In Raj's words, he has become "more handsome, patient, and peaceful after taking up farming".
Prakash Raj is the kind of actor who can effortlessly make you hate his on-screen villains, but in real life, he is the complete opposite. While he sends chills down our spines with his intense roles, off-screen, he stands up for what's right, speaks fearlessly against injustice, and works for social causes. But what truly sets him apart is his love for nature - so much so that he is a part-time farmer and has his own pesticide-free organic farm in Hyderabad. And it's not just for the sake of it, he takes it quite seriously and puts as much dedication here as he brings to his craft.
Born on March 26, 1965, the five-time National Film Award-winning actor celebrates his 60th birthday today. On this occasion, let's learn about his passion for farming in this article.
Prakash Raj's journey into farming commenced around 2014, marking a pivotal shift in his life. Seeking solace and a deeper connection with nature, he embraced agriculture as a way of life. This transition not only provided him with personal peace but also reconnected him to the land, fostering a profound appreciation for the farming community.
As the actor-turned-farmer shared in one of his interviews, "When I took up farming, a number of people asked me why. I explained to them that agriculture was a way of life. One needs to have a constant connection with nature, just as we share an imitable bond with our family. We have been de-silting lakes and other water bodies, but, I believe we need to desilt our inner self. After I became an actor, I always wondered why I didn’t have a connection with soil. I soon bought a piece of land for myself. I realized later that you don’t need to know everything about farming, before getting into it. You learn with experience. I have now started earning by selling my veggies and it gives me immense satisfaction.”
Embracing his role as a farmer, Prakash Raj has immersed himself in various agricultural activities. He manages a farm in Hyderabad, where he cultivates diverse crops and engages in sustainable farming practices. His dedication to agriculture is evident in his hands-on involvement, from soil preparation to harvesting, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the land.
"There is a lot of talk about saving nature, but let me tell you, nature doesn’t need any saving. It’s we human beings, who need to be saved. Just like the earth survived without dinosaurs, it can survive without human beings, too. We are dependent on nature, so let’s behave. Also, it’s time we learned to co-exist with nature. We cannot be proud of ourselves for being an actor. We are just a result of recyclable matter, after all. In fact, even our birth and death is not in our control," he shared in an interview.
(Credit: joinprakashraj)
Beyond personal farming, Prakash Raj has also emerged as an advocate for farmers' rights. He has consistently supported agricultural communities, urging governmental recognition and support for their invaluable contributions. In 2017, he emphasized the importance of honoring farmers, acknowledging them as the backbone of the country. His advocacy extends to participating in protests and publicly addressing issues affecting farmers, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
(Credit: Explorations by vegan_foodie_india
Happy Birthday, Mr. Raj. Thanks For Inspiring Us!
