Rajkummar Rao
{{Short description|Indian actor (born 1984)}}
{{Redirect|Raj Kumar Yadav|the politician|Raj Kumar Yadav (politician)}}
{{Redirect|Rajkumar Yadav|the Indian politician|Raju Yadav}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2023}}
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{{Infobox person
| name = Rajkummar Rao
| image = Actor_Rajkummar_Rao.jpg
| caption = Rao in 2023
| alt = Rajkumar Rao in 2023
| birth_name = Raj Kumar Yadav
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1984|08|31}}
| birth_place = Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| yearsactive = 2010–present
| alma_mater = Film and Television Institute of India
| other_names =
| spouse = {{marriage|Patralekha|2021}}
| occupation = Actor
| works = Full list
| awards = Full list
}}
Rajkummar Rao (born Raj Kumar Yadav; 31 August 1984) is an Indian actor. A versatile actor in Hindi cinema since the early 2010s, he is known for his performances in over thirty films across a wide spectrum of genres in both independent and commercial cinema. He is the recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards and an Asia Pacific Screen Award. In 2017, he appeared on Forbes India{{'}}s Celebrity 100 list.
After studying acting at the Film and Television Institute of India, Rao made his acting debut with the anthology film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010) and took on supporting roles in the films Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (both 2012). He had his breakthrough in 2013 with critically acclaimed performances in the dramas Kai Po Che! and Shahid. His portrayal of lawyer Shahid Azmi in the latter won him the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.
Rao's career progressed with supporting roles in Queen (2014), Aligarh (2015), and Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), with the latter winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He had lead roles in the independent films Trapped (2016) and Newton (2017), with the former winning him his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor and the latter earning him the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor. Rao had his biggest success to that point in the comedy horror film Stree (2018), and his first English-film role in the satire The White Tiger (2021).
Further praise came for his starring roles in Ludo (2020), Monica, O My Darling (2022), Bheed (2023), and Srikanth (2024). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for starring as a closeted gay man in Badhaai Do (2022). Following a series of commercial failures, he found success with the sequel Stree 2 (2024) and the fantasy film Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025), the former of which ranks as his highest-grossing release, although he faced criticism for repeatedly playing similar roles. Rao is married to actress Patralekha.
Early and personal life
Rajkummar Rao was born as Raj Kumar Yadav on 31 August 1984 in Prem Nagar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.{{Cite news |last=Kukreja |first=Monica |date=31 August 2017 |title=Happy birthday Rajkummar Rao: Actor recalls best gift; an army uniform his mom got him |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-rajkummar-rao-actor-recalls-best-gift-an-army-uniform-his-mom-got-him/story-Wp6p6elzCUeBjAre8LTOyO.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918091007/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/happy-birthday-rajkummar-rao-actor-recalls-best-gift-an-army-uniform-his-mom-got-him/story-Wp6p6elzCUeBjAre8LTOyO.html |archive-date=18 September 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Jhunjhunwala, Udita |date=18 February 2013 |title=Raj Kumar : Making of an actor |work=Mint |url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PyEzXexX2NvUGJ4fEGmo8K/Raj-Kumar-Yadav--Making-of-an-actor.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210173950/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/PyEzXexX2NvUGJ4fEGmo8K/Raj-Kumar-Yadav--Making-of-an-actor.html |archive-date=10 December 2017}} He had two older siblings and three cousins in his extended family. His father, Satya Prakash Yadav,{{Cite web |title=सिटी लाइट्स की सहअभिनेत्री पत्रलेखा पहुंचीं राजकुमार के घर |url=https://www.jagran.com/haryana/gurgaon-raj-kumar-rao-19554776.html |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527071501/https://www.jagran.com/haryana/gurgaon-raj-kumar-rao-19554776.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=6 September 2019 |title=Rajkummar Rao's father, Satyapal Yadav, dies at 60 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-s-father-satyapal-yadav-dies-at-60/story-GpW7DMXgksb1HBxuGi4vuM.html |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |archive-date=10 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160316/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-s-father-satyapal-yadav-dies-at-60/story-GpW7DMXgksb1HBxuGi4vuM.html |url-status=live }} was a government employee in the Haryana revenue department, and his mother, Kamlesh Yadav, a homemaker.{{Cite news |last=Bhatia |first=Uday |date=19 August 2017 |title=Rajkummar Rao, our man on screen |work=Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/XA9Yq6bbAYucbv1g4G61OL/Rajkummar-Rao-our-man-on-screen.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725234802/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/XA9Yq6bbAYucbv1g4G61OL/Rajkummar-Rao-our-man-on-screen.html |archive-date=25 July 2019}} His mother and father died in 2016 and 2019 respectively.{{Cite news |date=19 March 2016 |title=Rajkummar Rao pens emotional tribute to late mother |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-pens-emotional-tribute-to-late-mother/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230040508/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-pens-emotional-tribute-to-late-mother/ |archive-date=30 December 2022}}{{Cite news |date=6 September 2019 |title=Rajkummar Rao's father, Satyapal Yadav, dies at 60 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-s-father-satyapal-yadav-dies-at-60/story-GpW7DMXgksb1HBxuGi4vuM.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160316/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-s-father-satyapal-yadav-dies-at-60/story-GpW7DMXgksb1HBxuGi4vuM.html |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He completed his 12th standard from S.N. Sidheshwar Senior. Sec Public School, where he participated in school plays.{{Cite news |last=Nagpaul |first=Dipti |date=26 May 2014 |title=For two years, my teachers paid my school fees: Rajkummar Rao |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-from-a-regular-guy-to-a-national-award-winner/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160316/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-from-a-regular-guy-to-a-national-award-winner/ |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He graduated from The Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, (University of Delhi) where he was simultaneously doing theatre with Kshitij Theatre Group and the Shri Ram Centre in Delhi.
File:Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha snapped at the Lakme Fashion Week 2024 (cropped).jpg ]]
Rao said that he decided to become an actor after seeing Manoj Bajpayee and being "highly influenced" by his performance. In 2008, he graduated in the acting course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and moved to Mumbai to pursue a film career.{{Cite web |date=12 June 2013 |title="I still don't get car parking in my society" – Raj Kumar Yadav |url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-still-dont-get-car-parking-in-my-society-raj-kumar-yadav-3407.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615013156/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-still-dont-get-car-parking-in-my-society-raj-kumar-yadav-3407.html |archive-date=15 June 2013 |access-date=12 June 2013 |website=Filmfare}} Rao is a vegetarian.{{Cite news |date=6 March 2017 |title=When Strict Vegetarian Rajkummar Rao Had To Eat Non-Veg Fare! |work=Mid-Day |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/strict-vegetarian-rajkummar-rao-eat-non-veg-vikramaditya-motwanes-trapped-bollywood-news/18046182 |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160318/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/strict-vegetarian-rajkummar-rao-eat-non-veg-vikramaditya-motwanes-trapped-bollywood-news/18046182 |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He changed his surname to Rao from Yadav in 2014 and also added an extra 'm' to his name. He said the reason for this was, "Rao or Yadav, I can use either of the surnames as both are family names. As far as the double 'm' in the first name is concerned, it's for my mother. She believes in numerology".{{Cite news |last=Vyavahare |first=Renuka |date=5 February 2014 |title=Why Rajkumar Yadav became Rajkummar Rao |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Why-Rajkumar-Yadav-became-Rajkummar-Rao/articleshow/29858459.cms |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160317/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Why-Rajkumar-Yadav-became-Rajkummar-Rao/articleshow/29858459.cms |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He is formally trained in taekwondo.{{Cite news |date=2018-10-25 |title=Rajkummar Rao: Not many people know that I am a trained martial artist and I know Taekwondo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-not-many-people-know-that-i-am-a-trained-martial-artist-and-i-know-taekwondo/articleshow/66362476.cms |access-date=2024-12-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
Rao began dating actress Patralekha in 2010.{{Cite news |date=31 August 2021 |title=Rajkummar Rao's ladylove Patralekhaa pens heartfelt note on his birthday, shares romantic picture with actor |work=The Hindu Times |url=https://thehindutimes.com/entertainment/story/rajkummar-raos-ladylove-patralekhaa-pens-heartfelt-note-on-his-birthday-shares-romantic-picture-with-actor-001418 |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831140148/https://thehindutimes.com/entertainment/story/rajkummar-raos-ladylove-patralekhaa-pens-heartfelt-note-on-his-birthday-shares-romantic-picture-with-actor-001418 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=24 January 2019 |title=Patralekhaa Opens Up on Dating Rajkummar Rao for 8 Years, Shares How the Two Fell For Each Other |work=News18 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/patralekhaa-opens-up-on-dating-rajkummar-rao-for-8-years-shares-how-the-two-fell-for-each-other-2012205.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208060636/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/patralekhaa-opens-up-on-dating-rajkummar-rao-for-8-years-shares-how-the-two-fell-for-each-other-2012205.html |archive-date=8 February 2019}} They married on 15 November 2021 in Chandigarh.{{Cite web |date=16 November 2021 |title=Rajkummar Rao-Patralekhaa wedding outfits: लाल जोड़े में पत्रलेखा-सिल्क कुर्ते में राजकुमार राव, कपल के वेडिंग आउटफिट पर फिदा हुए फैंस |url=https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/rajkummar-rao-and-patralekhaa-beautiful-wedding-outfits-photos-designed-by-sabyasachi-know-details-tmov-1357751-2021-11-16 |access-date=16 November 2021 |website=Aaj Tak |language=hi |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008072408/https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/rajkummar-rao-and-patralekhaa-beautiful-wedding-outfits-photos-designed-by-sabyasachi-know-details-tmov-1357751-2021-11-16 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=15 November 2021 |title=Rajkummar Rao marries Patralekhaa in Chandigarh, see first set of dreamy pics from the wedding |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/rajkummar-rao-marries-patralekhaa-in-chandigarh-see-first-pic-1875901-2021-11-15 |website=India Today |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115140016/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/rajkummar-rao-marries-patralekhaa-in-chandigarh-see-first-pic-1875901-2021-11-15 |url-status=live }}
