By Subhash K Jha

The Raj Thackeray lookalike Rajesh Shringharpure who plays a prominent role in Sarkar Raj was actually recommended by Hema Malini to the director.

Says Ramu, "I don't know why she recommended him.. She obviously believed he was talented. But Hemaji has never recommended anyone before.

Not even her own daughter Esha whom I signed on my own for Darling. I of course met the guy (who would ever say no to Hemaji?). I was immediately struck by his resemblance to Raj Thackeray."

Hemaji confirms, "Yes I did send Rajesh to Ramu. I think he's a good actor don't you?"

Says Ramu, "To my knowledge Rajesh hasn't done cinema before.I like the challenge of introducing new talent. My next film Contract which is another underworld film has ONLY newcomers, and I mean there're no known faces in the film.

When you work with newcomers you need a lot more screen time to build the character because the audience doesn't know the actor. But with Rajesh Shringharpure there'll be an immediate connect in Sarkar Raj because he looks like someone the audience has seen."