Rajkummar Rao, a luminary in Indian cinema, is a name that resonates with versatility, dedication, and an unparalleled passion for acting. Born on August 31, 1984, in Gurugram, Haryana, Rajkummar’s journey from a bland background to the glitzy corridors of Bollywood is a testament to his tenacity and sheer talent. With a compelling blend of naturalistic performances and a chameleon-like ability to transform into diverse characters, Rao has carved a niche for himself in film. His career, marked by critically acclaimed roles in movies that range from high-stakes dramas to heartwarming comedies, showcases his ability to seamlessly navigate complex emotions and situations, earning him a revered spot among contemporary Indian actors. This biography delves into the life of Rajkummar Rao, exploring his early days, his rise through the ranks of Bollywood, and his continued influence on filmmaking.
Early Life and Childhood
Rajkummar Rao’s formative years were steeped in the cultural richness of Gurugram, a city that juxtaposed modernity with traditional values. This environment played a pivotal role in shaping his aspirations and artistic sensibilities. From a young age, Rajkummar was captivated by the magic of cinema, which eventually became the cornerstone of his career ambitions.
Humble Beginnings: Raised in a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, Rajkummar was exposed to many artistic influences that fueled his passion for acting.
Schooling and Education: He attended a local school where his interest in the performing arts first took root. Participating in school plays and regional theater productions honed his skills, and he gained confidence in engaging audiences.
Inspirational Figures: During his childhood, Rajkummar was deeply inspired by the performances of Bollywood legends. Their dedication to the craft and ability to bring characters to life on the big screen left a lasting impression on him.
Early Recognition: His natural flair for acting did not go unnoticed. Teachers and peers recognized his talent early on, encouraging him to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
Determination and Drive: Despite lacking any formal artistic background in his family, Rajkummar’s determination to succeed in the competitive acting world only grew stronger. His early life was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, setting the stage for his future successes.
Full Information
Attribute
Detail
Full Name
Rajkummar Rao Yadav
Nick Name
Raj
Birth Date
August 31, 1984
Age
39 (as of 2023)
Place of Birth
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Nationality
Indian
Profession
Actor
Height
5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Weight
70 kg (154 lbs)
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Hair Color
Black
Gender
Male
Religion
Hinduism
Languages Spoken
Hindi, English
Family Members
Relation
Name
Father
Satyapal Yadav
Mother
Kamlesh Yadav
Sister
Monika Yadav
Wife
Patralekha Paul
Education & Qualification
Level of Education
Institution Name
Qualification Obtained
School
Blue Bells Model School, Gurugram
High School Diploma
College
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi
Bachelor of Arts
Further Education
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
– National Film Award for Best Actor for “Shahid” (2013)
– Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for “Shahid” (2014)
– Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Bareilly Ki Barfi” (2018)
– Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor for “Newton” (2017)
Movies List
Year
Movie Title
Role
2010
Love Sex aur Dhokha
Adarsh
2012
Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2
Shamshad Alam
2013
Kai Po Che!
Govind
2013
Shahid
Shahid Azmi
2015
Aligarh
Deepu Sebastian
2017
Newton
Nutan “Newton” Kumar
2017
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Pritam Vidrohi
2018
Stree
Vicky
2019
Judgementall Hai Kya
Keshav/Krishna
2020
Ludo
Alok Kumar Gupta “Aalu”
2021
The White Tiger
Ashok
2022
Badhaai Do
Shardul Thakur
Commonly Asked Questions
What was Rajkummar Rao’s debut film?Rajkummar Rao debuted in the film industry with “Love Sex aur Dhokha” in 2010.
Which role did Rajkummar Rao play in ‘Newton,’ and what was the film about? In “Newton,” Rajkummar Rao played the role of Nutan “Newton” Kumar, a government clerk sent on election duty to a conflict-ridden area in Central India. The film explores the challenges of conducting free and fair elections in a troubled area.
Has Rajkummar Rao won any national awards for his acting? Yes, Rajkummar Rao won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in “Shahid,” where he portrayed the real-life human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi.
What are some of the genres Rajkummar Rao has worked in? Rajkummar Rao has worked in various genres, including drama, comedy, thriller, and biographical films.
How does Rajkummar Rao prepare for his roles? Rajkummar Rao is known for his intense role preparation, often involving physical transformations and immersive research to portray his characters authentically.
What are some of Rajkummar Rao’s most critically acclaimed performances? Some of his most acclaimed performances include “Shahid,” “Newton,” “Aligarh,” and “Trapped.”
Does Rajkummar Rao collaborate with specific directors? Rajkummar Rao frequently collaborates with directors like Hansal Mehta and Anurag Basu, who are known for their unique storytelling styles.
What kind of training did Rajkummar Rao undergo for his acting career? Rajkummar Rao graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he specialized in acting.
What hobbies does Rajkummar Rao have outside of acting? Apart from acting, Rajkummar Rao enjoys dancing, reading, and traveling.
How does Rajkummar Rao choose his film projects? He selects his projects based on the script and the character, often looking for roles that challenge him and allow him to explore new dimensions as an actor.
Conclusion
Rajkummar Rao stands as a beacon of talent and versatility in Indian cinema. His journey from a small town in Haryana to the heart of Bollywood is a powerful narrative of perseverance and passion. With each role, whether the earnest lawyer in “Shahid” or the earnest clerk in “Newton,” Rajkummar has brought a depth of character and authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences. His ability to disappear into his characters and his choice of diverse and challenging roles underscores his dedication to his craft.
Beyond his filmography, Rao’s commitment to his roles and his rigorous preparation method speak volumes about his approach to acting—a blend of innate talent and relentless hard work. As he continues to explore new territories in cinema, Rajkummar Rao not only enriches his artistic legacy but also elevates the standard of performance in Bollywood. His career is a testament to the fact that one can leave an indelible mark on cinema with genuine passion and unwavering dedication.
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