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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Interview Rajkummar Rao says ‘not having a film background' gave him freedom to find his own voice
Actor Rajkummar Rao has showcased his versatility by taking on a wide range of roles across different genres, from supernatural and comedy to thriller to gangster drama and rom-com, all within the span of a year. He credits his outsider status in Bollywood for allowing him the creative freedom to experiment and find his unique voice as an actor. Rajkummar Rao was last seen in Maalik. On being an outsider Rajkummar made his debut with the anthology film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, going on to take supporting parts in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within. He received acclaim with his roles in Kai Po Che, CityLights and Shahid. Looking back at his roots, Rajkummar feels his outsider status has worked in his favour. 'Not having a film background gave me the freedom to find my own voice. There were no expectations to follow a path. I am very proud of my journey and would not trade it for anything else. And it definitely helped me stay grounded,' Rajkummar tells us. Lately, he has featured in projects such as Stree, Maalik, Bhool Chuk Maaf and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. We ask him whether experimenting with diverse films is a conscious effort to escape stereotypes, and he is quick to note, 'Yes, very much so." 'I've always wanted to explore as many kinds of stories and characters as possible. Whether it's something serious or something lighthearted, I want to keep discovering new parts of myself as an actor. It keeps the work exciting and real,' adds the actor, who will soon embrace fatherhood. On staying true to the artistic vision Talking about striking a balance between staying true to the artistic vision with the commercial realities, Rajkummar shares, 'It's a balancing act, but I don't think they always have to clash.' 'Some of the most meaningful films I've done have also done well commercially. I think if your choices come from an honest place, they connect with people. That's always been my approach- Do the work that matters to me and trust that it will find its audience,' he adds. On the responsibility that comes with star status Rajkummar acknowledges the responsibility that comes with his growing star status, recognising that many people look up to him, and is mindful of the impact his actions and choices may have. That's why he is very selective about the brands that he endorses. 'For me, endorsing a brand isn't just a business decision. It reflects who I am and what I stand for. People, especially younger audiences, pay attention to these choices. So, I take that responsibility extremely seriously,' says Rajkummar, who recently became the face of home improvement and lifestyle retailers MR. DIY. He explains, 'Like this one comes with a no-fuss approach, which I relate to. It's not trying to be flashy or over-the-top. It's about being useful and accessible, and I think that's something that matches how I see myself too… Whether it's a product or a message, I look for something that adds value or speaks to people in a genuine way. I stay away from anything that feels superficial or isn't in line with how I live my life. If I don't connect with it personally, I won't promote it.' Rajkummar goes on to give an example, saying, 'Yes, there have been a few. One in particular was very tempting in terms of exposure and money, but the message didn't sit right with me. It didn't feel like something I could stand behind, so I passed'. 'At the end of the day, I have to be okay with my choices, even off screen,' he wraps up.
India.com
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actor once gained fame as a background dancer, worked with Aishwarya Rai, died at 34 due to..., his name was...
Many a time, there are several actors who start their careers as background dancers, stunt artists, and more. Eventually, they climb the ladder of success and become huge stars. Similarly, today we will discuss an actor who started as a background dancer and worked with names like Aishwarya Rai, Sara Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, and more. However, when this actor made his debut, it became a hit and established him as a forever star. Sadly, this forever star lived only 34 years and died tragically. If you are wondering who we are talking about, then let us tell you he is none other than Sushant Singh Rajput. This Actor Became a Hero from a Background Dancer Did you know that Sushant Singh Rajput once danced with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — not as an actor, but as a background dancer? Yes, you read that right! A video of SSR and Aishwarya is available on the internet from when Sushant performed at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne, where Aishwarya was the lead performer. Take a Look Here: Sushant Singh Rajput's Breakthrough Sushant's breakthrough came when he featured in the film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. The movie was based on MS Dhoni's life. Sushant played the lead role, and opposite him was Kiara Advani. Over the years, SSR gave several hit films including Chhichhore, Kai Po Che, and Shuddh Desi Romance. How Did Sushant Singh Rajput Die? In 2020, tragic news broke that the famous actor Sushant Singh Rajput had passed away at the age of 34. Reports revealed that the actor died by suicide.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rajkummar Rao shares his excitement about massy action film ‘Maalik'; recalls difficulty landing roles before 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha'
Rajkummar Rao has never been afraid to break the mould in Bollywood with his rooted, slice-of-life characters. With the actor now stepping into uncharted territory with Maalik, his first Massy action film, he shared his thoughts on departing from the tried and tested routes. The trailer of the film captured attention, showcasing Rajkummar in a gritty, blood-soaked avatar as a gangster. Talking about Maalik, the actor says he's excited to present himself in a way audiences have never seen before. 'As an actor, that's what I want—to play different people, explore different genres, and present myself in a new light,' he shares. For him, even comedy isn't easy, and he sees every genre as a new challenge. With Maalik, he relied solely on the script to shape his character, building him from the inside out. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he shared, 'The external is easy, you can grow your hair and beard. But to reach the soul of the character is the real work.' The film's trailer features a dialogue about not trying to become something you weren't born to be. For Rajkummar, he admitted that this line hit close to home. Early in his career, he recalled approaching casting directors to audition for lead roles, only to be discouraged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'They would say, 'Audition for this, teen scene hain toh,'' he remembers. But he kept going, believing someone would give him a chance. That chance came with Dibakar Banerjee's Love Sex Aur Dhokha, which opened doors, followed by Shahid and Kai Po Che. Thrill of the Unexpected Even after a diverse career, Rajkummar's hunger to surprise the audience remains strong. 'When you come up with something people don't expect you to do, that's thrilling,' he says. With Maalik, he hopes to break perceptions again, reminding people that as an actor, stepping out of one's comfort zone isn't just a choice—it's the real fun. Maalik also stars Manushi Chhillar and Prosenjit Chatterjee and is directed by Pulkit. Rajkumar Rao spotted in the Cit of Joy
India.com
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Not Pavitra Rishta, Sushant Singh Rajput made acting debut with this TV show, Ekta Kapoor auditioned him, the serial was..., lead actors were...
