Rajkummar Rao recently shared a memorable story about his early days and his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan during his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18. The actor spoke about how SRK’s journey from Delhi to becoming one of the biggest stars of Bollywood inspired him when he was starting out.
During the episode, host Amitabh Bachchan asked Rajkummar Rao about his connection with Delhi and Shah Rukh Khan. Rajkummar explained that he had decided to become an actor at a very young age. He also recalled that there was a poster of Amitabh Bachchan in his mother’s room, as the veteran actor had always been a major source of inspiration for him and many others.
Rajkummar Rao then spoke about how closely he had followed Shah Rukh Khan’s journey. He admired how SRK, who came from a middle-class family in Delhi, started with theatre, went on to do several television shows and eventually became a massive Bollywood superstar.
Rajkummar Rao recalled that when he first came to Mumbai for a show, he was not selected. During that period, he would stand outside Shah Rukh Khan’s bungalow, Mannat, simply because he was so inspired by the actor’s journey.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in films including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Mohabbatein and others, also shared his experience of working with him. Big B described SRK as someone who does not give up easily. He said that whenever there is a problem, Shah Rukh has a way of speaking that can greatly boost the confidence of people around him.
Rajkummar Rao appeared on KBC 18 to promote his upcoming biopic Prahaar, based on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher in key roles. One of the major talking points about Prahaar has been Rajkummar Rao’s physical transformation for the role. To portray Ujjwal Nikam, the actor gained approximately 9-10 kilograms and developed a heavier build. He also adopted stubble, wore glasses and worked on gaining a commanding grasp of Marathi to match the character.
Apart from Prahaar, Rajkummar will also play former cricketer Sourav Ganguly in the upcoming biopic Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, 2027.
Rajkummar Rao’s story about standing outside Mannat shows just how strongly Shah Rukh Khan’s journey influenced him during the early stages of his own career.
