Ever since his 2010 film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Rajkummar Rao has proved to be one of the finest actors of Bollywood. From Trapped, Omerta to Newton, his successful experiments with various genres this year has garnered him even more fans and critical acclaim in the industry.
In a recent interaction with Humans Of Bombay, the 33-year-old actor shared his love for Badshah Shah Rukh Khan and the initial challenges he faced during his journey. “Growing up, I was fascinated with Shah Rukh Sir. I used to stare at his posters and think that if an outsider could make it as big as him, then maybe there was hope for me. It wasn’t rosy though–I didn’t get work after I came to Mumbai. I only got small jobs–I’d be like the 10th person standing in a random newspaper ad! I made 8-10k a month–but there were days when I didn’t have money and I’d call my friends saying, ‘Can I come over to eat?” he said.
He further added that he featured in a number of ads before casting director Atul Mongia called him for an audition for the film, Love Sex Aur Dhokha. “Then it happened...everything I worked for culminated in that one moment. I was at home when I got the most important call of my life. The words were, ‘Ho gaya, you got the film!’ I fell to my knees, cried and called my mom,” Rajkummar shared.
While his dream did come true, Rajkummar was still keen on meeting Shah Rukh Khan. Three years after his big break and Queen, he did get to meet his favourite star. “I was shooting in Mehboob and heard that Shah Rukh Sir was there too. So I thought this was my chance, maybe I could meet him. I sent a message across–I didn’t think he’d know me, but he called me to his trailer. He knew my entire bio! He made me feel so special. I was already a fan, but that day I was probably his biggest. I once spoke to his posters and now there he was, in front of me. How can I even explain what that felt like?” he added.
Apart from his inspiring story, Rajkummar also shared a message for all the youngsters out there: “What’s ironic is, that the people who in the beginning weren’t interested in me for a lead role–today offer me films. I’ve believed in my craft, even when things weren’t going well. Remember, no matter what anyone says, no one will believe in you, the way YOU do. So hustle and let the Universe do the rest.”
On the work front, Rajkummar is all set for the release of Stree opposite Shraddha Kapoor, among other films.