Rajkummar Rao is a critically acclaimed Indian actor known for his versatility and commitment to his craft. The actor has brought a fresh perspective to mainstream films by championing content-driven cinema, choosing diverse, challenging characters that break away from traditional Bollywood stereotypes.
From portraying a wronged human rights lawyer in Shahid to a quirky small-town ghostbuster in Stree, Rao has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling. The artist’s performances have not only earned him critical acclaim and awards but have also inspired a shift towards more meaningful and realistic narratives in Bollywood.
On the special occasion of Rajkummar’s birthday, we have shared some intriguing facts about the actor that will blow your mind.
7 Intriguing Facts About Rajkummar Rao
Here are some fascinating facts about the Stree star Rajkummar Rao that will leave you astonished.
1. Real Name
Rajkummar Rao’s real name is Raj Kumar Yadav. The actor changed his surname to ‘Rao’ after joining the film industry, adopting his mother’s maiden name. The change was partly influenced by numerology, but also as a tribute to his mother and a way to create a unique identity in Bollywood.
2. Theatre Background
Before entering the filmland, Rajkummar was actively involved in theatre, where he honed his acting skills and passion for performance. The actor was associated with the Kshitij Repertory and the Shri Ram Centre in Delhi, where he participated in numerous plays, developing his craft and gaining valuable stage experience.
3. First Encounter with Acting
Rajkummar Rao’s first encounter with acting happened in the 10th grade when he participated in a school play. This experience sparked his passion for performance and convinced him to pursue acting as a career.
Despite having no connections in the film industry, his love for the craft drove him to continue performing in school and college plays, eventually leading him to formal training at the National School of Drama.
4. National School of Drama (NSD) Graduate
The actor is a proud graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious acting schools. Rao completed his studies there in 2008, where he received formal training in various aspects of acting, including voice modulation, body language, and character development.
5. Loves to Write
Rajkumar has a deep love for writing, which extends beyond his passion for acting. The actor often writes poetry and short stories in his free time, using writing as a creative outlet to express his thoughts and emotions. The actor even harbours a desire to write scripts someday, combining his love for storytelling with his experience in cinema, possibly stepping into the role of a filmmaker in the future.
6. Admirer of Daniel Day-Lewis
The actor is a great admirer of Daniel Day-Lewis, the renowned method actor known for his intense preparation and transformative performances. The admiration has fueled Rajkummar’s passion for method acting, pushing him to continually challenge himself with unconventional and demanding roles.
7. Method Acting Approach
Rajkummar Rao is known for his commitment to method acting, where he immerses himself deeply into the characters he portrays. The actor spent time with the family of the real-life lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi for his role in Shahid (2012). Moreover, he is also known for undergoing physical transformations, like starving himself for his role in Trapped (2016) to realistically portray a man struggling for survival.
Rajkummar Rao’s contribution to Bollywood has been significant in redefining contemporary Indian cinema with his unique choice of roles. Moreover, beyond the acting industry, the actor is known for his involvement in various social causes and his advocacy for animal rights.
And today, we celebrate not just a brilliant actor but a true artist who continues to captivate us with his incredible performances and dedication to his craft.
Happy birthday, Rajkummar!