Rajesh Kumar, widely recognized as Rosesh from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, took an unexpected turn in his career when he left acting to pursue farming. He was passionate about growing and selling organic vegetables, but the journey was far from smooth. Financial struggles and an inability to secure timely investments forced him to step back from the venture. Eventually, he made a return to acting.
In a recent conversation, he shared insights about his appearance on Shark Tank India and his experience in the agricultural sector. Rajesh Kumar admitted that his farming business failed because he could not raise funds at the “right time”. His venture required financial backing, and without it, sustaining the business became impossible.
Discussing his time on Shark Tank India, Kumar said he wanted to convey a message to the investors. He believed that they had ample resources and the ability to support innovative ideas. According to him, the sharks were not from another planet; they had made significant wealth and possessed the means to drive meaningful change. He hoped they would consider supporting agricultural initiatives and entrepreneurs like him who needed guidance.
He also took a dig at Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal. Kumar questioned how much personal investment such businesses made in the lives of the couples they brought together. He pointed out that these companies facilitated marriages but rarely knew anything about the individuals involved. He compared the process to performing a priest’s duties for financial gain, without genuinely understanding the people.
Kumar also addressed the disparity in investment priorities. He emphasized that corporate houses and wealthy individuals held immense financial power. If even a fraction of their wealth was directed towards farming, it could bring a transformative change. He argued that if glamour industry figures shifted their focus toward agriculture, it could alter perceptions. “The day when you replace looting and crimes in sugarcane fields with a catwalk, only then will the story change,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his failure, Kumar acknowledged that his approach was not strategic enough. He admitted that he spoke from the heart wherever he went, but corporate investors prioritized numbers over emotions. He recognized that his inability to present structured financial data contributed to his struggles in securing funding.
Despite his setbacks, Kumar remains passionate about the agricultural sector. His experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals trying to bring innovation into farming. His story is a testament to the difficulties of blending passion with business in an environment driven by financial metrics. While he has returned to acting, his journey underscores the importance of structured planning and financial backing in entrepreneurial ventures.