Did you know that the villain Somji in Sarkar Raj is Krishna in Saarthi [the popular daily show on Star Plus]? Surprised? Well, that's Rajesh Shringarpure for you.

"I had to change my look completely in Sarkar Raj. I had a special hairstylist to work on my hairstyle and make me look different. Plus, my role was so different from Krishna in Saarthi that most people find it difficult to digest that I have played both the roles," Shringarpure says with a voice full of emotion and satisfaction.

 "To be very honest, Saarthi did become a bit boring and monotonous for me, though there is no denying the fact that it is through the serial that I have achieved all my fame," Shringarpure, who had gone to meet Ram Gopal Varma to look for a role, says.

"I am a big fan of Ramuji and I don't think anyone else can make such different films," Shringarpure recalls. "To my surprise Ramuji knew about me and after an initial discussion, he offered me this role. I was overjoyed," continues the actor whose voice has always been asset for him. "Even Ramuji suggested that I modulate my voice and use it to the hilt in this role."

Shringapure is all praise for Ram Gopal Varma's directorial skills and the way he handles the actors. "He is one director who can make you feel comfortable. To put me at ease with the cast of Sarkar Raj, he introduced me to Amitabh Bachchan [Images] before shooting began. He made sure that we got a chance to chat with each other. I took his blessings and shared a very warm experience with him," remembers Shringarpure, who was a bit nervous to share screen with the senior Bachchan and his son, Abhishek.

As for Ram Gopal Verma, the director is apparently very pleased with the actor that he has offered Shringarpure a new role in his next film.