TV and film actor Rajesh Kumar, who became a household name for playing Rosesh in the popular TV comedy show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, once stepped away from acting. In 2017, he left Mumbai and returned to his village in Bihar, where he decided to try his hand at farming.
His goal was not just to earn money. He wanted to understand the challenges faced by farmers firsthand. However, his farming journey was far from easy. Over nearly five years, he conducted several experiments, but floods, the pandemic and water shortages repeatedly disrupted his plans. During this period, he also accumulated a debt of around Rs 2 crore.
He was inspired to farm by Sadhguru’s words
Rajesh Kumar’s interest in farming grew after he met Sadhguru. He participated in several programmes associated with the Isha Foundation and also hosted events for Sadhguru’s Rally for Rivers campaign.
During this time, something Sadhguru said had a deep impact on Rajesh. Sadhguru had spoken about the need for young people to work in the agricultural sector. Rajesh felt that merely advising farmers was not enough and that he needed to experience farming himself.
Rajesh had previously advised farmers against using pesticides. However, he later realised that to understand the circumstances that led farmers to use them, he needed to work in the fields himself. He eventually began with horticulture.
Floods wiped out his hard work
The farming experience became increasingly difficult for Rajesh. He said it took him around five years to understand farming and the land. Initially, he planted saplings, and his efforts appeared to be paying off when a severe flood, reportedly the worst in the area in nearly 35 years, struck.
The floodwaters washed away all the plants he had cultivated. Rajesh did not give up and planted around 15,000 trees again. However, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his plans once more.
He made another attempt, but then faced a water crisis. Using the funds he had, he had a borewell drilled to a depth of around 500 feet. However, no water was found.
Rajesh Kumar went into Rs 2 crore debt
The continuous losses from farming took a toll on Rajesh’s financial situation. He had no regular source of income, while money continued to be invested in the farm without generating returns.
In a conversation, Rajesh revealed that he had invested all his savings and subsequently incurred a debt of around Rs 2 crore. He described that period as financially extremely difficult. There were even times when he had to make ends meet by selling vegetables outside his son’s school.
Despite this, Rajesh did not consider the period a failure.
Only 10–15 per cent of the debt remains
During those difficult years, Rajesh found solace in spirituality. He credited it with helping him stay away from stress, anger and depression. He maintained that work and effort should not stop.
Over time, his financial situation improved. In April, Rajesh said that only around 10–15 per cent of his debt remained. In other words, he had brought his debt down from around Rs 2 crore to approximately Rs 20 lakh.
Rajesh Kumar returns to acting
After taking a break from acting, Rajesh gradually returned to the screen. He continues to be widely recognised for his portrayal of Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. In recent years, he has appeared in projects including Saiyaara, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Oh My Dog and Nishaanchi.
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