Gajraj Rao
Gajraj Rao (born 11 December 1971) is an Indian actor and director known for his work in Hindi cinema. He gained widespread recognition for his performance in the comedy-drama film Badhaai Ho (2018), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
| Gajraj Rao | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 11 December 1971 Dungarpur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouse | Sanjana Rao |
| Children | 2 sons |
Early Life and Education
Gajraj Rao was born in Dungarpur, Rajasthan, and was brought up in Delhi. He belongs to a lower-middle-class family; his father worked with the Indian Railways. He completed his schooling and higher education in Delhi.
At the age of 16, he joined the theatre group Act One, where he worked alongside actors such as Manoj Bajpayee and Ashish Vidyarthi. During his early years, he balanced theatre work with odd jobs to support himself.[1]
Career
Early Career
Rao made his film debut in 1994 with a minor role in Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur. He continued working in supporting roles and gradually built his presence in the industry.[2]
He gained attention for his performance in the critically acclaimed film Black Friday (2004), which brought him wider recognition as a character actor.[3]
Breakthrough
His major breakthrough came with Badhaai Ho (2018), directed by Amit Sharma. In the film, he portrayed a middle-aged man dealing with the unexpected pregnancy of his wife. The film was both a critical and commercial success. His performance earned him several accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and recognition at various award ceremonies.[4]
Later Work
Following the success of Badhaai Ho, Rao appeared in several notable films, including Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), Ludo (2020), Lootcase (2020), Maja Ma (2022), Bholaa (2023), Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023), Maidaan (2024), and Yudhra (2024).
He is known for portraying relatable middle-class characters with depth and authenticity.
Directorial Work
In addition to acting, Gajraj Rao has directed short films. He made his directorial debut with the short film Churri (2013), followed by Kuchh Na Kaho (2016). Both projects were appreciated for their storytelling and execution.
Personal Life
Gajraj Rao is married to Sanjana Rao. The couple has two sons, one of whom is pursuing graphic design. He currently resides in Mumbai.
Awards and Recognition
- 25th Screen Awards (2018) – Best Actor (Critics) for Badhaai Ho
- 64th Filmfare Awards (2019) – Best Supporting Actor for Badhaai Ho
- Zee Cine Awards (2019) – Extraordinary Jodi of the Year for Badhaai Ho
Legacy
Gajraj Rao is regarded as one of the most dependable supporting actors in contemporary Hindi cinema. With a background in theatre and a steady rise through character roles, he has built a reputation for delivering grounded and memorable performances.
References
- ↑ https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/growing-up-in-a-middle-class-environment-helps-any-actor-gajraj-rao-6618107/
- ↑ https://filmyfocus.com/celebs/gajraj-rao
- ↑ https://www.mynation.com/biography/gajraj-rao-s-biography-iwh-s05ekw
- ↑ https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/it-is-all-destiny-meet-gajraj-rao-ayushmann-khurranas-father-in-badhaai-ho-271764