In a cinematic landscape brimming with talented actors, Rajkummar Rao has risen as a luminary, celebrated for his versatility and dedication to his craft. As he celebrates his birthday on August 31, it’s a fitting time to delve into the expansive spectrum of characters he has portrayed. His journey from a supportive actor to a headline star is a testament to his unwavering commitment and incredible range. This year alone, Rao has had three major releases and continues to pile up projects, solidifying his status as an industrious and dependable figure in Bollywood. Let’s explore ten of his remarkable performances, which you might have missed.
Shahid (2012)
The turning point in Rajkummar Rao’s career came with Hansal Mehta’s ‘Shahid’. Playing the role of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights activist, Rao immersed himself in the complexities of Azmi’s life, delivering a performance that masterfully depicted his struggles and eventual triumphs. The narrative integrity of the film, coupled with Rao’s nuanced acting, earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, making this film a cornerstone of his career.
Kai Po Che! (2013)
In ‘Kai Po Che!’, adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, Rajkummar Rao portrayed Govind, a character driven by practicality and big dreams. This role marked an early display of his acting brilliance, characterized by an authenticity and conviction that captured Govind’s essence. The camaraderie portrayed between the characters laid the groundwork for Rao’s burgeoning career, heralding a series of memorable performances.
Aligarh (2015)
‘Aligarh’ tells the sensitive story of a linguistics professor (played by Manoj Bajpayee) who faces suspension on moral grounds. Rajkummar Rao played a sympathetic journalist who aids the professor in his court battle. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film garnered widespread acclaim, with its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, adding another feather to Rao’s cap.
Trapped (2016)
‘Trapped’ demonstrated Rao’s exceptional dedication to his craft. In this survival thriller, he played Shaurya, a man unexpectedly ensnared in an apartment without basic necessities. The film’s intense narrative relied heavily on Rao’s ability to convey desperation and resilience, reinforcing his versatility and depth as an actor.
.
Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
Based on Nicolas Barreau’s ‘The Ingredients of Love’, this film was helmed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. Rajkummar Rao played Pritam Vidrohi, an author whose life intertwines with Bitti (Kriti Sanon), a free-spirited girl. Rao’s portrayal of Pritam, a character filled with humor and earnestness, stood out in this light-hearted yet emotionally resonant film.
Newton (2017)
In ‘Newton’, Rajkummar Rao showcased his prowess in balancing satire and realism. Directed by Amit V. Masurkar, he played Newton Kumar, a government clerk determined to conduct a fair election in a conflict-ridden area. The subtlety and wit he brought to the role were notable, making it one of his most lauded performances.
Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024)
In the horror-comedy ‘Stree’ and its sequel, Rao played Vicky, a tailor in a town haunted by a female ghost. The role allowed him to blend humor and horror seamlessly, demonstrating his versatility and captivating audiences with his comedic timing and endearing portrayal.
Badhaai Do (2022)
‘Badhaai Do’ is a landmark in Rajkummar Rao’s career where he depicted Shardul Thakur, a gay police officer grappling with societal expectations and his own identity. Rao’s portrayal of Shardul’s internal conflict and his navigation through societal scrutiny added depth to the film, earning accolades for his sensitive and powerful performance.
Monica, O My Darling (2022)
In this neo-noir thriller, Rao played Jayant Arkhedkar, a robotics expert entangled in a murder plot gone awry. His portrayal of Jayant, seeking to execute a perfect crime with his eccentric colleagues, highlighted his ability to delve into complex characters and embrace unconventional storylines.
Srikanth (2024)
‘Srikanth’ is an inspirational drama based on the life of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur who founded Bollant Industries to employ unskilled and differently-abled individuals. Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal pays homage to Bolla’s resilience and determination, once again demonstrating his capacity to bring real-life heroes to the silver screen.
Rajkummar Rao continues to push the boundaries of his craft, taking on diverse roles that challenge and inspire. As he progresses in his career, there is no doubt he will continue to deliver performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike, cementing his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and dedicated actors.
