Rajkummar Rao: A Versatile Journey in Hindi Cinema Rajkummar Rao, born Raj Kumar Yadav on August 31, 1984, has established himself as a leading figure in Hindi cinema known for his diverse roles and critically acclaimed performances. His career, spanning over a decade, showcases a remarkable range across independent and commercial films. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, Rao's debut in Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010) marked the beginning of a prolific career. While he initially took on supporting roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 2 and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (both 2012), his breakthrough arrived with Kai Po Che! and Shahid (2013). His powerful portrayal of Shahid Azmi in the latter earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. Subsequent roles in Queen (2014), Aligarh (2015), and Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) further solidified his reputation. His lead roles in Trapped (2016) and Newton (2017) garnered critical acclaim, with the latter winning him the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor. Stree (2018) brought him mainstream success, followed by notable performances in Ludo (2020), The White Tiger (2021), Monica, O My Darling (2022), Bheed (2023), and Srikanth (2024). His portrayal of a closeted gay man in Badhaai Do (2022) won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His latest release, Stree 2 (2024), marks his highest-grossing film to date. Rao's career is defined by his commitment to diverse characters and his ability to seamlessly transition between genres. His numerous awards and consistent critical praise cement his position as one of Hindi cinema's most respected and versatile actors. He is married to actress Patralekha Paul.