Career
= Early work (2010–2012) =
File:Raj Yadav.jpg in 2011]]
After graduating from the FTII in 2008, Rao spent the next year visiting studios and meeting casting directors. He made a brief, uncredited appearance as a news reader in Ram Gopal Varma's 2010 political thriller Rann.{{Cite web |title=Rajkummar Rao reveals he did a 3-second role in Amitabh Bachchan's film Rann. KBC 13 promo |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/rajkummar-rao-reveals-he-did-a-3-second-role-in-amitabh-bachchan-s-film-rann-kbc-13-promo-1869722-2021-10-26 |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707203906/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/rajkummar-rao-reveals-he-did-a-3-second-role-in-amitabh-bachchan-s-film-rann-kbc-13-promo-1869722-2021-10-26 |url-status=live }} Upon reading a newspaper advertisement that mentioned Dibakar Banerjee was looking for newcomers for his found footage anthology film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), he auditioned for the film and was selected.{{Cite web |last=Jagannathan, Sahithya |author-link=Sahithya Jagannathan |date=18 June 2011 |title=I would love to be born as Marlon Brando |url=http://tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=hub180611psychologies.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312041225/http://tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=hub180611psychologies.asp |archive-date=12 March 2012 |access-date=13 December 2017 |website=Tehelka Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 24}} The film consists of three stories; Rao appears in the second story opposite Neha Chauhan. He played Adarsh, a supermarket supervisor who cons an employee into sleeping with him so he can record the act on a hidden camera and sell it. To prepare for the role, he had to lose {{convert|6|kg}} in a month.{{Cite news |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=12 April 2010 |title=The Role Call |work=Outlook |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-role-call/264903 |url-status=live |access-date=12 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513151936/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-role-call/264903 |archive-date=13 May 2018}} The film and Rao's performance met with critical acclaim.{{Cite news |date=21 March 2010 |title=LSD gets a thumbs up from critics |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/big-ticket/video/lsd-gets-a-thumbs-up-from-critics-1139927-2010-03-21 |url-status=live |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516103035/https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/big-ticket/video/lsd-gets-a-thumbs-up-from-critics-1139927-2010-03-21 |archive-date=16 May 2018}} It also emerged as a profitable box-office venture.{{Cite web |title=Love Sex aur Dhokha |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/525520 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924022822/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/525520 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=31 May 2015 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}
After the success of his debut film, producer Ekta Kapoor offered Rao the lead role in the found-footage horror film Ragini MMS (2011). Initially reluctant to accept the role due to its similarity to his previous work, he eventually agreed at the insistence of casting director Atul Mongia. Despite its unfavorable critical response, the film was a box-office success.{{Cite web |title=Ragini MMS |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ragini_mms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160333/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ragini_mms |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}{{Cite web |title=Ragini MMS |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/circuit_collection.php?movieid=62&cityid=118&area=domestic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160345/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/circuit_collection.php?movieid=62&cityid=118&area=domestic |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |publisher=Box Office India}} His next release was Bejoy Nambiar's crime thriller Shaitan (2011), in which he played a corrupt police officer.{{Cite web |title=Shaitan is more SprayTan than Satan |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-shaitan/20110610.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612231723/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-shaitan/20110610.htm |archive-date=12 June 2011 |access-date=10 June 2011 |website=Rediff.com}} Raja Sen, who was critical of the film, praised Rao's performance, describing him as "reliably terrific".{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=10 June 2011 |title=Review: Shaitan is more SprayTan than Satan |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-shaitan/20110610.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612231723/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-shaitan/20110610.htm |archive-date=12 June 2011 |access-date=10 June 2011 |website=Rediff.com}}
Impressed by Rao's performance in Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Anurag Kashyap cast him in Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 (2012), the sequel to his crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1. He played the supporting role of Shamshad Alam for which he travelled to Wasseypur to perfect his accent and immerse himself in the character. The film was a critical and commercial success.{{Cite web |title=Gangs of Wasseypur |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/gangs-of-wasseypur |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708182733/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/gangs-of-wasseypur |archive-date=8 July 2018 |access-date=1 August 2020 |publisher=Metacritic}}{{Cite web |title=Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 (2012) |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/553285 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022221504/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/boxoffice/id/553285 |archive-date=22 October 2015 |access-date=3 December 2015 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} His subsequent role was that of independence activist Lokenath Bal in Bedabrata Pain's historical drama Chittagong (2012), which was based on the Chittagong armoury raid.{{Cite web |last=Luce |first=Jim |date=28 June 2012 |title=A Gandhi for Our Age: Indian Film on Independence |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/chittagong-film_b_1571071.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926183123/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-luce/chittagong-film_b_1571071.html |archive-date=26 September 2012 |access-date=13 October 2012 |website=HuffPost}} His final release of the year was in a supporting role in Reema Kagti's thriller Talaash: The Answer Lies Within, where he played a cop.{{Cite web |date=25 June 2012 |title=Talaash: Rajkumar Yadav plays a cop on mission |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/talaash-rajkumar-yadav-plays-a-cop-on-mission-484178.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160352/https://www.news18.com/news/india/talaash-rajkumar-yadav-plays-a-cop-on-mission-484178.html |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=News18}} The film, starring Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji, had worldwide earnings of over ₹1.74 billion (US$24 million) to emerge as the year's eighth highest-grossing Hindi film—Rao's highest-grosser to that point.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2013 |title=Top Ten Worldwide Grossers 2012 |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5301&nCat= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602044123/http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5301&nCat= |archive-date=2 June 2013 |access-date=21 January 2013 |publisher=Box Office India}} Rajeev Masand was appreciative of Rao's performance despite his short appearance.{{Cite web |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |date=30 November 2012 |title=Strangers in the night |url=http://rajeevmasand.com/admin/reviews/our-films/strangers-in-the-night/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160354/http://rajeevmasand.com/admin/reviews/our-films/strangers-in-the-night/ |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=8 December 2012 |website=RajeevMasand.com}}
Rao followed this with the Hansal Mehta-directed biographical drama Shahid, where he plays the title role of late lawyer Shahid Azmi. To prepare for the role, Rao met with Azmi's family to accurately emulate his personality. He also studied the Quran and attended court proceedings to better understand the behaviours of lawyers whilst in court.{{Cite news |date=26 October 2013 |title=Superstars do not guarantee success: Raj Kumar |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/superstars-do-not-guarantee-success-raj-kumar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614172345/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/superstars-do-not-guarantee-success-raj-kumar/ |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The Indian Express}}{{Cite news |date=18 October 2013 |title=Screen Exclusive: In conversation with 'Shahid' director and on screen Shahid Azmi |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/screen-exclusive-in-conversation-with-shahid-director-and-on-screen-shahid-azmi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614171843/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/screen-exclusive-in-conversation-with-shahid-director-and-on-screen-shahid-azmi/ |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The Indian Express}} Rao expressed that he was "emotionally drained" as the character was challenging and complex. The film and his performance met with critical acclaim upon its release.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2013 |title='Shahid' Review Roundup: A Courageous Film that Grips You Till the End |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039shahid-review-roundup-a-courageous-film-that-grips-you-till-the-end-514855 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615190850/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039shahid-review-roundup-a-courageous-film-that-grips-you-till-the-end-514855 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=15 June 2018 |website=International Business Times}} Anupama Chopra called the film Rao's "triumph"; "His Shahid has strength, anguish and a controlled anger, but also real charm".{{Cite news |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=23 October 2013 |title=Movie Review: Shahid by Anupama Chopra |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-shahid-by-anupama-chopra/story-mWzgit5UoDRfc5YMJZmWDP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615190602/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-shahid-by-anupama-chopra/story-mWzgit5UoDRfc5YMJZmWDP.html |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=15 June 2018 |work=Hindustan Times}} The film was also a major box-office success;{{Cite web |date=18 October 2013 |title=Shahid: Box office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/shahid/box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714085155/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/shahid/box-office/ |archive-date=14 July 2018 |access-date=14 July 2018 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Rao received the National Film Award for Best Actor and his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).{{Cite web |date=16 April 2014 |title=61st National Film Awards For 2013 |url=http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181218/http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=16 April 2014 |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals}}{{Cite web |date=25 January 2014 |title=Winners of 59th Idea Filmfare Awards |url=http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-59th-idea-filmfare-awards-5220.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127031218/http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-59th-idea-filmfare-awards-5220.html |archive-date=27 January 2014 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=Filmfare}}
