appearance in Saiyaara, it was during the film’s release phase that he had first revealed being under a Rs 2 crore debt. Now, the actor has shared an update, indicating gradual recovery rather than a sudden turnaround.

Rajesh Kumar Shares Debt Update in Bollywood Bubble Interview

Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Rajesh Kumar explained that a large portion of his debt has now been cleared.

“I'm out of that financial cycle now. Only about 10–15% of the debt remains. Soon, I am going to surprise people with something new, still related to farming, but something unique,” he said.

This suggests that roughly Rs 20 lakh of the original Rs 2 crore debt is still pending.

Rajesh Kumar Farming Loss: How It Led to Rs 2 Crore Debt

The Rajesh Kumar farming journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the actor shifted focus to agriculture. He leased around 20 acres of land, hoping to build a sustainable venture.

However, things took a drastic turn when severe flooding destroyed over 15,000 saplings, leading to heavy financial losses and pushing him into significant debt.

At one point, Rajesh Kumar had shared that he was down to just Rs 2,500 in his bank account and even sold vegetables outside his son’s school to manage daily expenses.

Family Support Played a Crucial Role

In the same conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Rajesh Kumar highlighted how his family stepped in during his toughest phase.

“My elder sister resigned from her job in America and came to Bihar… she told me to focus on acting while she handled farming.”

He added that his younger sister also decided to join them later, showing strong family backing during a financially and emotionally difficult time.

Rajesh Kumar on Public Perception and Simplicity

In an earlier interaction with Aftab Puntoo on YouTube, Rajesh Kumar reflected on how people perceived him during his struggle.

“When I took an auto earlier, people said ‘bechara’. Now they call me down to earth.”

He also clarified that selling his car was not just about money but practicality.

“Even if I buy an expensive car, I’ll still be stuck in traffic.”

Instead, he prefers using apps like Ola, Uber and Rapido for daily travel.

Rajesh Kumar on Financial Struggles and ‘Bankruptcy Feeling’

In a previous interview with Meri Saheli, the actor had spoken candidly about his financial condition at the time.

“There was no incoming, and I had exhausted all my reserves… I went into debt of Rs 2 crore. Bankruptcy is a big word, but I had that feeling for a long time.”

His experience highlights the unpredictability of shifting careers and the risks associated with ventures like farming.

Rajesh Kumar Comeback: Balancing Acting and Farming

While Rajesh Kumar continues to rebuild financially, he has not completely stepped away from agriculture. Instead, he hinted at exploring a new, unique idea within the same space.

For fans, this marks not just a financial recovery story, but a steady, grounded comeback, balancing acting with entrepreneurial ambition.

Inputs from agencies