#HisStoryHisWords: Rajkummar Rao talks about his struggle and idol SRK
What's the story
Rajkummar Rao spoke to 'Humans of Bombay' about how he grew up hero-worshipping Shah Rukh Khan and believing that he too could become something from nothing in Bollywood.
SRK inspired Rao to never give up and we know how that turned out to be.
From humble beginnings in advertisements to his first break in 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha', Rao spoke his heart out.
It's not easy being a star in Bollywood
Rao's journey started when he came to Mumbai but initially he couldn't find much work. He often lived on as little as Rs. 10,000 a month, working small roles in advertisements.
Sometimes, financial constraints forced him to share meals with friends.
However, giving up was never an option for Rao. He played his share of small parts and always trusted his talent would eventually be recognized.
Good things come to those who wait and work
Rao was also pretty persistent. An example of this is that he followed up with casting director Atul Mongia constantly, till he got an audition call.
However, it was a tense week for Rao, and we can totally understand why.
He then got the call which changed his life. The actor got the lead role in 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha'.
Meeting King: A fanboy moment and a dream come true
By his own admission, Rao is a hardcore SRK fan.
Interestingly, he had added several high-profile films to his repertoire like 'Kai Po Che!' and 'Queen' before he managed to meet SRK.
The meeting became more special since SRK knew all about Rao's work.
Rao's takeaway was that dreams do come true and one shouldn't stop believing.
Rajkummar Rao wows us with his performance every single time
Rao remains one of the most valuable additions of Bollywood. The talented man has shown he's comfortable in diverse roles. From 'Newton' to 'Aligarh', Rao has acted in many socially relevant movies, and also in commercial movies like 'Bareilly Ki Barfi.'
With 'Stree', Rao has given us a glimpse of dancing skills too.
As fans, we just can't get enough of him!
Here is his story which will inspire you
“Growing up, I was fascinated with Shah Rukh Sir–I used to stare at his posters & 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 & I’d call my friends saying, ‘Can I come over to eat?’
Giving up wasn’t an option. There was never a plan B. I was constantly on the hunt for auditions–I met with countless ADs & casting directors. They would call me in for small roles & I’d try to convince them to let me audition for the bigger parts–I was turned down. But I wasn’t demotivated.
I persistently followed up with Atul Mongia till he finally called me to audition for Love Sex aur Dhokha. A week went by & I hadn’t heard back–that’s when I questioned, ‘Will they call?’
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 & called my mom.
The movie released & that’s when the doors opened. But I’ll tell you a stand out moment–it was sometime after Queen.
I was shooting in Mehboob & 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 was nervous and in awe throughout. I once spoke to his posters & now there he was, in front of me. How can I even explain what that felt like?
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’m the same actor, the same person, but now I’m offered the roles. I’ve believed in my craft, even when things weren’t going well. I just knew–I put it out in the Universe & attracted it. Remember, no matter what anyone says, no one will believe in you, the way YOU do–so hustle & let the Universe do the rest.”