= Breakthrough (2013–2016) =
Abhishek Kapoor's social drama film Kai Po Che! was Rao's first venture in 2013, a role he believed showcased a different facet of his acting abilities.{{Cite web |last=Kathuria |first=Sonal |date=2024-09-02 |title=Rajkummar Rao Reflects on His Journey and Success: From Struggles to Stardom |url=https://www.starbiopic.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-reflects-on-his-journey-and-success-from-struggles-to-stardom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008072409/https://www.starbiopic.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-reflects-on-his-journey-and-success-from-struggles-to-stardom/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Starbiopic |language=en-US}} Co-starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Amit Sadh, the film is based on Chetan Bhagat's 2008 novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life.{{Cite web |last=Udasi |first=Harshikaa |date=9 February 2013 |title=Abhishek Kapoor talks about the making of Kai Po Che |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/abhishek-kapoor-talks-about-the-making-of-kai-po-che/article4397051.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160354/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/abhishek-kapoor-talks-about-the-making-of-kai-po-che/article4397051.ece |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=The Hindu}} The film received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise towards the lead performances.{{Cite web |title=Kai Po Che at Rotten Tomatoes |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kai_po_che/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411134752/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kai_po_che/ |archive-date=11 April 2013 |access-date=11 April 2013 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} Shilpa Jamkhandikar of Deccan Herald felt that Rao stood out and played off the role "beautifully".{{Cite news |last=Jamkhandikar |first=Shilpa |date=20 February 2013 |title=Kai Po Che: Boy bonding at its best |work=Deccan Herald |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/313710/kai-po-che-boy-bonding.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160355/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/313710/kai-po-che-boy-bonding.html |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He received his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.{{Cite web |date=13 January 2014 |title=59th Filmfare Awards Nominations |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-nominations-5138.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072148/https://www.filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-nominations-5138.html |archive-date=23 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2018 |website=Filmfare}} Rao has since credited the success of both Shahid and Kai Po Che! with giving him access to a wider variety of roles. His final release of the year was the unremarkable anthology comedy film Boyss Toh Boyss Hain.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2013 |title=Boyss Toh Boyss Hain |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/boyss-toh-boyss-hain/movie-review/21000512.cms |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928052114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Boyss-Toh-Boyss-Hain/movie-review/21000512.cms |archive-date=28 September 2018}}
The same year, he acted in a short film titled Bombay Mirror directed by Shlok Sharma along with Vijay Maurya.{{Cite news |last=Mangaokar |first=Shalvi |date=2 May 2014 |title=WATCH: Rajkummar Rao's unreleased short film Bombay Mirror |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/watch-rajkummar-rao-s-unreleased-short-film-bombay-mirror/story-C0jM2hGpRJsjaJ4eSsXfOL.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160419/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/watch-rajkummar-rao-s-unreleased-short-film-bombay-mirror/story-C0jM2hGpRJsjaJ4eSsXfOL.html |archive-date=10 September 2020}} He then collaborated with Mehta on his drama film CityLights (2014). Co-starring his wife Patralekha, the film tells the story of a poor farm family from Rajasthan that comes to Mumbai in search of a livelihood.{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Sanjukta |date=30 May 2014 |title=Film Review: CityLights |work=Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/d7BdhG7XEDCPuCQbRvm9QP/Film-Review--Citylights.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803034714/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/d7BdhG7XEDCPuCQbRvm9QP/Film-Review--Citylights.html |archive-date=3 August 2014}} To prepare for the role, Rao lived in the small town of Sadri in the Pali district of Rajasthan for a month, grew a moustache and became well-versed with the dialect. Critics praised the film and Rao's performance. Sweta Kaushal of Hindustan Times wrote that he slips "effortlessly" into the role.{{Cite news |date=31 May 2014 |title=Movie review: Citylights captures the dark side of Mumbai |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-citylights-captures-the-dark-side-of-mumbai/story-klpV9Fn2u7SdLldjlxTejM.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901024718/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-citylights-captures-the-dark-side-of-mumbai/story-klpV9Fn2u7SdLldjlxTejM.html |archive-date=1 September 2017}} It proved to be a moderate financial success.{{Cite news |date=4 June 2014 |title=Citylights Box Office collections: Earns 4.21 at BO |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/Citylights-Box-Office-collections-Earns-4-21-at-BO/articleshow/36037534.cms |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208065835/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/Citylights-Box-Office-collections-Earns-4-21-at-BO/articleshow/36037534.cms |archive-date=8 February 2017}} He then played a brief supporting role as a manipulative fiancé in Kangana Ranaut's comedy-drama Queen. The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and was a critical and commercial success, grossing ₹970 million (US$14 million) worldwide.{{Cite news |date=3 October 2013 |title=Kangana Ranaut's Queen to be premiered at Busan International Film Festival |url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/kangana-ranauts-queen-to-be-premiered-at-busan-international-film-festival-614215 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714230850/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/kangana-ranauts-queen-to-be-premiered-at-busan-international-film-festival-614215 |archive-date=14 July 2017 |access-date=1 August 2020 |publisher=NDTV}}{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Ankita |date=6 March 2014 |title='Queen' Review Roundup: Watch it for Kangana's Superb Performance |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/542085/20140306/queen-movie-reviews-critics-kangana-ranaut-songs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310011304/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/542085/20140306/queen-movie-reviews-critics-kangana-ranaut-songs.htm |archive-date=10 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014 |work=International Business Times}}{{Cite web |date=8 May 2014 |title=Top Ten Worldwide Grossers 2014 |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/toptenworldwidegrossers2014#.U2tUa_mSySo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508150134/http://boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/toptenworldwidegrossers2014 |archive-date=8 May 2014 |access-date=8 May 2014 |publisher=Box Office India}} Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV noted that Rao "brings remarkable restraint to bear upon his interpretation of the disgustingly conservative city slicker who cannot see beyond his nose".{{Cite news |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=8 May 2014 |title=Queen movie review |url=https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/queen-movie-review-933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160355/https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/queen-movie-review-933 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |publisher=NDTV}}
In 2015, Rao appeared in a supporting role in the romantic comedy Dolly Ki Doli, co-starring Sonam K Ahuja, Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma. It met with mixed reviews and emerged as a modest commercial success at the box-office.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2015 |title=Dolly Ki Doli: 1st Tuesday Box Office Collections |url=https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/dolly-ki-doli-1st-tuesday-box-office-collections/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143324/http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/dolly-ki-doli-1st-tuesday-box-office-collections/ |archive-date=17 September 2018 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Koimoi}} He followed this the Mohit Suri-directed romantic drama Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015), in which he played an abusive husband who leaves his wife (played by Vidya Balan).{{Cite news |date=14 July 2015 |title='Hamari Adhuri Kahani' – Movie Review |work=Mid-Day |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/hamari-adhuri-kahani---movie-review/16286150 |url-status=live |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102122/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/hamari-adhuri-kahani---movie-review/16286150 |archive-date=27 March 2019}} He then reunited with Mehta once again in his biographical drama Aligarh. Based on the life of Professor Ramchandra Siras (played by Manoj Bajpayee), Rao portrayed a journalist who attempts to uncover a story. Aligarh met with critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for Bajpayee and Rao's performances. Sukanya Verma called Rao "pitch-perfect" in his role of "inquisitive journalist".{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=26 February 2016 |title=Review: Aligarh is a refreshing and respectful take on homosexuality |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-aligarh-is-a-refreshing-and-respectful-take-on-homosexuality/20160226.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160401/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-aligarh-is-a-refreshing-and-respectful-take-on-homosexuality/20160226.htm |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Rediff.com}} Rao received his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.{{Cite web |title=Nominations for Filmfare Awards 2017 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2017/nominations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160403/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2017/nominations |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Filmfare}}
