Raghunath Singh is a name that resonates deeply within Indian theatre and thoughtful cinema—an artist whose journey proves that creative evolution often begins in moments of uncertainty. With over three decades of experience, Raghunath Singh stands today as a respected actor, writer, lyricist, director, musician, and singer, known for his authenticity and commitment to meaningful storytelling.
Recently highlighted in Loksatta News, a revealing conversation shared by Indian actor and writer Makarand Deshpande, along with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, sheds light on a pivotal phase in Raghunath Singh’s life—one that redirected his path from acting to writing.
Raghunath Singh’s Early Struggles as an Actor
Like many theatre-trained artists, Raghunath Singh arrived in Mumbai driven by passion and discipline rather than shortcuts. Despite strong stage experience, his acting career faced prolonged uncertainty in the early years. Opportunities were limited, and progress was slow.
During this formative phase, Raghunath Singh and Anurag Kashyap were flatmates—two aspiring creatives navigating survival, ambition, and endless artistic discussions. It was during these days that one simple but profound conversation took place.
The Advice That Changed Everything
Observing Raghunath Singh’s creative depth, Anurag Kashyap suggested,
“Why don’t you try writing?”
Raghunath’s response was honest and self-aware:
“Likhne ke liye likhna aana hoga.”
Anurag replied with disarming simplicity:
“Do lines likh. Phir teesri apne aap aa jayegi.”
When Raghunath asked if Anurag himself became a writer this way, the answer was universal and reassuring:
“Isi tarah sirf main nahi, sabhi writer bante hain.”
This exchange, later recalled by Makarand Deshpande, became the turning point in Raghunath Singh’s artistic journey.
Why Raghunath Singh Chose Writing After Acting
The shift from acting to writing was not abandonment—it was expansion. Theatre had already shaped Raghunath Singh as a storyteller sensitive to rhythm, emotion, politics, and human conflict. Writing allowed him to channel these elements with greater freedom and control.
For Raghunath Singh, writing became a natural extension of performance rather than a replacement.
Queen and Mainstream Recognition
Raghunath Singh’s transition found national recognition with the film Queen. As the lyricist of the iconic song “Ranjha”, he earned a nomination for Upcoming Lyricist of the Year at the 7th Mirchi Music Awards, while Queen received a nomination for Album of the Year.
This milestone established Raghunath Singh as a serious creative voice in Hindi cinema music—rooted in poetry, emotion, and lived experience.
Deep Roots in Theatre
Despite cinematic success, Raghunath Singh’s heart remains firmly anchored in theatre. He played a pivotal creative role in “Mausam Ko Badalne Do”, a romantic musical political satire presented by Anurag Kashyap, where he served as writer, music composer, and director.
He further showcased his versatility in “Tripti – A Musical Treat”, contributing as music composer, lyricist, and performer—demonstrating rare command across multiple artistic disciplines.
Cinema Beyond the Mainstream
Raghunath Singh’s filmography reflects quality over quantity. His performances in Black Friday and Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat were appreciated for their realism and emotional restraint.
In the short film Antaheen, directed by Ganga Mukhi and presented by FTII Pune, Raghunath Singh portrayed the central character Bali, earning praise for his nuanced and introspective performance.
An Artist Still Evolving
With a career spanning theatre, film, and music, Raghunath Singh represents an artist shaped by patience, resilience, and creative honesty. His journey—from struggling actor to acclaimed writer and lyricist—stands as a reminder that meaningful art is often born from trust in the process rather than instant success.
At CrystalStoneMag, we see Raghunath Singh not just as a performer, but as a quiet architect of stories that continue to shape India’s cultural landscape—one line at a time.
