MUMBAI: Does everyone have a doppelganger? There’s a fairly decent chance of it, thanks to the limited number of genes that influence facial features. Take actor Rajesh  Kumar and Rishi Kapoor. They seem to be lookalikes.

So when was the first time you were told that you look like Rishi Kapoor? “Since my childhood. People would compare me with the Rishi Kapoor of Mera Naam Joker. With time, I am told, the resemblance only increased. I just acknowledge the fact and somewhere down the line, I feel happy that not only by personality but we’re also in the same profession. I resemble Rishi Kapoor but also I wish I could be as good as an actor he is. He will always be a star who gave movies one after the other where his performance was amazing. Be it a comedy role, romance or the action he did, it was done with so much of conviction.”

Speaking about his first-ever meeting with superstar Rishi Kapoor Rajesh says,” His reaction was very normal and he had already watched my work in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. I went to meet him with Satish Shah so the welcome was different. The next time I met him was during Super Nani and he appreciated my work. He said that I was a good actor and he made my day. I feel very honoured that someone of his stature has seen my work. I also met him once at RK studio when I went to meet Randhir ji and bumped into him". 

What was your reaction when you heard of his death? “I am shocked and can't get over it. I have followed his work. All his films have been superb from Mera Naam Joker, Bobby to Saagar and even Kapoor and Sons. He will be missed forever"