Rao collaborated with Vikramaditya Motwane for his survival drama Trapped (2016). It tells the story of a man trapped in his apartment without food, water and electricity for days. Rao found the role to be one of his most challenging to date.{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Seema |date=17 March 2017 |title=Rajkummar Rao on Trapped: 'One of my most challenging works to date' |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-on-trapped-one-of-my-most-challenging-works-to-date-3339878.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105071654/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-on-trapped-one-of-my-most-challenging-works-to-date-3339878.html |archive-date=5 January 2018 |access-date=4 January 2018 |website=Firstpost}} In preparation for the film, he had to lose weight and—to maintain it—remained on a carrot and coffee diet throughout the course of filming.{{Cite news |last=Sahani |first=Alaka |date=14 March 2017 |title=Presumptions that we can't come up with an original idea bothers me: Trapped director Vikramaditya Motwane |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/trapped-director-vikramaditya-motwane-rajkummar-rao-4566540/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011515/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/trapped-director-vikramaditya-motwane-rajkummar-rao-4566540/ |archive-date=5 January 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Radhakrishnan |first=Manjusha |date=15 March 2017 |title=Rajkumar Rao locks it in with 'Trapped' |work=Gulf News |url=http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/features/rajkumar-rao-locks-it-in-with-trapped-1.1994456 |url-status=live |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105070234/http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/features/rajkumar-rao-locks-it-in-with-trapped-1.1994456 |archive-date=5 January 2018}} Despite being a vegan, Rao ate meat in some scenes for the first time in his life, as Motwane insisted on realism.{{Cite news |date=2 March 2017 |title=Vegeterian [sic] Rajkummar Rao had to eat meat for 'Trapped'! |work=Times Now |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/article/vegeterian-rajkummar-rao-had-to-eat-meat-for-trapped/151791 |url-status=live |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063641/http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/article/vegeterian-rajkummar-rao-had-to-eat-meat-for-trapped/151791 |archive-date=6 January 2018}} Trapped premiere at the 2016 Mumbai Film Festival and was released theatrically the following year to positive reviews from critics.{{Cite web |last=Goswami |first=Parismita |date=16 March 2017 |title=Trapped movie review roundup: This is what Bollywood critics and celebs have to say about Rajkummar Rao's film |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/trapped-movie-review-this-what-bollywood-critics-say-about-rajkummar-raos-film-719621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175029/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/trapped-movie-review-this-what-bollywood-critics-say-about-rajkummar-raos-film-719621 |archive-date=8 January 2018 |access-date=8 January 2018 |website=International Business Times}} Subhash K. Jha wrote that Rao "immerses himself in the judiciously assembled plot with such radiant authenticity that after a while we cease to watch the skill that underlines the outstanding performance".{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=16 March 2017 |title=Trapped: Rajkummar Rao takes acting to the next level |work=The Free Press Journal |url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/trapped-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-takes-acting-to-the-next-level/1035687 |url-status=live |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121834/http://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/trapped-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-takes-acting-to-the-next-level/1035687 |archive-date=9 January 2018}} He earned his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).{{Cite web |title=Filmfare awards 2018: Full list of winners with nominees |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/filmfare-awards-2018-full-list-of-winners-with-nominees/1023391/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205073932/http://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/filmfare-awards-2018-full-list-of-winners-with-nominees/1023391/ |archive-date=5 February 2018 |access-date=21 January 2018 |website=The Financial Express|date=21 January 2018 }}
= Commercial success (2017–2018) =
Rao's first release in 2017 was the romantic comedy Behen Hogi Teri with Shruti Haasan; it met with an unfavourable critical response though critics praised Rao's performance.{{Cite web |last=Goswami |first=Parismita |date=10 June 2017 |title=Behen Hogi Teri movie review roundup: Rajkummar Rao is the only saving grace, say Bollywood critics |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/behen-hogi-teri-movie-review-roundup-rajkummar-rao-only-saving-grace-say-bollywood-critics-729972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617102506/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/behen-hogi-teri-movie-review-roundup-rajkummar-rao-only-saving-grace-say-bollywood-critics-729972 |archive-date=17 June 2017 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=International Business Times}} He followed this with another romantic comedy titled Bareilly Ki Barfi, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and co-starring Kriti Sanon and Ayushmann Khurrana. The film and Rao's performance met with widespread critical acclaim. Namrata Joshi wrote: "Rao is a hoot and brings the house down with his chameleon turn and comic timing [the] a role that could have become a caricature in the hands of a lesser actor".{{Cite news |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=18 August 2017 |title='Bareilly Ki Barfi' review: Romedy of errors |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/bareilly-ki-barfi-review-romedy-of-errors/article19517103.ece |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209204432/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/bareilly-ki-barfi-review-romedy-of-errors/article19517103.ece |archive-date=9 December 2017}} The film was a commercial success and Rao won his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2017 |title=Underdog Bareilly Ki Barfi shocks, crosses Rs 30 crore collections mark |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/underdog-bareilly-ki-barfi-shocks-crosses-rs-30-crore-collections-mark/847227/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160409/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/underdog-bareilly-ki-barfi-shocks-crosses-rs-30-crore-collections-mark/847227/ |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=The Financial Express}}{{Cite news |last=Sood |first=Vanshika |date=20 January 2018 |title=Filmfare Awards 2018: Rajkummar Rao Wins for 'Bareilly Ki Barfi' |work=The Quint |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/63rd-jio-filmfare-awards-best-actor-in-a-supporting-role-winner |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160413/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/63rd-jio-filmfare-awards-best-actor-in-a-supporting-role-winner |archive-date=10 September 2020}} Rao also made a cameo appearance in Dinesh Vijan's Raabta in which he had to apply prosthetics for multiple hours daily during shooting to appear as a 324-year-old man.{{Cite news |date=21 April 2017 |title=Rajkummar Rao's dramatic transformation in Raabta will leave you spellbound |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rajkummar-rao-raabta-shocking-transformation-prosthetics-972781-2017-04-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160423/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rajkummar-rao-raabta-shocking-transformation-prosthetics-972781-2017-04-21 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |work=India Today}}
File:Rajkumar Rao Jio-MAMI-Film-Club.jpg in 2017]]A significant turning point in Rao's career came in Amit V. Masurkar's black comedy Newton in which he plays an upright government clerk sent on election duty to a Naxal-controlled town. Rao asked Masurkar if he could curl his hair and blink his eyes frequently during filming to make the character more distinct, and Masurkar agreed.{{Cite web |last=Jhunjhunwala |first=Udita |date=5 November 2017 |title=Rajkummar Rao's unrivalled rise: LSD to Newton, the actor's blazed a triumphant trail |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajkummar-raos-unrivalled-rise-lsd-to-newton-the-actors-blazed-a-triumphant-trail-4192383.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218020923/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajkummar-raos-unrivalled-rise-lsd-to-newton-the-actors-blazed-a-triumphant-trail-4192383.html |archive-date=18 February 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Firstpost}} The film premiered at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival and was met with unanimous critical acclaim, as did Rao's performance.{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=12 February 2017 |title=Newton World Premiere: At Berlin fest, Indian satire on Naxals opens to cheers |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/newton-world-premiere-at-berlin-fest-indian-satire-on-naxals-opens-to-cheers-4520062/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401131155/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/newton-world-premiere-at-berlin-fest-indian-satire-on-naxals-opens-to-cheers-4520062/ |archive-date=1 April 2017 |access-date=31 July 2020 |work=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |title=Newton |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/newton_2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160418/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/newton_2017 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} Rajeev Masand commented, "It's hard to separate the actor from the character, and not many of our artistes can claim to possess that gift".{{Cite web |date=22 September 2017 |title=Rumble in the jungle |url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/rumble-in-the-jungle-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925074724/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/rumble-in-the-jungle-2/ |archive-date=25 September 2017 |access-date=23 September 2017 |website=RajeevMasand.com}} The role earned him the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actor and his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).{{Cite news |last=Chauhan |first=Guarang |date=23 November 2017 |title=Asia Pacific Screen Awards: Rajkummar Rao bags the best actor trophy as Newton win 2 awards – view list |work=Times Now |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/article/asia-pacific-screen-awards-rajkummar-rao-bags-the-best-actor-trophy-as-newton-win-2-awards-view-list/131659 |url-status=live |access-date=4 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160427/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/bollywood-news/article/asia-pacific-screen-awards-rajkummar-rao-bags-the-best-actor-trophy-as-newton-win-2-awards-view-list/131659 |archive-date=10 September 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Critics Best Actor in Leading Role Male 2017 Nominees {{!}} Filmfare Awards |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2018/nominations/critics-best-actor-male |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071408/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2018/nominations/critics-best-actor-male |archive-date=21 January 2018 |access-date=20 January 2018 |website=Filmfare}}
