Rajkummar Rao opens up about his remarkable journey through Indian cinema, reflecting on transformative films like Aligarh, Trapped, and Newton that defined his career, while looking ahead to upcoming projects Toaster and Raftaar. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, the versatile actor reveals a pivotal shift after feeling briefly disconnected—he’s rediscovered his artistic voice and now prioritizes fewer, deeply meaningful roles over quantity, refusing to be boxed into any single genre.
Rao’s filmography stands as a testament to fearless range. Aligarh (2015) showcased his emotional depth as a journalist unraveling a professor’s tragic discrimination story, earning critical acclaim opposite Manoj Bajpayee. Trapped (2016) pushed boundaries with his solo survival act in a locked apartment, blending suspense and raw vulnerability. Newton (2017), his National Award-winning turn as an idealistic election officer in conflict zones, captured India’s democratic spirit amid chaos. These films established Rao as cinema’s chameleon—equally at home in drama, satire, or survival thrillers.
A brief phase of disconnection crept in amid rapid successes and experimental choices. “I felt like I was spreading myself thin,” Rao admits. The introspection led to clarity: quality trumps volume. Now, he seeks projects with lasting resonance, where characters linger in audiences’ minds long after credits roll. This philosophy guides his current slate—Toaster, a quirky comedy-drama blending humor with heart, and Raftaar, an action-packed narrative exploring speed, ambition, and redemption.
Rao’s genre-agnostic approach remains unwavering. Post-Stree 2’s blockbuster success, he’s balanced commercial hits with content-driven stories like Mr. & Mrs. Mahi. “I don’t want to be the ‘comedy guy’ or ‘serious actor’,” he emphasizes. “Each film should surprise me first.” This mirrors his breakout Queen collaboration with Kangana Ranaut, where spontaneity fueled magic.
The shift aligns with industry evolution—post-pandemic audiences crave substance. Rao eyes 2-3 releases yearly versus past overloads, allowing deeper preparation. Collaborations with directors like Hansal Mehta (Aligarh) and Ravi Jadimudi (Newton) honed this craft, teaching him impact stems from authenticity.
Fns celebrate Rao’s evolution from outsider to A-lister. With Toaster promising laughs and Raftaar high-octane thrills, his selective streak signals prime form. In Bollywood’s chaos, Rao’s North Star shines: meaningful stories, boundless range, timeless impact.
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