Late Sushant Singh Rajput delivered many unforgettable films in Bollywood, like Kai Po Che, Shuddh Desi Romance, PK, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, Raabta, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kedarnath, Sonchiraiya, Chhichhore and many more, but he began his career with a television series. Sushant, who lives in Bihar, moved to Delhi to pursue engineering studies, but during that time, he also became part of a dance group. When he had an opportunity, Sushant traveled to Mumbai, where he received role as an actor in Ekta Kapoor's series. Sushant Singh Rajput, born in 1986 in Patna, attended Delhi Technology University. Sushant, however, discontinued his studies halfway. A lot of individuals believe that Sushant's initial series was Pavitra Rishta, but that's not true. Sushant Singh Rajput's First Serial Was… On 7 August 2020, Ekta Kapoor posted a video. In her caption, she stated, 'Numerous individuals inquired about Sushant's initial scene… This was the initial scene I filmed. This was his initial scene, marking his debut on television in the series titled Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil . In the same caption, Ekta Kapoor also mentioned, 'He was the secondary lead in this, but we recognized he could achieve more than this and he did.' Much love, tranquility, and blessings. In the serial, Sushant shared screen space with actors Harshad Chopda, Additi Gupta and Krystle D Souza . In 2009, Ekta Kapoor produced another series called Pavitra Rishta and chose Sushant as the main actor, with Ankita Lokhande as his female co-star. This series became popular, and subsequently, Sushant made his move in the film industry to try his luck. More about Sushant Singh Rajput Sushant and Ankita Lokhande shared a strong bond while filming Pavitra Rishta. They gained fame as Manav-Archana in the show. They both opened up their relationship and publicly declared their love for one another. Eventually, around 2016, they both separated and after approximately one year, Sushant started dating actress Rhea Chakraborty .
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘I went to Sushant Singh Rajput's home': Mumbai CEO recalls actor's unexpected offer to help, pays tribute
A heartfelt tribute for Sushant Singh Rajput from a Mumbai startup co-founder is tugging at hearts online. In his post, Shikhar Agrawal, an IIT grad, recalled how the actor quietly offered to support his ambulance startup when he was just a college student. '6 years ago, I went to Sushant Singh Rajput's home & it still brings tears to my eyes remembering what he said,' Agrawal wrote, adding that at that time, he was working on his startup with ambulances. The CEO continued that the invitation to visit the actor's house came after he pitched his startup idea to Rajput during his visit to IIT Bombay to shoot the 2019 film Chhichhore. 'He listened like very few people do. He asked questions about tech, dispatch, scale, everything, and then said something I didn't expect: 'I don't actively invest… but I want to be the face of this. You're solving something real. I want to help.' We couldn't believe what Sushant said... just like that... he agreed to do such a big thing for 2nd year students,' Agrawal continued. In the next few lines, the CEO spoke more about Rajput and how the actor reacted when talking about "science, startups, space, helping people.' 'Today, June 14 marks 5 years since Sushant went away and I just want to say this: Sometimes, you really don't see the light you bring to the world, but that doesn't mean it's not there. If you ever forget it — don't quit. Don't disappear. Just hold on because the world needs more of that light. Not less.' An individual posted, 'That day was terrible!!! Thinking about it, I shivered and spent so many sleepless nights!! Such a great soul!! You are still alive in the hearts of millions of fans!!' Another joined, 'Some souls shine so bright they illuminate everyone around them. His kindness and vision live on through stories like this.' A third expressed, 'I never forget 21st Jan (his birthday) and 14th June (his unfortunate, tragic and untimely death). I was not just a fan of his craft but his kind heart and spiritual bent of mind. He was one of a kind. Praying for him and missing him a little more today.' A fourth wrote, 'Sushant will always live in our hearts. His presence is felt even in his absence. A pure good soul who left a lasting impact.' He started his career as a TV actor and appeared in several hit shows. He began his journey as a Bollywood actor in 2011 with Kai Po Che! His last film, Dil Bechara, was released posthumously. On June 14, 2020, he was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. The postmortem report cited 'asphyxia due to hanging' as the cause of the 34-year-old's death.