His final theatrical release of the year was Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana with Kriti Kharbanda, which met with mixed critical response.{{Cite web |date=9 November 2017 |title=Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana movie review, ratings: This is what critics say about Rajkummar-Kriti film |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/shaadi-mein-zaroor-aana-movie-review-ratings-this-what-critics-say-about-rajkummar-kriti-film-748850 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160430/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/shaadi-mein-zaroor-aana-movie-review-ratings-this-what-critics-say-about-rajkummar-kriti-film-748850 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=International Business Times}} He also made his digital debut with ALTBalaji's historical biographical web mini-series Bose: Dead/Alive. Based on the 2012 book India's Biggest Cover-up by Anuj Dhar, he portrays nationalist leader Subhash Chandra Bose. For the role, Rao gained {{convert|13|kg}} and went half bald.{{Cite web |date=27 November 2017 |title=Playing Real Life Characters Gives Me Real High: Rajkummar Rao |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/playing-real-life-characters-gives-me-real-high-rajkummar-rao-1587641.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160428/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/playing-real-life-characters-gives-me-real-high-rajkummar-rao-1587641.html |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=News18}} Anvita Singh of India Today felt it was not Rao's best performance, but because of his skill as an actor he "does grab your attention".{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anvita |date=23 November 2017 |title=Bose Dead/Alive review: Rajkummar Rao strikes again; the writing, just about |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/what-s-hot/story/bose-dead-alive-review-rajkummar-rao-strikes-again-the-writing-just-about-lifetv-1092499-2017-11-23 |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160422/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/what-s-hot/story/bose-dead-alive-review-rajkummar-rao-strikes-again-the-writing-just-about-lifetv-1092499-2017-11-23 |archive-date=10 September 2020}}
Rao reunited with Mehta for the biographical crime film Omerta, where he portrays the role of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. To prepare for the role, Rao watched several videos, documentaries and hate speeches by Sheikh to "gather a lot of hatred and anger" inside himself.{{Cite news |last=Kameshwari |first=A. |date=14 March 2018 |title=Rajkummar Rao: I was very disturbed while shooting for Omerta |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-omerta-5098425/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315061337/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-omerta-5098425/ |archive-date=15 March 2018}} He said he was "disturbed" while shooting the film because of the complexities of the character and described it as "easily the toughest character" he had played to this point.{{Cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Shruti |date=13 March 2018 |title=Omerta First Look: Rajkummar Rao As An Antagonist Will Leave You Speechless |publisher=NDTV |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/omerta-first-look-rajkummar-rao-as-an-antagonist-will-leave-you-speechless-1822992 |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160423/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/omerta-first-look-rajkummar-rao-as-an-antagonist-will-leave-you-speechless-1822992 |archive-date=10 September 2020}} The film had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in India in 2018.{{Cite news |date=25 July 2017 |title='Omerta' to have world premier at TIFF |work=Outlook |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/omerta-to-have-world-premier-at-tiff/1107879 |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019083313/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/omerta-to-have-world-premier-at-tiff/1107879 |archive-date=19 October 2018}} The film and Rao's performance met with critical acclaim, with Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV calling it a "pitch-perfect performance".{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=3 April 2019 |title=Omerta Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao Gives Pitch Perfect Performance in This Riveting Thriller |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/omerta-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-gives-pitch-perfect-performance-in-this-riveting-thriller-1846933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160425/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/omerta-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-gives-pitch-perfect-performance-in-this-riveting-thriller-1846933 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |publisher=NDTV}}
He starred next in the musical comedy Fanney Khan (2018) with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. A remake of the 2000 Belgian film Everybody's Famous!, the film was a critical and commercial failure.{{Cite news |date=6 August 2018 |title=Box Office Collections: Slow start for new releases Fanney Khan, Mulk and Karwaan |work=Business Today |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/box-office-collections-slow-start-for-new-releases-fanney-khan-mulk-karwaan/story/281049.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160430/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/box-office-collections-slow-start-for-new-releases-fanney-khan-mulk-karwaan/story/281049.html |archive-date=10 September 2020}} Stree (2018), the Amar Kaushik-directed horror comedy was his next release. Based on the Bangalore urban legend known as Nale Ba, the film also starred Shraddha Kapoor. The film, and Rao's performance, met with positive critical feedback. Rachit Gupta of The Times of India noted that Rao "handles the many shades of comedy, horror and romance with great ease".{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rachit |date=31 August 2018 |title=Stree Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/stree/movie-review/65614303.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227095335/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/stree/movie-review/65614303.cms |archive-date=27 December 2018 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=The Times of India}} It also earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.{{Cite news |date=12 March 2019 |title=Nominations for the 64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019 |work=Filmfare |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-64th-vimal-filmfare-awards-2019_-32898-1.html |url-status=dead |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316052927/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-64th-vimal-filmfare-awards-2019_-32898-1.html |archive-date=16 March 2019}} Stree was a major financial success.{{Cite news |date=25 September 2018 |title=Stree Box Office Collection: Film shocks with incredible business – What Rajkummar Rao-Shraddha Kapoor movie earned |work=The Financial Express |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/stree-box-office-collection-film-shocks-with-incredible-business-what-rajkummar-rao-shraddha-kapoor-movie-earned/1326307/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926123510/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/stree-box-office-collection-film-shocks-with-incredible-business-what-rajkummar-rao-shraddha-kapoor-movie-earned/1326307/ |archive-date=26 September 2018}} In the same year Rao appeared briefly in Tabrez Noorani's Love Sonia which was about sex trafficking.{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=13 September 2018 |title=Love Sonia Movie Review: The Film Has Talent And Good Intentions, But Trips in the Second Half |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/love-sonia-movie-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160435/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/love-sonia-movie-review/ |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Film Companion}} His final release of 2018 was 5 Weddings.{{Cite news |last=Jhunjhunwala |first=Udita |date=26 October 2018 |title=5 Weddings movie review: Rajkummar Rao is a misfit in this jaded film with an uninspiring Nargis Fakhri |work=Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/5-weddings-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-is-a-misfit-in-this-jaded-film-with-an-uninspiring-nargis-fakhri-5449421.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160509/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/5-weddings-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-is-a-misfit-in-this-jaded-film-with-an-uninspiring-nargis-fakhri-5449421.html |archive-date=10 September 2020}}
= Commercial failure with continued acclaim (2019–2023) =
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, a film about a closeted lesbian, was Rao's first film of 2019. Co-starring Sonam K Ahuja, Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla, the film received ambivalent feedback critically but earned acclaim for its positive mainstream representation of homosexuality.{{cite news |last1=Chauhan |first1=Soumyata |date=1 February 2019 |title=I thought it was a joke: When Sonam Kapoor first heard about 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/interview-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-sonam-kapoor-first-heard-about-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-2714969 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202151610/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/interview-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-sonam-kapoor-first-heard-about-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-2714969 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |access-date=2 February 2019 |work=Daily News and Analysis |language=en}} However, it failed to do well commercially.{{Cite news |last=Chauhan |first=Soumyata |date=1 February 2019 |title=I thought it was a joke: When Sonam Kapoor first heard about 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' |work=Daily News and Analysis |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/interview-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-sonam-kapoor-first-heard-about-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-2714969 |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202151610/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/interview-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-sonam-kapoor-first-heard-about-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-2714969 |archive-date=2 February 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Tetuja |first=Joginder |date=8 February 2019 |title=Box Office: Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga flops in one week, Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi holds well in second week |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-flops-one-week-manikarnika-queen-jhansi-holds-well-second-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180207/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-ek-ladki-ko-dekha-toh-aisa-laga-flops-one-week-manikarnika-queen-jhansi-holds-well-second-week/ |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=8 February 2019 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} He appeared next with Kangana Ranaut in the black comedy Judgementall Hai Kya. His performance earned him his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).