When Rajkummar Rao had just Rs 18 in Mumbai! "My mother supported me a lot," revealed the actor
, one of Bollywood's most acclaimed actors today, once opened up about the intense financial struggles he faced during the early days of his acting journey. During an old podcast, the actor offered an emotional throwback to a time when he had only Rs 18 in his bank account, unsure where his next meal would come from.
Surviving Mumbai on biscuits and juice Rajkummar, during his conversation with Ranveer Allahabadia, recalled how, in the absence of steady work, he often skipped lunch and sustained himself with just a packet of Parle G biscuits and a Frooti, a meal that cost only ₹4 back then. "My mother supported me a lot. Whenever I ran out of money, she would somehow arrange it and send it to me," he shared. The actor lived in a flat with two others, keeping expenses minimal while chasing a dream that often seemed out of reach.
Turning to Friends for Dinner
Reflecting on his lowest moment, when he was left with just ₹18, Rajkummar remembered calling friends from his FTII network in Mumbai, asking if he could join them for dinner. 'A lot of seniors and juniors live here. So, you can ring anybody and ask what they're having for dinner and if you can come,' he said, highlighting the unspoken bond of support among struggling artists.
Cycling 70 Km a Day with Dreams in His Pocket
The actor also reminisced about his early training days at Shri Ram Centre in Delhi, where he began studying acting at age 18.
Unaware of how to get a subsidized student bus pass, Rajkummar cycled 70 km daily to attend classes. To stay motivated, he would listen to inspirational songs like Lakshya Ko Har Haal Mein Pana Hai and Papa Kehte Hain on his walkman. 'It sounds filmy now,' he said, 'but it used to be a lot of fun.'
First Salary at Age 13
In another candid moment, Rajkummar recalled how he earned ₹300 tutoring a young girl when he was in the 8th standard, his first salary, which he used to buy groceries for his family. Today, those small sacrifices form the foundation of a remarkable journey from hardship to stardom.
On the work front, Rajkummar was last seen in the recently released film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf'.
Rajkumar Rao spotted in the Cit of Joy
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