RA RA RAO!

If there's a name that resonates with reinvention, it's Rajkumar Rao. The actor chats to khush about determination, Box Office success, and why he doesn't surround himself with "yea men"...

Rajkummar Rao is slowly but surely, shaking up Bollywood’s film industry. Truly dedicated to his acting, he has always concentrated on what characters bring to a film plot. This chameleon-like craft has enabled him to portray unique roles with absolute ease. Every year, he’s gone from strength to strength proving that hard work and determination are the only ingredients to success.

This year especially has been a great one for Rajkummar. Films such as Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Judgementall Hai Kya have not only wowed the critics, but cemented his position as an actor who’s not afraid to take risks. His repertoire consists of both critically acclaimed and commercially loved films, and how could we forget that 2018 gave him the most profitable film of the year – Stree.

And that’s not all! We’ll soon see him in action in the release of an anticipated Netflix adaptation of an award-winning novel. With such an exciting line up, with the slated release of Turram Khan and RoohiAfza, he is all set to take 2020 head on, to ensure he truly is the Rajkummar of Bollywood!

What means more to you critical acclamation or box office success?

It’s a tough one! Box office success means that producers will invest more time and money in the interesting stories I want to tell, but at the end of the day it’s also a business. Whereas, critical acclaim helps me with the kind of validation that will empower me to continue working on my art. It’s difficult to pick one over the other, but when a film like Stree comes along, which is both, it surely does make me feel jubilant!