When it comes to films and one mentions the name Rajkummar Rao everyone knows they’re in for a treat. From his work in films like ‘Kai Po Che!’ (2013), ‘Trapped’ (2016) and ‘Monica, O My Darling’ (2022) Rao has shown he can do it all.
To celebrate the 40th birthday of Rajkummar Rao, BizAsiaLive.com will look at some of the roles Rao has done that were truly unforgettable.
‘Srikanth’ (2024)This film was based on the real life story of the industrialist Srikanth Bolla who is visually impaired. His story became an inspiration for many around the world. Despite being unable to see he managed to do what he had set his mind on only because he believed he could. There were many who tried to discourage him and told him that his ambition to study science and make something of himself was impossible. However he didn’t let anyone dampen his spirits and he was adamant that he would show the world what he could do. After facing many obstacles on his journey Srikanth managed to not only complete his education but he also became an industrialist. He proved that anything is impossible as long as you don’t give up.
Rao did an exceptional job of portraying Srikanth Bolla. It most definitely would have been challenging but then who else would be better to take on this role.
Rajkummar Rao in ‘Roohi’
‘Roohi’ (2021)While this comedy horror received mixed reviews, Rao’s role was very much appreciated. His comedic timing alongside Varun Sharma was spot on. Where Sharma brought a lot of laughs because of his romantic character, Rao had the audience in stitches with his dialogues and hilarious reactions. The story revolves around two men ordered to kidnap a girl named Roohi (Janhvi Kapoor) and how they successfully manage to do that. However what they don’t anticipate is that the girl is actually possessed by a demonic spirit and is very powerful.
‘Newton’ (2017)Rao played the role of Newton Kumar a government clerk who has been sent to a remote village in order to conduct the elections there. Known for his honesty and pride in his work, Newton believes this is a job he can get done despite all the worries regarding safety there. It has been many years since a polling booth was set up there due to many voters being killed in the past. Rao’s role was exceptional, his character Newton wanted to do the right thing and tried to ensure that the people around him did the same. He believed that every voter had a chance to make a change but in order to do that they would have to make a change in themselves.
The film did so well that it received numerous nominations and won various awards, such as the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Rao himself won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actor which he truly deserved.
Rajkummar Rao in ‘Shahid’
‘Shahid’ (2012)A serious film that got Rao noticed for his impeccable performance. Based on a true story the film showed the life of a lawyer and human rights activist named Shahid Azmi who had made it his aim in life to fight for those who were wrongly accused of being a terrorist. On this path he faced a lot of criticism and was often threatened but he continued to do what he felt was right. The story focused on how his life was before he became a lawyer and human rights activist and what events led him to want to help others and even make people take his life for doing so.
The film received a lot of great reviews and Rao was praised tremendously for the challenging role he had taken on. He even won the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor in 2014.
Rajkummar Rao in ‘Stree’
‘Stree’ (2018)Another horror comedy but who is complaining? No one. This film was loved so much that a sequel was made six years later. It was the partnership of Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee that had the audience in stitches. The story takes place in a town named Chanderi where every year during a four day religious festival men are advised to stay indoors. They are told not to roam the streets when it gets dark as danger lurks every corner. There is said to be a spirit of a woman named Stree who keeps making men disappear and all that’s left behind is their clothes.
When Vicky (Rao) falls in love with a girl he meets at the festival his friends are suspicious as to why she always appears during the festival and disappears after it is over. They suspect that maybe she could be Stree which causes the friends to investigate who and what is Stree.
Earlier on this month ‘Stree 2’ was released and has said to have done great numbers at the box office. Rao has proved again and again that he knows what he is doing when it comes to picking the right script.
The team at BizasiaLive.com wishes Rajkummar Rao a very happy 40th birthday!
