Born Raj Kumar Yadav on August 31, 1984, in Gurgaon, Haryana, Rao entered the Hindi film industry with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex Aur Dhokha in 2010. Over the years, he has become known for choosing unconventional characters and bringing remarkable depth to his performances.
From Shahid and Newton to Stree, Trapped, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Ludo and Srikanth, Rao has explored a wide range of genres. His performance in Shahid earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, while Newton further strengthened his reputation as a performer willing to take on challenging stories.
As he turns 42, the actor has an interesting mix of projects ahead, including two roles based on well-known real-life personalities.
Rajkummar Rao As Ujjwal Nikam In Prahaar
Rajkummar Rao will portray celebrated public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam. Directed by Avinash Arun, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher.
The film explores Nikam’s career and his involvement in several high-profile criminal cases. Rao’s character is expected to bring a serious and intense side of the actor to the screen. Prahaar is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 16, 2026.
Rajkummar Rao Steps Into Sourav Ganguly’s Shoes
Rao is also preparing to portray former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the biographical sports drama will trace the cricket legend’s journey and his contribution to Indian cricket.
For the role, Rao has worked on his physical transformation and cricketing mannerisms and has also learned to bat left-handed. The film is scheduled for worldwide release in theatres on May 14, 2027, coinciding with the Eid weekend.
Raftaar Adds Another Film To His Lineup
Another upcoming project associated with Rajkummar Rao is Raftaar, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and featuring Keerthy Suresh alongside him. The film adds another interesting genre to Rao’s upcoming slate and keeps him busy beyond his two highly anticipated biographical projects.
With Prahaar, Dada and Raftaar in the pipeline, Rajkummar Rao’s 42nd birthday arrives with an exciting lineup. Whether he is stepping into the shoes of a celebrated prosecutor or an iconic cricketer, the actor continues to take on roles that challenge him and keep audiences curious about what he will bring next.
