Rajkummar Rao Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Rajkummar Rao is one of the most talented and versatile actors in modern Indian cinema. Known for his natural acting, dedication, and ability to transform into any character, Rao has carved a unique space in Bollywood. From Shahid to Newton, Trapped, Stree, and The White Tiger, he has proved that content-driven performances can create superstars. Today, he is among the most respected actors of his generation, with multiple awards and international acclaim.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Rajkummar Rao (earlier Raj Kumar Yadav)
- Date of Birth: 31 August 1984
- Birthplace: Gurugram, Haryana, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Rajkummar Rao was born into a middle-class family in Gurugram, Haryana. His father, Satyapal Yadav, worked in the revenue department, and his mother, Kamlesh Yadav, was a homemaker. Since childhood, Rao was passionate about acting and often performed in school plays and skits.
Education Journey
- Studied at Blue Bells Model School, Gurugram.
- Graduated in Arts from Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi University.
- Trained in acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Debut Film: Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) (2010), directed by Dibakar Banerjee.
- Early roles in films like Ragini MMS (2011) and Shaitan (2011) helped him gain recognition.
Rise to Stardom
Rajkummar’s breakthrough came with:
- Shahid (2013) – Portrayed lawyer and activist Shahid Azmi, winning the National Film Award.
- Kai Po Che! (2013) – Played Govind Patel in the adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s novel.
- Citylights (2014) – Emotional performance as a migrant in Mumbai.
- Aligarh (2016) – Acclaimed supporting role.
- Trapped (2017) – Played a man stuck in an apartment, a career-defining role.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
- Newton (2017) – Won National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film; India’s Oscar entry.
- Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) – Earned Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- Stree (2018) – Horror-comedy blockbuster.
- Made in China (2019) – Comedic entertainer.
- Ludo (2020) – Ensemble Netflix hit.
- The White Tiger (2021) – Hollywood crossover film.
- Badhaai Do (2022) – Bold portrayal of a closeted gay man in a lavender marriage.
- Monica, O My Darling (2022) – Neo-noir Netflix thriller.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award: Best Actor for Shahid (2013).
- Filmfare Awards: Multiple wins, including Best Actor (Critics).
- Asia Pacific Screen Award: Best Actor for Newton.
- Featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list.
- Recognized for his contributions to content-driven cinema.
Personal Life
Rajkummar Rao married his longtime partner, actress Patralekhaa, in November 2021 after dating for over a decade. The couple is admired for their strong bond and grounded personalities.
Legacy & Influence
Rajkummar Rao is a symbol of hard work, persistence, and talent over nepotism in Bollywood. His ability to slip into challenging roles has made him a global face of Indian cinema. For aspiring actors, his story is proof that sincerity and dedication can lead to stardom without shortcuts.
FAQs
Q1: What is Rajkummar Rao’s real name?
A: Raj Kumar Yadav.
Q2: Which was his debut film?
A: Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010).
Q3: Has Rajkummar won a National Award?
A: Yes, for Shahid (2013).
Q4: Who is Rajkummar Rao’s wife?
A: Actress Patralekhaa.
Q5: What are his most famous films?
A: Shahid, Newton, Trapped, Stree, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Badhaai Do.