{{Cite news |title=Nominations for Filmfare Awards 2020 |work=Filmfare |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2020/nominations |url-status=dead |access-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203105210/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2020/nominations |archive-date=3 February 2020}} His final acting venture of the year was Mikhil Musale's comedy Made in China in which he played a Gujarati businessman who receives a proposal to market a Chinese aphrodisiac in India.{{Cite web |last=Desai |first=Rahul |date=25 October 2019 |title=Made in China Movie Review: A Decent Gujarat Tale, But A Shabby Hindi Film |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/made-in-china-movie-review-a-decent-gujarat-tale-but-a-shabby-hindi-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160521/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/made-in-china-movie-review-a-decent-gujarat-tale-but-a-shabby-hindi-film/ |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Film Companion}} The film, based on the namesake novel by Parinda Joshi, met with mixed critical response. Anna M. M. Vetticad, who was critical of the film, praised Rao: "The best thing about it are Rao and [Boman] Irani who are a pleasure to watch even in this middling affair".{{Cite news |last=M. M. Vetticad |first=Anna |date=25 October 2019 |title=Made in China movie review: Rajkummar Rao conjures up a certain whimsy, but in a half-done film |work=Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/made-in-china-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-conjures-up-a-certain-whimsy-but-in-a-half-done-film-7553431.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025061154/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/made-in-china-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-conjures-up-a-certain-whimsy-but-in-a-half-done-film-7553431.html |archive-date=25 October 2019}} The film fared moderately well at the box-office.{{Cite web |title=Made in China Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/made-in-china/box-office/#bh-movie-box-office |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160438/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/made-in-china/box-office/#bh-movie-box-office |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=31 October 2019 |website=Bollywood Hungama|date=25 October 2019 }}
Rao's first release of 2020 was Ramesh Sippy's romantic comedy Shimla Mirchi, which had been delayed for several years.{{Cite news |date=31 December 2019 |title=Rajkummar Rao's film 'Shimla Mirch' goes straight to OTT |work=The Free Press Journal |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-raos-film-shimla-mirch-goes-straight-to-ott |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160440/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-raos-film-shimla-mirch-goes-straight-to-ott |archive-date=10 September 2020}} It met with negative reviews from critics and was a box office bomb.{{Cite news |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=3 January 2020 |title='Shimla Mirchi' movie review: Hints of spice but mostly flat |work=Scroll.in |url=https://scroll.in/reel/947967/shimla-mirchi-movie-review-hints-of-spice-but-mostly-flat |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113204124/https://scroll.in/reel/947967/shimla-mirchi-movie-review-hints-of-spice-but-mostly-flat |archive-date=13 January 2020}} His next acting venture, the Anurag Basu-directed anthology film Ludo also featuring an ensemble cast of Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Pankaj Tripathi, was directly streamed digitally on Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |date=16 July 2020 |title=Abhishek Bachchan and Rajkummar Rao starrer Ludo to release on Netflix |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-basu-ludo-netflix-6410748/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731172639/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anurag-basu-ludo-netflix-6410748/ |archive-date=31 July 2020}} Anupama Chopra commended him as one of the film's "standouts".{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=12 November 2020 |title=Ludo Movie Review |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/ludo-movie-netflix-review-will-leave-you-with-a-smile-on-your-face-anurag-basu-abhishek-bachchan-rajkummar-rao-anupama-chopra/ |access-date=12 November 2020 |website=Film Companion |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112202005/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/ludo-movie-netflix-review-will-leave-you-with-a-smile-on-your-face-anurag-basu-abhishek-bachchan-rajkummar-rao-anupama-chopra/ |url-status=live }} The film earned him his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics). The same year, he reunited with Mehta for his sports comedy Chhalaang to portray a Haryanvi physical instructor opposite Nushrratt Bharuccha.{{Cite news |date=13 February 2020 |title=Chhalaang: Rajkummar Rao, Nushrat Bharucha's film postponed by 3 months |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/chhalaang-rajkummar-rao-nushrat-bharucha-s-film-postponed-by-3-months/story-RP7naotuLQuznuS8Y01sPK.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705183704/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/chhalaang-rajkummar-rao-nushrat-bharucha-s-film-postponed-by-3-months/story-RP7naotuLQuznuS8Y01sPK.html |archive-date=5 July 2020}} It was premiered on Amazon Prime Video.{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=13 November 2020 |title=Chhalaang Movie Review |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/chhalaang-amazon-prime-video-review-has-good-moments-that-get-lost-in-a-mountain-of-cliches-hansal-mehta-rajkummar-rao-anupama-chopra |access-date=13 November 2020 |website=Film Companion |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061118/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bollywood-review/chhalaang-amazon-prime-video-review-has-good-moments-that-get-lost-in-a-mountain-of-cliches-hansal-mehta-rajkummar-rao-anupama-chopra/ |url-status=live }}
In 2021, Rao made his Hollywood debut with Ramin Bahrani's The White Tiger, which was based on the eponymous novel by Aravind Adiga. Co-starring Priyanka Chopra and Adarsh Gourav, it was released directly on to Netflix and was met with critical acclaim.{{Cite web |date=6 January 2021 |title=The White Tiger movie review round-up: Critics call it the 'anti-Slumdog Millionaire' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/the-white-tiger-review-round-up-critics-calls-it-the-anti-slumdog-millionaire-7134880/ |access-date=25 January 2021 |website=The Indian Express |archive-date=13 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113005932/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/the-white-tiger-review-round-up-critics-calls-it-the-anti-slumdog-millionaire-7134880/ |url-status=live }} David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter noted that Rao "deftly balances a Western-schooled urge to tell himself he's a fair-minded man with the unmistakable air of privileged entitlement".{{Cite news |last=Rooney |first=David |date=5 January 2021 |title='The White Tiger': Film Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-white-tiger-film-review |access-date=5 January 2021 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122081521/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-white-tiger-film-review |url-status=live }} He continued his collaborations with Maddock Productions for their horror-comedy Roohi co-starring Janhvi Kapoor. The film received mixed critical feedback and emerged as another box-office failure for Rao which was attributed to theatres being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |title=ROOHI |work=Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=6102 |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518220025/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=6102 |url-status=live }} He next starred in Abhishek Jain's family drama Hum Do Hamare Do, in which he portrayed an orphan who deceives his fiancée (played by Sanon) by hiring people to pose as his parents.{{Cite web |date=8 October 2021 |title=Kriti Sanon introduces her entire Hum Do Hamare Do family with new poster |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kriti-sanon-introduces-her-entire-hum-do-hamare-do-family-with-new-poster-1862331-2021-10-08 |access-date=8 October 2021 |work=India Today |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008061411/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kriti-sanon-introduces-her-entire-hum-do-hamare-do-family-with-new-poster-1862331-2021-10-08 |url-status=live }} Initially slated for a theatrical release, the decision was later dropped due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.{{Cite news |date=6 October 2021 |title=Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Sanon starrer Hum Do Hamare Do to release on October 29 on Disney+ Hotstar |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-kriti-sanon-starrer-hum-hamare-release-october-29-disney-hotstar/ |access-date=6 October 2021 |work=Bollywood Hungama |archive-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006055933/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-kriti-sanon-starrer-hum-hamare-release-october-29-disney-hotstar/ |url-status=live }} The film was panned by critics with Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV commending Rao on salvaging a "poorly-written protagonist".{{Cite news |date=5 September 2018 |title=Seventh Street introduces Rajkumar Rao as its Brand Ambassador |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/business/companies/050918/seventh-street-introduces-rajkumar-rao-as-its-brand-ambassador.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911044936/https://deccanchronicle.com/business/companies/050918/seventh-street-introduces-rajkumar-rao-as-its-brand-ambassador.html |archive-date=11 September 2018 |access-date=2 August 2020 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite web |last=Farheen |first=Fatima |date=14 July 2018 |title=Why Rajkummar Rao Is Telling People – 'Aaj Se Thoda Kam' |url=https://fit.thequint.com/fit/eat-right-movement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160531/https://fit.thequint.com/fit/eat-right-movement |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=The Quint}}{{cite web |author=Saibal Chatterjee |date=October 29, 2021 |title=Hum Do Hamare Do Review: Kriti Sanon's is most noteworthy performance in unfunny caper |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/hum-do-hamare-do-review-kriti-sanons-is-most-noteworthy-performance-in-unfunny-caper-1-5-stars-out-of-5-2591905 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |website=NDTV |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123163133/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/hum-do-hamare-do-review-kriti-sanons-is-most-noteworthy-performance-in-unfunny-caper-1-5-stars-out-of-5-2591905 |url-status=live }}File:Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha attending the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Gala on Day 2 (cropped).jpg in 2022]]In 2022, Rao starred opposite Bhumi Pednekar in Harshavardhan Kulkarni's Badhaai Do, in which they portrayed a couple in a lavender marriage to prevent their parents from pressuring them into traditional marriages.{{cite news |date=25 January 2022 |title=Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar are in lavender marriage in quirky Badhaai Do trailer |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/rajkummar-rao-and-bhumi-pednekar-are-in-lavender-marriage-in-quirky-badhaai-do-trailer/ |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125104153/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/rajkummar-rao-and-bhumi-pednekar-are-in-lavender-marriage-in-quirky-badhaai-do-trailer/ |url-status=live }} He was drawn to the role of a gay police officer due to the unique challenge it offered and, to prepare, he underwent an extensive diet and exercise regimen to achieve the physical appearance Kulkarni envisioned for the character.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-02 |title=Rajkummar Rao on Badhaai Do: People compromise in their relationships due to societal pressure – Exclusive! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-on-badhaai-do-people-compromise-in-their-relationships-due-to-societal-pressure-exclusive/articleshow/89283319.cms |access-date=2024-08-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153420/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-on-badhaai-do-people-compromise-in-their-relationships-due-to-societal-pressure-exclusive/articleshow/89283319.cms |url-status=live }} The film, and Rao's performance, earned unanimous critical acclaim with The Quint
