Moved to Mumbai to become an actor, had to work in the gym: Director Jagat Singh, who now makes films himself, said – I am surviving here by doing anything.

Jaipur actor Jagat Singh has now turned director and writer. He has produced the Bollywood film 'Crispy Rishte'. It is releasing on OTT. Jagat Singh, who lives in Jaipur, said – After working in Bollywood films like Satyagraha, Jai Gangajal, Chakravyuh and Lipstick Under My Burkha, he started working on his own film. I am able to release it after five years. He said – I have worked as a gym trainer in Mumbai. Worked hard. Now the goal is to work for Rajasthan. The talent here has to be given a chance. The film will release on October 18 on Jio Cinemas.

Jagat Singh has worked with Prakash Jha in many films.

Question: What kind of movie is 'Crispy Rishte'? Tell me about it? Jagat Singh: 'Crispy Rishte' is a family film. The film has 15 songs. It is releasing on 18th October. I hope you like it.

Question: You have also collaborated in directing and writing this film, you have been acting for a long time now, so what will be special about this? Jagat Singh: When this story came to my mind, I wanted to make a short film on it, but it kept growing. First one song came, two came, then the story changed from 1 hour to 2 hours. The whole film took shape. The story was in my mind so directing was not too difficult. The story was written by me, I was already an actor, so according to me it was very easy. People say that playing all three characters together is very challenging. If there is good infrastructure and good team. It is possible if you are a good producer like Sagar Ji. It was convenient. I have done this and will do it in the future.

Jagat said that Shyam Kaushal was watching me on the sets. It was then said that you will surely become the director.

Question: It took 5 years to release this film. It must have been a very stressful time, tell me about it? Jagat Singh: Doing anything for the first time is difficult. There is a different kind of conflict in the film industry. Everyone knows that. Trying to make a name for yourself by making such a big name and take your work forward. This in itself was very challenging. Making a film of 15 songs takes 2 hours. Then came covid. I experienced every possible obstacle. I faced it. Sagar and I have both fought against it. A whole book can be written if it is discussed.

Question: Want to know your journey to Jaipur, how did you reach from Jaipur to Mumbai and start working? Jagat Singh: After passing out of college 22 years ago, I went to Mumbai to become a hero because I worked in some serials in Jaipur. It felt like he had become a star. After moving to Mumbai I faced the reality. Got good roles there, but found we were nowhere. The story of the struggle that ensued is such that don't ask. Mold yourself (change according to the situation). Did all kinds of work there. Did small jobs to survive. Worked in theater. I was accompanied by famous filmmaker Prakash Jha.

Got work in films like Rajneeti, Chakravyuh, Jai Gangajal, Lipstick Under My Burkha. Gradually the experience increased. Then came the turn of 'Crispy Rishte'. When I felt that I was not getting the roles I wanted, I thought of creating my own story and making a short film. By God's grace today it has come before everyone in the form of a complete commercial film. There have been many conflicts.

'Crispy Rishte' has been shot in several districts of Jaipur and Rajasthan.

Question: You were also seen working as a gym trainer in Mumbai, how did you like the films? Tell us how you auditioned and how you got on? Jagat Singh: Don't give up, don't give up. Do or die. These were the three principles. Do whatever you have to do to survive in Mumbai. Get a job in a call center, become a gym trainer, do anything that helps you stay there. I also did all kinds of work. The life of a gym trainer is very difficult. It starts at 4 am, an actor's life begins when it ends. When it ends, the writer's life begins at night. Every role in my life has brought an experience. That's why I was able to make a film, even in the future when I think of a story, all the experiences I have seen in my life come into my work.

Question: You have a special relationship with Prakash Jha. He has also given a lot of work. Explain in detail? Jagat Singh: I have learned the most from Prakash Jha ji, though I have never officially assisted him in a film. It is said that one learns a lot from company. I was fortunate to have worked very closely with him during the Satyagraha. Similar support was found in Chakravyuh and Jai Gangajal.

One day Vicky Kaushal's father and action director Shyam Kaushal saw me on the set. I was sitting on the monitor on the sets of Jai Gangajal. Prakashji gave me instructions for this. Shyam Kaushal said – this boy will become direct in 2 years. Then I said to her, Paji, did you say anything for me? Then he said that I said that you will definitely become a director, because I have just seen you doing the same thing. When I was working as a direct, that thing clicked for me.

In 2015, I didn't think I would make a film. It was because of Prakashji that I became a part of such big films. I got a chance to observe, I went as an actor. I never waste my time sitting in a vanity or sitting in a hotel. I was doing my scene. Then, I would start observing whoever got work in the camera or direction team. Maybe because of that some changes started to happen in me.

Jagat said that he is making his next film titled Chabuk Paan Bhandar.

Question: You believe that you have brought opportunities that will benefit the people here, how is this possible? Jagat Singh: I was just asked a question, what kind of opportunities do you come up with? I said now I have the key. We have started it by making this film. Ways beyond that will open up. Next film to be made in Rajasthan, will use actors from here. I have often been asked what are your plans for Rajasthani films. I always say that I will make a Rajasthani film and give a chance to the talent here. I will take the story forward here, the government should also support.

Our Rajasthani cinema is backward compared to other regional cinemas. It is the duty of all of us to cooperate in bringing it forward. I will be directing, acting and producing here. Whatever begins, has already begun. The film has been brought to the screen. The way forward will open from here, the second-third film will definitely be made here.

My next film will be in the form of Chabuk Paan Bhandar, which I want to make. He is a social satirist. This is a Rajasthan based story. Which I am going to shoot here. It is very close to my heart. Been thinking about it and preparing for it for the past 5 years. There is an idea about spirituality and medicine. I'm going to say this. Even though the title may sound a little strange, that's the fun of cinema.