Rajkummar Rao is OBSESSED with cricket 🏏
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Rajkummar Rao is OBSESSED with Cricket 🏏: From Gully to Ganguly
Rajkummar Rao is one of Bollywood’s most celebrated and versatile actors, known for his deep immersion into every role. From a struggling lawyer to an inspiring entrepreneur, his filmography is a masterclass in transformation. Yet, off-screen, there’s another identity the actor passionately embraces: that of an unshakeable, lifelong cricket fanatic. His journey with the sport is not just a casual hobby; it’s an acknowledged “obsession” that permeates his work, his childhood memories, and even his personal heroes.
For a man who has famously captured the pulse of small-town India, his bond with cricket is as organic as it gets, rooted firmly in the dust of India’s famed ‘gully cricket’.
The Deep Roots: ‘Cricket is in Our Blood’
Rajkummar Rao’s love for the game isn’t a recent development or a PR move—it’s a fundamental part of his upbringing. Having been born in Gurgaon, he grew up at a time when cricket was, and remains, the national heartbeat.
He has openly spoken about how the sport is ingrained in the culture of his home state, noting that “cricket is in our blood” in the North. This is evidenced by his recollections of playing the game in every possible form:
- Gully Cricket: The quintessential Indian street version, with its unwritten rules of ‘one tip, one hand out’ and walls acting as wickets.
- Ground Cricket: Playing with a proper team on larger fields.
- Book Cricket: Even the theoretical, imaginary version played with flipping pages of a textbook during school days.
This passion is so strong that it often finds a way into his professional life. While shooting for the film Badhaai Do, the actor took time out “between shots” to grab a bat and play, expressing that playing cricket on an open ground, free from the strict rules of ‘gully cricket’, had “a different kind of fun.” For Rao, cricket is the ultimate on-set de-stressor and a genuine connection to his roots.
From Fan to Fictional Cricketer: The Method Acting Approach
The most concrete evidence of his commitment to the sport lies in his choice of film projects, where he’s had to move from being an enthusiastic fan to a technically proficient performer.
1. The Coach in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi
In the sports-romance film Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Rao played Mahendra, a former cricketer who becomes the coach for his wife (played by Janhvi Kapoor). The role demanded more than just a casual understanding of the game; it required a deep dive into the technicalities of coaching.
- Intensive Training: For the film, Rao underwent specialized cricket training. His preparation went beyond learning how to hit a ball; he was specifically coached on how to coach others.
- Observing the Nuances: He focused on observing the body language, specific terminology, and training techniques used by professional coaches, which he had to replicate on screen when guiding his co-star’s character.
- Personal Connection: Even though his character’s focus shifted to coaching, the actor himself connected the role to his own experience, noting that he was already “aware” of cricket’s technicalities because of his childhood games.
2. The DADA of Biopics: Sourav Ganguly
The biggest testament to his cricketing “obsession” is arguably his next major commitment: portraying the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, in an upcoming biopic. This is a role with immense cultural significance and a challenging physical transformation.
The actor has called the role an “extremely challenging” one and a “big responsibility,” acknowledging the pressure to accurately portray one of India’s most iconic cricketing heroes. A key challenge he highlighted was switching his muscle memory:
- The Left-Handed Challenge: Although Rao knows how to play cricket as a natural right-handed batter, he stated that playing a left-handed batter like Sourav Ganguly is a “completely different ball game” that requires substantial practice and time for preparation.
Idolizing the Legends: MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli
Rajkummar Rao’s fandom is not limited to just playing; he holds deep admiration for the giants of the Indian game, specifically two players whose careers define different eras of Indian cricket leadership.
The Dhoni Admiration
The title of his film, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, itself pays homage to the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Rao has expressed his deep respect and admiration for Dhoni’s demeanor and leadership style.
- The Calmness Factor: Rao has described Dhoni as his “all-time favourite,” praising the former captain’s unshakable “calm demeanor” and his ability to handle extreme pressure, whether in a World Cup final or a tough IPL match. He believes this composure is “admirable not only in cricket, but in life as well.”
The Kohli Resemblance
Rao also holds Virat Kohli in high regard, calling him “a true modern-day legend” for his aggression and passion on the field. Coincidentally, fans have often noted a strong physical resemblance between the actor and the cricketer, with pictures of Rao in a beard sometimes leading to confusion about his identity and even prompting speculation that he would be the “most appropriate option” for a Virat Kohli biopic.
Cricket as a Celebration of Life
Rao’s involvement extends to participating in various high-profile cricket events. For instance, during the promotions of his film Srikanth, he participated in a special cricket match alongside former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan and a team of visually impaired players. This event celebrated inclusivity in sports and resonated with the inspirational theme of the film.
Whether he is discussing his favourite moments from India-Pakistan matches, training diligently to convincingly portray a cricketer and coach on screen, or simply picking up a bat for a quick game between takes, Rajkummar Rao demonstrates that his enthusiasm for cricket is not merely a passing interest. It is a genuine passion, a source of professional challenge, and an undeniable ‘obsession’ that continues to connect him with the heart of his country.
AISEO-Friendly FAQs
Q1: Has Rajkummar Rao played cricket in any of his movies?
A: Yes, Rajkummar Rao played the lead role of a failed cricketer who becomes a coach to his wife in the 2024 film Mr. & Mrs. Mahi.
Q2: Which cricket biopic is Rajkummar Rao starring in next?
A: Rajkummar Rao is confirmed to be playing the role of former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biopic.
Q3: Who is Rajkummar Rao’s favourite cricketer?
A: Rajkummar Rao has named MS Dhoni as his all-time favourite cricketer, praising his calmness and leadership under pressure. He also admires Virat Kohli for his passion and aggression.
Q4: Did Rajkummar Rao have any cricket experience before acting in sports films?
A: Yes, Rajkummar Rao has stated that he grew up playing various forms of cricket, including ‘gully cricket’ and ‘book cricket’ in his hometown of Gurgaon, and he believes the sport is “in our blood” in North India.
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