The Actor, the Lover, the Father-to-Be
In an industry built on legacies, Rajkummar Rao carved his own. At 41, he’s celebrated as one of cinema’s finest actors, a great partner to Patralekha, and poised to embrace parenthood
As he celebrates his 41st birthday on Sunday, Rajkummar Rao reflects on his journey in cinema, the love he shares with his wife Patralekha, and the new chapter of fatherhood awaiting him.
Q An outsider who made it big
“No one person can take credit for any success. It’s been 15 years since I began my acting career. If someone had told me back then that I would get to play all these wonderful characters, I would have laughed. Dreams do come true.”
For Rajkummar, the journey has been about hard work, choices from the heart, and faith in cinema rather than chasing glamour.
Q Favourite films?
“I can’t rate my films, I love them all. I feel blessed that I have so many amazing films in my filmography. Hopefully, one day my child too will be proud of his father’s films.”
He credits directors for shaping his journey: “It’s a director’s medium and you only grow as an actor working with good makers. My ambition will always be to push my limits. There is a lot of fire in me, and I am still hungry as an actor.”
“It was just my luck that Stree opened so close to my birthday and became an immediate favourite among filmmakers."
Rajkummar insists he has always chosen films led by instinct, he says, “I never wanted to be an actor to earn money. My reason was always love for the craft.”
Q Love, marriage & parenthood
“Nothing much has changed after marriage… but yes, I feel complete now. The love between us grows every day.” He beams as he speaks about wife Patralekha, “It’s a joy to marry the person you love and who is also your best friend. Now we are going to be parents soon.”