“I Was Slapped Every Day for 5 Years” – Rahul Bose Opens Up on Harsh Childhood and Unconventional Upbringing

Actor Rahul Bose, known for his nuanced performances and offbeat film choices, recently shared a deeply personal account of his childhood, calling himself a “useless child” whose life was shaped by a strict yet unconventional upbringing.

No Superhits, But Strong Impact
While Rahul may not have delivered any mainstream blockbuster in his career, his work continues to be appreciated for its depth and uniqueness. Films like English, August and Mr. and Mrs. Iyer cemented his place in parallel cinema. But behind the thoughtful roles lies a childhood marked by discipline, gender role reversals, and emotional toughness.

"My Mother Slapped Me Every Day for 5 Years"
Speaking to ANI, Rahul revealed that growing up, he lived in a household that defied traditional gender expectations. “My mother never cooked, my father did. My father was more interested in what I wore, and my mother was focused on my career. She forced me into sports—rugby and boxing.”

But it wasn’t just about pushing boundaries. Rahul added candidly, “I was so useless back then that my mother slapped me every day for five years. That helped me. I needed it.”

Father Wanted a 'Gentleman', Mother Wanted a Fighter
Rahul shared that his father preferred him to play cricket, wear caps to avoid tanning, and behave like a “gentleman.” On the other hand, his mother encouraged him to fight — literally. “She made me box. My father hated it. He never watched me play rugby because he couldn’t bear it,” he said, describing how their parenting styles were a complete role reversal of the norm.

Early Career and Film Journey
Rahul Bose gained recognition through the indie gem English, August (1994), where he portrayed Agastya Sen. He made his commercial debut with Jhankaar Beats (2003), which found success in metro cities and gave his career a new direction. Though he never became a conventional star, Rahul carved out a niche as an intelligent actor-director known for taking risks.

Conclusion: