This year has proven to be exceptionally fruitful for Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao, with three significant releases already under his belt and more projects in various stages of production. August 31 marks a special day for Rao, as he celebrates his birthday. Born Rajkumar Yadav, he plunged into the acting world in 2010 with his debut in “Love Sex Aur Dhokha.” Over the years, Rao has honed his craft to become one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Here’s a detailed look into 10 remarkable films featuring Rajkummar Rao you might not have seen but should definitely not miss.
**1. Shahid (2012)**
“Shahid” is a landmark film in Rajkummar Rao’s career, thrusting him into the spotlight as one of Bollywood’s most talented actors. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the movie chronicles the life of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights activist. Rao’s portrayal is nothing short of a masterclass in acting, capturing the complexity of Azmi’s journey from adversity to triumph. His role in this thought-provoking drama earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, a testament to his formidable skill and dedication.
**2. Kai Po Che! (2013)**
In “Kai Po Che!”, adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, Rajkummar Rao plays the pragmatic and grounded character Govind. His performance brought a blend of sincerity and ambition to the screen, reflecting the aspirations and friendships central to the story. This film underscored Rao’s budding talent and set the stage for his subsequent stellar performances.
**3. Aligarh (2015)**
“Aligarh” tells the poignant story of a Marathi professor (played by Manoj Bajpayee) at Aligarh Muslim University, who faces suspension due to his sexuality. Rajkummar Rao steps in as a journalist sympathetic to the professor’s plight, advocating for his justice. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film was met with critical acclaim and garnered awards for its sensitive storytelling and powerful performances.
**4. Trapped (2016)**
“Trapped” is an extraordinary film that exemplifies Rajkummar Rao’s unparalleled acting abilities. In this survival thriller, he portrays Shaurya, a man ensnared in an apartment without basic necessities such as food, water, or electricity. Rao’s ability to communicate despair, hope, and resourcefulness within the confined setting is a testament to his exceptional talent.
**5.
. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)**
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, “Bareilly Ki Barfi” is an adaptation of Nicolas Barreau’s novel “The Ingredients of Love.” The film revolves around Bitti (Kriti Sanon), a vivacious young woman, who refuses conformist matrimony pressures. Rajkummar Rao plays Pritam Vidrohi, her favorite author, bringing humor and depth to a character who stands out in the ensemble cast.
**6. Newton (2017)**
“Newton,” directed by Amit V. Masurkar, blends satire with realism. Rajkummar Rao shines as Newton Kumar, a government clerk committed to conducting a fair election in a conflict-ridden area. His understated performance captures the character’s ideals and comedic undertones, earning him widespread recognition for his meticulous attention to character detail.
**7. Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024)**
Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Vicky in the horror-comedy “Stree” and its sequel “Stree 2” in 2024, underscores his versatility. The story, set in a small town plagued by a mythical female ghost, allows Rao to flex his comedic muscles, proving his range extends beyond serious roles.
**8. Badhaai Do (2022)**
“Badhaai Do” marks another significant chapter in Rajkummar Rao’s career, where he takes on the role of Shardul Thakur, a gay police officer grappling with his sexual identity within the constraints of societal and familial expectations. Rao’s performance in navigating these internal conflicts enriches the film’s narrative, highlighting his capacity for bringing complex characters to life.
**9. Monica, O My Darling (2022)**
“Monica, O My Darling,” an ode to neo-noir films, features Rajkummar Rao as Jayant Arkhedkar, a robotics expert embroiled in a crime plot. This film delves into the chaos that ensues from a ‘perfect murder’ scheme, offering Rao a platform to explore darker, more convoluted scenarios with finesse.
**10. Srikanth (2024)**
“Srikanth,” an inspiring tale of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla who founded Bollant Industries, sees Rajkummar Rao portray the life of a visually impaired individual overcoming numerous challenges. The film, which highlights Bolla’s endeavors to employ differently-abled and unskilled workers, reflects the actor’s commitment to elevating profound, real-life stories through cinema.
As Rajkummar Rao celebrates his birthday and continues his journey in the cinematic world, these memorable performances showcase his evolution as an actor. With an impressive repertoire, Rao stands as a testament to dedication, versatility, and artistic brilliance in Bollywood.
