Rajkummar Rao, one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood today, got candid in the latest episode of In The Ring With Filmfare, hosted by Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief, Jitesh Pillaai. Known for films like Shahid, Stree, Aligarh, and Badhaai Do, Rajkummar opened up about his journey, his discomfort with fame’s digital side, and the personal experiences that shaped his craft.
Reflecting on his early life in Gurgaon, Rajkummar recalled a childhood full of freedom and mischief. “I was always outdoors with my friends, meeting all kinds of people. All those experiences helped me become an actor,” he shared. If he could go back in time, he’d simply tell his younger self, “You’re on the right track. Keep going.”
Despite his fame, Rajkummar admits he’s not a fan of the constant spotlight social media brings. “Given a chance, I’d quit social media any day,” he said honestly. “I miss the mystery around actors. Now, everything’s out there, what we eat, where we are, what we wear. I only use Instagram for work, and that’s it.”
His time at FTII remains one of the most memorable chapters of his life. He fondly recalled moments with legends like Jaya Bachchan and Irrfan Khan, describing them as sources of deep inspiration. “With Irrfan sir, we were like kids watching a magician. His presence was unforgettable.”
Talking about Badhaai Do, Rajkummar revealed how the role offered him a chance to explore the emotional complexity of love and identity. “The script was about love at its core. It made me realize how lonely and difficult the journey can be for the LGBTQ+ community,” he said. “All I had to do was bring that honesty and emotion to the screen.”
Rajkummar also teased his upcoming film Maalik, a role he describes as powerful and unlike anything he’s done before. “It’s raw, rugged, and full of swag. Just standing there, the character commands attention. That’s what drew me in.”
He ended the interview by sharing his love story with wife Patralekhaa, a real-life fairytale that began with a Tata Docomo ad and turned into a lifelong bond. “Getting married didn’t change much,” he smiled. “But yes, it’s beautiful.”