Rao followed this with the thriller film HIT: The First Case, a remake of the 2020 Telugu film of the same name.{{cite web |date=14 June 2022 |title=Rajkummar Rao is fighting demons of his past in HIT The First Case. Watch video |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-is-fighting-demons-of-his-past-in-hit-the-first-case-watch-teaser-video-7969600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621223038/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-is-fighting-demons-of-his-past-in-hit-the-first-case-watch-teaser-video-7969600/ |archive-date=21 June 2022 |access-date=22 June 2022 |publisher=The Indian Express}} Co-starring Sanya Malhotra, Rao, once again, portrayed a police officer who works in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT). Critics generally considered the film inferior to the original but appreciated Rao's performance;{{cite web |date=16 July 2022 |title=Hit - The First Case Box Office: Rajkummar Rao's Film Starts Slow, Earns Rs 1.35 Cr On Day 1 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/hit-the-first-case-box-office-rajkummar-raos-film-starts-slow-earns-rs-1-35-cr-on-day-1-5567245.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717043236/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/hit-the-first-case-box-office-rajkummar-raos-film-starts-slow-earns-rs-1-35-cr-on-day-1-5567245.html |archive-date=17 July 2022 |access-date=17 July 2022 |publisher=News 18 |quote=While the film gained mixed reviews from both, the audience and the critics.}}{{cite web |date=17 July 2022 |title=HIT The First Case box office day 2 collection: Rajkummar Rao film sees near 50% growth, earns ₹2 crore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/hit-the-first-case-box-office-day-2-collection-rajkummar-rao-film-sees-near-50-growth-earns-2-crore-101658045730756.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718234316/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/hit-the-first-case-box-office-day-2-collection-rajkummar-rao-film-sees-near-50-growth-earns-2-crore-101658045730756.html |archive-date=18 July 2022 |access-date=19 July 2022 |publisher=The Hindustan Times |quote=the film received favourable reviews, with most critics praising the performances of Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, as well as, the film's pacing and direction.}} Devesh Sharma of Filmfare praised him for ensuring that a weak script did not hinder his performance and praised his chemistry with Malhotra.{{cite web |title=HIT The First Case Movie Review |url=https://www.m.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/hit-the-first-case-movie-review-55075.amp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715172359/https://m.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/hit-the-first-case-movie-review-55075.amp |archive-date=15 July 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Filmfare}} Both Badhaai Do and HIT: The First Case were commercial failures.{{cite web |date=15 July 2022 |title=Hit – The First Case Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/hit-the-first-case/box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716090449/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/hit-the-first-case/box-office/ |archive-date=16 July 2022 |access-date=19 July 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-11 |title=Bhumi Pednekar Talks About Badhaai Do's BO Failure, Says 'Film Would Have Done So Much More...' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bhumi-pednekar-talks-about-badhaai-dos-bo-failure-says-film-would-have-done-so-much-more-7052761.html |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817154035/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bhumi-pednekar-talks-about-badhaai-dos-bo-failure-says-film-would-have-done-so-much-more-7052761.html |url-status=live }} After making a brief cameo appearance reprising his role from Stree in Bhediya, Rao starred alongside Radhika Apte and Huma Qureshi in Vasan Bala's Monica, O My Darling.{{cite web |date=28 October 2022 |title=Bhediya meets Stree: Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkumar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana makes a cameo in Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon movie |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhediya-song-thumkeshwari-shraddha-kapoor-makes-a-cameo-in-varun-kriti-song-ki101666941882867.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028080735/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhediya-song-thumkeshwari-shraddha-kapoor-makes-a-cameo-in-varun-kriti-song-101666941882867.html |archive-date=28 October 2022 |access-date=28 October 2022 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |date=28 July 2021 |title=Nextflix shares first look of Radhika Apte, Huma, Rajkummar from Monica, O My Darling |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/nextflix-shares-first-look-of-radhika-apte-huma-rajkummar-from-monica-o-my-darling-1833593-2021-07-28 |access-date=28 July 2021 |work=India Today |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728071815/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/nextflix-shares-first-look-of-radhika-apte-huma-rajkummar-from-monica-o-my-darling-1833593-2021-07-28 |url-status=live }} Released directly on to Netflix, he expressed his indifference toward the film receiving commercial success and that his primary hope was for the film's content to be appreciated.{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2022-11-11 |title=Huma Qureshi, Rajkummar Rao, Radhika Apte, Vasan Bala on Netflix Film ‘Monica, O My Darling’ |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/huma-qureshi-rajkummar-rao-radhika-apte-monica-o-my-darling-1235430126/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website= Variety |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907131316/https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/huma-qureshi-rajkummar-rao-radhika-apte-monica-o-my-darling-1235430126/amp/ |url-status=live }} Rao's performance was praised by Anna MM Vetticad of Firstpost who took note of his ability to distinguish his roles as police officers without becoming monotonous.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-11 |title=Monica, O My Darling movie review: Murder mystery version of a comedy of errors |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/monica-o-my-darling-movie-review-murder-mystery-version-of-a-comedy-of-errors-11608851.html/amp |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103173759/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/monica-o-my-darling-movie-review-murder-mystery-version-of-a-comedy-of-errors-11608851.html/amp |url-status=live }}
Bheed—a social thriller in black-and-white about the events that transpired during the COVID-19 lockdown in India—was Rao's sole theatrical release of 2023.{{Cite web |title=Anubhav Sinha's Bheed, set during 2020 lockdown, to release on March 24 |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/anubhav-sinhas-bheed-set-during-2020-lockdown-to-release-on-march-24/cid/1913725 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=The Telegraph |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211221352/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/anubhav-sinhas-bheed-set-during-2020-lockdown-to-release-on-march-24/cid/1913725 |url-status=live }} The film received positive critical acclaim; however, its box-office performance was limited due to its controversial political themes.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-09 |title=Kritika Kamra defends Bheed’s ‘failure’, says Anubhav Sinha didn’t make the film to earn Rs 300-400 cr: ‘All cinema is not just to entertain and make numbers’ |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kritika-kamra-defends-bheeds-failure-says-anubhav-sinha-didnt-make-the-film-to-earn-rs-300-400-cr-all-cinema-is-not-just-to-entertain-and-make-numbers-9061441/lite/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818021737/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kritika-kamra-defends-bheeds-failure-says-anubhav-sinha-didnt-make-the-film-to-earn-rs-300-400-cr-all-cinema-is-not-just-to-entertain-and-make-numbers-9061441/lite/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=25 March 2023 |title=Bheed struggles at box office despite rave reviews from all corners |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bheed-struggles-at-box-office-despite-rave-reviews-from-all-corners-11679726196595.html |access-date=28 April 2023 |work=Mint}} Rao's consistent portrayal of "troubled police officers" earned praise from Deepa Gahlot of Rediff.com.{{Cite web |title=Bheed Review - Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/bheed-review/20230324.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=m.rediff.com |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818021737/https://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/review/bheed-review/20230324.htm |url-status=live }} He followed this by portraying a mechanic who is the reluctant heir to his father's criminal empire in Netflix's Guns & Gulaabs, reteaming with Raj & DK after Stree.{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2023-08-02 |title=Dulquer Salmaan, Rajkummar Rao in Netflix Homage to 1990s Bollywood ‘Guns & Gulaabs’: Trailer Unveiled |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/asia/dulquer-salmaan-rajkummar-rao-guns-gulaabs-trailer-netflix-1235685733/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Variety |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818024529/https://variety.com/2023/tv/asia/dulquer-salmaan-rajkummar-rao-guns-gulaabs-trailer-netflix-1235685733/amp/ |url-status=live }} Set against the backdrop of the 1990s in the fictitious town of Gulaabgani, Rao assists a police officer (played by Dulquer Salmaan) in bringing down a high-profile opium deal. Writing for The Hindu, Shilajit Misra found Rao's portrayal of the character to be reminiscent of Charlie Chaplain.{{Cite news |last=Mitra |first=Shilajit |date=2023-08-18 |title=‘Guns & Gulaabs’ series review: Raj & DK’s new show is charmingly dazed and confused |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/guns-and-gulaabs-series-review-raj-and-dk-new-show-is-charmingly-dazed-and-confused/article67208799.ece |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008072408/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/guns-and-gulaabs-series-review-raj-and-dk-new-show-is-charmingly-dazed-and-confused/article67208799.ece/amp/ |url-status=live }}
= 2024 onwards =
