Raj Babbar: Bigg Boss will give Arya's career a boost

Raj Babbar on reel and real life family drama, elder son Arya's stint on reality television and the status of his relationship with younger son Prateik

You are returning to television after nearly a decade, has the medium evolved since?

Yes, I played Bharat in a few episodes of BR Chopra's Mahabharat. People have become more proficient since. I've always been a prolific actor, always felt the need to learn, evolve and entertain people, irrespective of whether it was through films, theatre or television. When Vipul came to me with the 24-episode Pukaar -Call For The Hero, I was moved by the delicate father-son relationship. So full of love... and conflict.

Could you relate to it because it's a lot like your relationship with your own sons, Arya and Prateik?

Probably. It's the story of every household. Rannvijay Singh plays my son in the show, an army officer. He has good intentions but the father believes that his approach is an incorrect one. Don't we all face this friction in our families?

What was your reaction to Arya entering the Bigg Boss house?

I was shocked! I learnt that he was doing the reality TV show just two days before he entered the house. I asked him if he'd be able to deal with all the chaos inside and he told me was fully prepared. Now, if I'm not shooting, I try to catch the show. He's playing the game well. He's honest and genuine, which is what I advised him to be. I guess the visibility on the show will give his career a boost.

Prateik's career too hasn't taken off, do you dole out advice to him too? Or make calls to producer friends?

Both Arya and Prateik know that they have to look out for themselves. out for themselves.You can't flaunt your clout to get anyone work.Prateik discusses work with me, we are in constant touch. He recently told me about a Bengali film he's doing. He's very passionate about his acting career, bahut josh hai usme. My children know their weaknesses and assets. I've taught them to read themselves well.

READ: Bigg Boss 8: Aarya Babbar apologises to Minissha Lamba

Why don't we see you in more films?

I've been shooting 10 hours a day for Pukaar for the last three months. I was thinking of taking a break but then Tevar came along. These young actors are so talented that you feel young working with them.

You lost from the Ghaziabad constituency by a huge margin in the last Lok Sabha elections. Is your political career over?

Politics was never my profession. It will always remain a social commitment, something I do for the betterment of the film industry. I'm still committed to certain issues which remain close to my heart.Am I done with politics? (Laughs) Let's just say I still have a long way to go, abhi to main jawaan hoon!