Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao (born Rajkumar Yadav on 31 August 1984) is an Indian actor known for his work in Hindi films. He is widely regarded for portraying intense, realistic, and character-driven roles. Over the years, he has received several honours, including a National Film Award, three Filmfare Awards, and an Asia Pacific Screen Award.
| Rajkummar Rao | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 31 August 1984 Gurgaon, Haryana, India |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birth name | Rajkumar Yadav |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Education | University of Delhi Film and Television Institute of India |
| Known for | Shahid, Kai Po Che!, Newton, Stree |
Early Life and Education
Rajkummar Rao was born in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. He completed his graduation from the University of Delhi, where he actively participated in theatre. To further hone his acting skills, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he formally trained in acting.[1]
After completing his education, Rao moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in films.[2]
Career
Film Debut and Early Roles
Rajkummar Rao made his Bollywood debut in 2010 with Dibakar Banerjee’s anthology film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, where he appeared under his birth name Rajkumar Yadav. His performance was noticed for its raw realism.
He went on to appear in supporting roles in films such as:[3]
- Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 (2012)
- Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim
Rao’s breakthrough came in 2013 with Kai Po Che!, where his performance received wide appreciation. The same year, he portrayed human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi in Hansal Mehta’s biographical drama Shahid.
His role in Shahid earned him:
- National Film Award for Best Actor
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor
This performance established him as one of the strongest performers of his generation.[4]
Continued Success
Following Shahid, Rajkummar Rao built a reputation for choosing content-driven cinema. His notable films include:
- Newton
- Bareilly Ki Barfi
- Stree
- Trapped
- Ludo
- Badhaai Do
He is known for his ability to seamlessly transition between intense drama, social commentary, and commercial entertainment.
Physical Stats
| Height | 5 ft 9 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg |
| Chest | 40 inches |
| Waist | 32 inches |
| Biceps | 14 inches |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Personal Life
Rajkummar Rao prefers to keep his personal life private. He is known for his disciplined approach to acting and has often spoken about the importance of theatre training and preparation for roles.
Awards and Recognition
- National Film Award for Best Actor – Shahid
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Shahid
- Multiple Filmfare Awards across acting categories
- Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor
Legacy
Rajkummar Rao is widely respected for redefining the idea of a mainstream Bollywood hero. With his focus on realism, socially relevant cinema, and strong character work, he has emerged as one of the most reliable and influential actors in contemporary Indian cinema.
References
- ↑ https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/top-rajkummar-rao-movies-on-ott-watch-stree-2-shahid-omerta-and-more-on-jiohotstar-netflix-prime-video-zee5-3208055/
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Rajkummar-Rao
- ↑ https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/books/features/3-life-changing-biographies-recommended-by-rajkummar-rao-article-115460446
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-s-father-satyapal-yadav-dies-at-60/story-GpW7DMXgksb1HBxuGi4vuM.html