Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao is no stranger to the limelight, especially with his impressive portfolio of critically acclaimed films. However, his journey to stardom was not without its share of struggles, a side he recently shared while promoting his new film, ‘Srikanth’. During a candid conversation, Rao revealed the hardships he faced while trying to make a name for himself in the competitive city of Mumbai.
Rajkummar Rao’s entry into Bollywood was marked by his performance in the film ‘Love Sex aur Dhokha’ directed by Dibakar Banerjee in 2010. Over a decade, Rao has been a part of a wide array of projects, from the hit films ‘Stree’ and ‘Queen’ to powerful narratives like ‘Aligarh’ and ‘Newton’. As he garnered acclaim for his versatility and ability to slip into any character, his backstory remained a tale of inspiration for many.
During a heartfelt interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Rajkummar shared how he faced severe financial constraints early in his career, a time when work was scarce. He recounted how his mother’s unwavering support kept him afloat, sending money whenever he ran low. He reminisced about a particularly tough time when his bank balance dwindled to a mere Rs 18. It was the reality of Mumbai, a city known for its exorbitant living expenses, which only added to his financial woes.
The actor vividly described those days, living frugally with two roommates in a small flat, deliberately skipping meals to make ends meet. Rajkummar’s lunch often consisted of just a packet of Parle G biscuits and a small box of Frooti, a meal that cost him only Rs 4. It was a tough phase, but one that shaped his resilience and work ethic. These experiences added a layer of depth to his craft, making his performances resonant with authenticity and raw emotion.
Rajkummar Rao also shared the significance of community during those trying times, particularly his colleagues from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He explained how the FTII community in Mumbai was a network of support, where seniors and juniors alike were just a phone call away, ready to invite a fellow alum for a meal or offer assistance. It was during this period that the network proved invaluable to him, showcasing the solidarity within the fraternity.
Beyond recounting his struggle-filled days, Rao is now gearing up for the release of ‘Srikanth’. This film is a biographical drama that details the inspiring life of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, the founder of Bollant Industries. Bolla’s own story is one of overcoming adversity, as he, being born visually impaired, has built an enterprise that notably employs unskilled and differently-abled workers. Set to be on screens on May 10, ‘Srikanth’ promises an empowering narrative and features a stellar cast including Jyotika, Alaya F, and Sharad Kelkar, alongside Rajkummar.
The actor’s lineup of films does not end there. He has also been working on ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ with Janhvi Kapoor. Directed by Sharan Sharma, this sports drama delves into the intricacies of cricket and is slated for release on May 31, 2024. While the detailed storyline remains under wraps, the buzz around the film suggests another potential hit for Rao.
Rajkummar Rao’s story is one of relentless perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. From his spartan meals of biscuits and juice to the diverse characters he brings to life on screen, his journey embodies the narrative of the quintessential underdog. As Rao continues to push the boundaries with his choice of roles, his remarkable saga serves as a testament to aspiring actors islandwide that with talent and tenacity, success is within reach.
