There was nothing left to pull,’ recalls Ranjeet, referring to women’s short clothing

Ranjeet has discussed how he developed his reputation as a “rape specialist” and how he ensured his female co-stars were comfortable while filming.

Despite being dubbed the “rape expert” in his films, veteran actor Ranjeet says he made sure all of his female co-stars felt safe around him. In a new interview, Ranjeet talked about how he became known in Bollywood as a “rapist” in the 1970s and what he feels were the causes for his career’s downfall.

Ranjeet told a prominent newspaper that he would sign films without knowing anything about the screenplay or story. “No one listened to the plot before signing a film back then; even the key characters were just given a line. Actors like me thought that if a director approached them, it was for a part that he was qualified for. I’ve never tampered with anyone’s scripts because I didn’t think it was necessary. Playing a villain was not an issue for me. Of course, there were societal consequences at first. My family was furious at first, but they eventually realized it was my work. He explained, “I never planned my career; I just moulded myself into whatever came my way.”

During a recent visit on The Kapil Sharma Show, Ranjeet claimed that his family sent him out when they saw him in a molestation scenario. Ranjeet revealed that his family was dissatisfied with his performance in Sharmeelee because his character intruded on Rakhee Gulzar’s personal space.

“Jab Sharmeelee image aayi toh mujhe ghar se nikaal diya (When Sharmeelee was released, I was kicked out of my house),” he added. “Rakhee ke jo baal-vaal kheeche, uske kapde-vapde phaadne ki koshish ki (Because I pulled Rakhee’s hair and attempted to rip her clothes),” he answered when asked why.

“Yeh koi kaam hai?” was said to Ranjeet. Major, officer, air force officer, and doctor all have important roles to play. Naak katwa diya hai baap ka naak katwa diya hai baap ka naak katwa diya ha Amritsar mein apna kaunsa mooh leke jayega (What type of labour is this? Take on positions such as army major, officer, air force officer, or doctor. You’ve made your father seem bad. How would he deal with his family and friends in Amritsar)?”