This year, Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has been constantly in the spotlight with three major releases and an array of upcoming projects, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most diligent and reliable stars.
Rajkummar Rao, who celebrates his birthday on August 31, was born Rajkumar Yadav. He made his acting debut in “Love Sex Aur Dhokha” back in 2010. Since then, he has meticulously carved out a niche for himself, becoming one of the most versatile actors in the film industry. Let’s take a closer look at ten of his best films that you might have missed but are essential to understanding his journey as an actor.
**1. Shahid (2012)**
“Shahid” is an indelible landmark in Rajkummar Rao’s career, bringing him to the limelight as one of Bollywood’s finest actors. Directed by Hansal Mehta, this drama revolves around Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights activist. Rao’s portrayal of Shahid’s life, embodying his struggles and triumphs, earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor. His performance set a high standard in Indian cinema, demonstrating an intense commitment to his craft.
**2. Kai Po Che! (2013)**
In “Kai Po Che!”, Rajkummar Rao showcased his nascent but brilliant acting skills. Adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, the film features Rao as Govind, a pragmatic individual with lofty dreams. His role, marked by sincerity and conviction, revealed the essence of his character’s dreams and friendships. “Kai Po Che!” was instrumental in heralding Rajkummar Rao’s promising career, laying the groundwork for future unforgettable performances.
**3. Aligarh (2015)**
“Aligarh” tells the poignant story of a Marathi professor (played by Manoj Bajpayee) suspended from the Aligarh Muslim University on moral grounds. Rajkummar Rao stars as a journalist sympathetic to the professor’s plight, who brings his case to court. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards for its sensitive portrayal.
**4. Trapped (2016)**
“Trapped” is another remarkable film highlighting Rajkummar Rao’s remarkable acting prowess. In this survival thriller, he plays Shaurya, a man trapped in an apartment without basic necessities like food, water, or electricity. Rao’s commendable performance brought the harrowing experience to life, cementing his reputation for versatility and dedication.
**5. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)**
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and based on Nicolas Barreau’s novel “The Ingredients of Love,” “Bareilly Ki Barfi” stars Rajkummar Rao as Pritam Vidrohi.
. The narrative centers on Bitti (played by Kriti Sanon), a free-spirited girl, and her quest to meet her favorite author, Pritam. Rao’s amusing portrayal added a unique flavor to the delightful film.
**6. Newton (2017)**
“Newton,” a satirical realist film, showcased Rajkummar Rao’s impressive range as an actor. Directed by Amit V. Masurkar, the movie features Rao as Newton Kumar, a government clerk committed to conducting a free and fair election in a conflict-ridden area. His nuanced performance, balancing idealism and humor, was commendable and garnered admiration from both audiences and critics.
**7. Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024)**
Showcasing his versatility, Rajkummar Rao shone in the horror-comedy “Stree” and its sequel “Stree 2.” Playing Vicky, a skilled tailor in a small town haunted by a mysterious female ghost, Rao brought humor and depth to the film, making it a critical and commercial success.
**8. Badhaai Do (2022)**
In “Badhaai Do,” Rajkummar Rao played Shardul Thakur, a gay police officer grappling with his sexual orientation while hiding it from society and his family. His portrayal of internal conflict and societal pressures adds a nuanced layer to the character, highlighting his exceptional talent.
**9. Monica, O My Darling (2022)**
“Monica, O My Darling” is a neo-noir film paying homage to the perfect-but-failed plans genre. Rajkummar Rao stars as Jayant Arkhedkar, a robotics expert who masterminds the perfect murder plan with the help of his quirky colleagues. The film underscores his ability to portray complex characters.
**10. Srikanth (2024)**
“Srikanth” narrates the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, who founded Bollant Industries, employing unskilled and differently-abled individuals. Born visually impaired, Srikanth’s life story symbolizes resilience and innovation. Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal in this biopic honors Bolla’s remarkable voyage, adding another significant role to his diverse portfolio.
Rajkummar Rao, who celebrates his birthday on August 31, has come a long way since his debut. With three major releases in 2024 alone, he continues to prove himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars. His journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for his craft, guarantees that audiences will see much more of his remarkable talent in the years to come.
