Rajkummar Rao says doors don’t open easily, but be at it

Prashant Singh

Around mid-2000s, a young Rajkummar Rao cycled 70km at times (to theatre classes) while pursuing graduation in Delhi. He was also prepping for the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

“My struggle started when I joined college. Since then my journey has been challenging.

But I’ve never complained because if you love what you do, you can overcome these challenges,” says Rao, recalling how he was clear he had to

“hone himself as a competent artiste before coming to Mumbai”. “For any budding artiste, it’s imperative to know their craft and work hard towards it,” says the actor, who turns 36 today, and completes a decade in Bollywood this year.

An outsider in the glitzy industry, with no connections, Rao recalls, “I didn’t know anyone; many a times people wouldn’t even meet me. But I never let such things hamper my passion. I was clear: Jeena yahan, marna yahan! My family, especially my mum was supportive,” he says sharing he had “weak moments too”, but maintained a “positive outlook”.

“I came from a middle class background, so money wasn’t in free flow. At times, there was no money for rent or food. But I knew that eventually things will work out,” he adds.

Admitting things don’t come easy “at the start”, Rao feels what works is “how much faith you have in your craft”. “Yes, the doors don’t open easily [especially for outsiders]. But once one foot is in the door, I’ve no choice but to make optimum use of that. So, the mantra is: Be at it.”

Ask about his birthday plans, and Rao says, “No special plans. Patralekhaa (actor and his partner) plans to bake a cake. I’m not a party person.”