Rao had four releases in 2024 and began by portraying visually-impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla in his biopic Srikanth.{{cite news |date=10 April 2024 |title=‘Srikanth’ trailer: Rajkummar Rao promises a hard-hitting performance in the biopic drama |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/srikanth-trailer-rajkummar-rao-promises-a-hard-hitting-performance-in-the-biopic-drama/article68049570.ece |access-date=14 April 2024 |work=The Hindu |archive-date=13 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413154000/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/srikanth-trailer-rajkummar-rao-promises-a-hard-hitting-performance-in-the-biopic-drama/article68049570.ece |url-status=live }} To authentically capture the mannerisms of the visually-impaired, Rao spent time at schools for the blind and engaged in conversations with the students. He also analysed videos of Bolla to accurately emulate his body language.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=Rajkummar Rao on preparing for Srikanth, “It was very difficult, I had to go through a rigorous prep” : Bollywood News |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/rajkummar-rao-preparing-srikanth-difficult-go-rigorous-prep/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Bollywood Hungama |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819013237/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/features/rajkummar-rao-preparing-srikanth-difficult-go-rigorous-prep/ |url-status=live }} Srikanth ended Rao's series of commercial failures and earned positive critical reception.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-11 |title=Srikanth box office collection day 1: Rajkummar Rao-starrer opens better than Madgaon Express, Laapataa Ladies; earns Rs 2.25 cr |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/srikanth-box-office-collection-day-1-rajkummar-rao-better-than-madgaon-express-earns-over-rs-2-crorebiopic-on-srikanth-bolla-wins-hearts-earns-rs-2-crore-9321500/lite/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819032610/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/srikanth-box-office-collection-day-1-rajkummar-rao-better-than-madgaon-express-earns-over-rs-2-crorebiopic-on-srikanth-bolla-wins-hearts-earns-rs-2-crore-9321500/lite/ |url-status=live }} Reviewers for Firstpost and Scroll.in deemed his performance among the best in his career.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-09 |title=Srikanth movie review: Rajkummar Rao shines in an awe-inspiring & well-crafted biographical drama |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/srikanth-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-shines-in-an-awe-inspiring-well-crafted-biographical-drama-13768482.html/amp |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819032610/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/srikanth-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-shines-in-an-awe-inspiring-well-crafted-biographical-drama-13768482.html/amp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gahlot |first=Deepa |date=2024-05-10 |title=‘Srikanth’ review: An inspiring tale of remarkable achievement |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1067503/srikanth-review-an-inspiring-tale-of-remarkable-achievement |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008072415/https://amp.scroll.in/reel/1067503/srikanth-review-an-inspiring-tale-of-remarkable-achievement |url-status=live }} In the unremarkable sports drama Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Rao portrayed a failed cricket player who vicariously fulfils his aspirations to pursue the sport through his wife (played by Janhvi Kapoor).{{Cite web |title=Mr. & Mrs. Mahi Box Office Collection till Now {{!}} Box Collection |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/mr-mrs-mahi/box-office/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor's Mr and Mrs Mahi to be released on THIS date {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-janhvi-kapoors-mr-and-mrs-mahi-to-be-released-on-this-date-65363.html |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Filmfare |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818235530/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-janhvi-kapoors-mr-and-mrs-mahi-to-be-released-on-this-date-65363.html |url-status=live }} In a negative review of the film, Shilajit Mitra wrote that he "effectively sells the frustration and peevishness of a dunce like Mahendra".{{Cite news |last=Mitra |first=Shilajit |date=2024-05-31 |title=Mr & Mrs Mahi movie review: This Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao partnership doesn’t quite land |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mr-mrs-mahi-movie-review-this-janhvi-kapoor-rajkummar-rao-partnership-doesnt-quite-land/article68235440.ece |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
The highest-grossing film of Rao's career came in the horror sequel Stree 2, in which he reprised his role as Vicky.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-08-19 |title=Rajkummar Rao Hit Movies List {{!}} Rajkummar Rao Box Office Collection - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/rajkummar-rao/box-office/#bh-micro-tab-content |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819095417/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/rajkummar-rao/box-office/#bh-micro-tab-content |url-status=live }} He admitted that the film's substantial success gave his confidence a "much-needed" lift following a series of commercial failures.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Stree 2: Rajkummar Rao says Stree ‘provided a big jump’ to everyone’s career; pins high hopes from sequel |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/stree-2-rajkummar-rao-says-stree-provided-a-big-jump-to-everyones-career-pins-high-hopes-from-sequel-1339239?amp |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819013237/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/stree-2-rajkummar-rao-says-stree-provided-a-big-jump-to-everyones-career-pins-high-hopes-from-sequel-1339239?amp |url-status=live }} While acknowledging his comic timing, WION's Shomini Sen felt that Rao had been overshadowed by the performances of the supporting cast, but The Times of India
In the fantasy film Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025), Rao played a man stuck in a time loop on his wedding day. The film faced several delays in its release due to the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict and problems between distributers.{{Cite news |date=8 May 2025 |title=Bhool Chuk Maaf goes direct-to-OTT on May 16 amid “heightened security drills across the nation” |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/bhool-chuk-maaf-goes-direct-ott-may-16-amid-heightened-security-drills-across-nation/ |access-date=8 May 2025 |work=Bollywood Hungama}} While dismissing the film and its writing, Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com lamented Rao’s recurring career choices, dubbing him the “perennially exasperated small-town lad grappling with a rom-com crisis".{{Cite web |last=VERMA |first=SUKANYA |title=Bhool Chuk Maaf Review: Rinse, Repeat, Rajkummar! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/bhool-chuk-maaf-review/20250523.htm |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Rediff |language=en}} However, India Today
Public image
File:Rajkummar Rao at Eros International office 01.jpg
Forbes India featured Rao in their 30 Under 30 list of 2014.{{Cite web |last=Mitter |first=Sohini |date=13 February 2014 |title=Rajkummar Rao: Defying Convention |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/30-under-30/rajkummar-rao-defying-convention/37159/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112161147/http://www.forbesindia.com/article/30-under-30/rajkummar-rao-defying-convention/37159/1 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=Forbes India}} People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) listed him as India's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity in 2017.{{Cite web |date=24 December 2017 |title=Rajkummar Rao and Alia Bhatt Crowned PETA's Hottest Vegetarians 2017 |url=https://www.petaindia.com/blog/rajkummar-rao-alia-bhatt-crowned-petas-hottest-vegetarians-2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122181712/https://www.petaindia.com/blog/rajkummar-rao-alia-bhatt-crowned-petas-hottest-vegetarians-2017/ |archive-date=22 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2018 |website=PETA India}} The same year, he appeared on Forbes India{{'}}s Celebrity 100 list and GQ magazine's list of 50 Most Influential Young Indians.{{Cite web |last=Chakraborty |first=Debiparna |date=23 December 2017 |title=Anushka, Priyanka, Shahid, Rajkummar Make It to the Forbes Celebrity 100 Cover |url=https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/anushka-priyanka-shahid-rajkummar-make-it-to-the-forbes-celebrity-100-cover/17073585 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160527/https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/anushka-priyanka-shahid-rajkummar-make-it-to-the-forbes-celebrity-100-cover/17073585 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=iDiva}}{{Cite web |date=8 July 2017 |title=Ranveer Singh, Badshah, Rajkummar Rao at GQ's 50 Most Influential Young Indians of 2017 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ranveer-singh-badshah-rajkummar-rao-at-gqs-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2017-3790559.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822163555/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ranveer-singh-badshah-rajkummar-rao-at-gqs-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2017-3790559.html |archive-date=22 August 2018 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=Firstpost}} He has served as the brand ambassador for Actimaxx, Seventh Street and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's eat right movement.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2018 |title=Rajkummar Rao named face of Actimaxx |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/rajkummar-rao-named-face-of-actimaxx/1375504 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910160441/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/rajkummar-rao-named-face-of-actimaxx/1375504 |archive-date=10 September 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=Outlook}}
Rao donated an undisclosed amount of money to the PM CARES Fund, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund and Zomato's Feeding India to help feed families in need because of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.{{Cite news |date=30 March 2020 |title=Rajkummar Rao donates to Covid-19 relief funds, fans praise him for not revealing the amount |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-donates-to-covid-19-relief-funds-fans-praise-him-for-not-revealing-the-amount/story-g9C1GbqJ7UdbIf1Eh8ds0L.html |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716153131/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-donates-to-covid-19-relief-funds-fans-praise-him-for-not-revealing-the-amount/story-g9C1GbqJ7UdbIf1Eh8ds0L.html |archive-date=16 July 2020}}
Filmography and accolades
{{Main|Rajkummar Rao filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Rajkummar Rao}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category|Rajkummar Rao}}
- {{IMDb name|3822770}}
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Category:Indian male film actors
Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema
Category:Best Actor National Film Award winners
Category:Film and Television Institute of India alumni
Category:Male actors from Haryana
Category:Delhi University alumni
Category:Filmfare Awards winners
Category:Screen Awards winners
Category:Zee Cine Awards winners