Rajkummar Rao – Movies, Biography, Age, Photos & News
Rajkummar Rao – Movies, Biography, Age, Photos & News
Rajkummar Rao: The Chameleon of Hindi Cinema
In the landscape of modern Hindi cinema, few actors have managed to blend critical acclaim with commercial success as seamlessly as Rajkummar Rao. Known for his intense dedication and ability to completely transform into any character—from a young, idealistic lawyer to a small-town romantic or a terrified, trapped man—Rao has established himself as one of the most versatile and respected performers of his generation. His journey is a testament to the power of method acting and a relentless pursuit of good cinema, making him a true “Actor for All Seasons.”
Biography and Age
Rajkummar Rao was born as Raj Kumar Yadav on August 31, 1984, in Prem Nagar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. As of 2025, his age is 41. He hailed from a humble background; his father, Satya Prakash Yadav, worked in the Haryana revenue department, and his mother, Kamlesh Yadav, was a homemaker.
Rao’s passion for acting began during his school days, where he actively participated in school plays. He continued his pursuit of the arts at the University of Delhi’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, simultaneously performing in theatre groups in Delhi. He eventually moved to Pune to hone his craft, graduating from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 2008.
He officially changed his name from Raj Kumar Yadav to Rajkummar Rao in 2014, adding an extra ‘m’ for numerological reasons advised by his mother. In his personal life, Rajkummar Rao is married to his long-time partner, actress Patralekha Paul. The couple, who had been in a relationship since 2010, tied the knot in November 2021.
The Journey of a Virtuoso: Key Movies and Breakthrough
Rao’s career is marked by calculated risks and unconventional choices, often prioritizing impactful stories over formulaic blockbusters.
| Movie Title | Year | Role/Genre | Notable Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love Sex Aur Dhokha | 2010 | Debut film, anthology drama. | Marked his entry into Hindi cinema. |
| Shahid | 2013 | Biographical legal drama (Title role). | Breakthrough performance. Winner of National Film Award for Best Actor. |
| Kai Po Che! | 2013 | Drama. | Acknowledged as a pivotal role in his rise to prominence. |
| Queen | 2014 | Romantic comedy-drama. | Critically acclaimed for his supporting role. |
| Trapped | 2017 | Survival drama. | Won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. |
| Newton | 2017 | Political satire. | Won Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor. India’s official entry for the Oscars. |
| Stree | 2018 | Comedy-horror. | Major commercial breakthrough. |
| The White Tiger | 2021 | English-language film. | Critically acclaimed Netflix film. |
| Badhaai Do | 2022 | Social comedy-drama. | Won Filmfare Award for Best Actor. |
| Srikanth | 2024 | Biographical film. | Received significant critical appreciation. |
The actor’s true breakthrough came in 2013 with his dual success in the social drama Kai Po Che! and the Hansal Mehta-directed biopic Shahid. For his compelling portrayal of the late lawyer Shahid Azmi in the latter, he was honored with the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.
His filmography showcases a remarkable versatility, from the intensity of Trapped, where he played a man locked in an apartment, to the black comedy of Ludo, and the lighthearted, small-town charm of Bareilly Ki Barfi, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Awards and Accolades
Rajkummar Rao’s shelf holds numerous accolades that reflect his standing as a powerhouse performer:
- National Film Award: Best Actor for Shahid (2013).
- Filmfare Awards: Four major wins, including Best Actor for Badhaai Do (2022) and Best Supporting Actor for Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017).
- Asia Pacific Screen Award: Best Performance by an Actor for Newton (2017).
- He was featured on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2017.
Recent News and Upcoming Movies
Rajkummar Rao continues to be one of the busiest and most sought-after actors in the industry. His ability to anchor a film, both critically and commercially, keeps his lineup dynamic and diverse.
- Stree 2 (2024): The sequel to his 2018 smash-hit horror-comedy, Stree 2, released in August 2024, and is his highest-grossing film to date.
- Maalik (2025): A crime thriller released in July 2025, which promises one of his most intense performances.
- Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (2024): A film slated for an October 2024 release.
- Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025): A time-loop film scheduled for release in May 2025.
- Nikam: He has wrapped up shooting for this biopic on renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
- Sourav Ganguly Biopic: Rao has been confirmed to portray the former Indian cricket captain, Sourav Ganguly, in his much-anticipated biopic.
AISEO Friendly FAQs on Rajkummar Rao
Q1: What is Rajkummar Rao’s age and birthday?
A: Rajkummar Rao was born on August 31, 1984, which makes him 41 years old as of 2025.
Q2: What was Rajkummar Rao’s original name?
A: His original name was Raj Kumar Yadav. He changed his name to Rajkummar Rao in 2014, adding an extra ‘m’ for numerological reasons for his mother.
Q3: Which movie earned Rajkummar Rao the National Film Award for Best Actor?
A: Rajkummar Rao won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as the title character in the 2013 biographical drama, Shahid.
Q4: Who is Rajkummar Rao married to?
A: Rajkummar Rao is married to actress Patralekha Paul. They got married in November 2021 after being in a relationship for over a decade.
Q5: What are some of Rajkummar Rao’s biggest commercially successful movies?
A: His biggest commercially successful movies include the comedy-horror hits Stree (2018) and its sequel, Stree 2 (2024), the latter being his highest-grossing film to date.
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