Rajkummar Rao opens up about his childhood lessons, acting idols, the burden of social media, and his marriage, as his latest film Maalik draws crowds, proving he’s unafraid to evolve.

Hyderabad: For Rajkummar Rao, being an actor was never about fame. It was about staying honest to his characters, to his craft, and to himself. In his latest chat on In The Ring With Filmfare, the actor let the audience in on what really fuels his journey: childhood adventures, inspiring mentors, and a love story that feels written by fate.

Long before Shahid and Stree made him a household name, Rajkummar believed every ordinary moment had something to teach him. He said he’d tell his younger self to keep doing what he did back then: spending time outdoors, meeting different people, learning from everyday life. Those memories, he believes, gave him the depth he brings to his characters today.

His student years at FTII were just as important. He spoke about watching Jaya Bachchan’s diploma film and how her straightforward approach sparked meaningful discussions among students. He also recalled the impact of listening to Irrfan Khan speak about his films, describing those interactions as some of the most inspiring moments during his training.

While his passion for acting has only grown, Rajkummar is not comfortable with the overexposure that comes with being a celebrity today. He admitted that social media is not his favourite space and that he uses it only when necessary, mostly for work- updates. He feels there was once a certain mystery around actors that has faded now. For him, protecting his personal life is more important than sharing every detail online.

Talking about his role in Badhaai Do, Rajkummar said the script stood out because it centred on a simple but powerful theme: love. Playing a gay police officer gave him a deeper understanding of the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces, from self-acceptance to societal judgement. He believes the film resonated with people because it came from a place of honesty.

Rajkummar’s latest film Maalik has already hit theatres and is performing strongly at the box office. Known for playing relatable, everyday characters, he takes on an entirely different shade in this project. In Maalik, he portrays a character with a commanding presence and raw intensity, bringing depth to a story that goes far beyond typical action. For Rajkummar, stepping into this rugged, powerful role was a chance to break away from what audiences have seen him do before, and the film’s positive reception proves it was worth the risk.

In the interview, he also spoke about his relationship with his wife Patralekhaa. He recalled how they first met during a work trip and how he had already noticed her in an advertisement before they ever spoke. For him, their marriage hasn’t changed much in daily life except for the fact that they now have new titles, husband and wife, which he described as a simple but special shift.

Whether it’s his childhood memories, time at drama school, or everyday interactions, Rajkummar Rao continues to show that an actor’s best preparation often comes from real life, and that some parts of that life deserve to stay behind the scenes.Rajkummar Rao: Real roles, real life, real love

For Rajkummar Rao, being an actor was never about fame. It was about staying honest to his characters, to his craft, and to himself. In his latest chat on In The Ring With Filmfare, the actor let the audience in on what really fuels his journey: childhood adventures, inspiring mentors, and a love story that feels written by fate.

Long before Shahid and Stree made him a household name, Rajkummar believed every ordinary moment had something to teach him. He said he’d tell his younger self to keep doing what he did back then: spending time outdoors, meeting different people, learning from everyday life. Those memories, he believes, gave him the depth he brings to his characters today.

His student years at FTII were just as important. He spoke about watching Jaya Bachchan’s diploma film and how her straightforward approach sparked meaningful discussions among students. He also recalled the impact of listening to Irrfan Khan speak about his films, describing those interactions as some of the most inspiring moments during his training.

While his passion for acting has only grown, Rajkummar is not comfortable with the overexposure that comes with being a celebrity today. He admitted that social media is not his favourite space and that he uses it only when necessary, mostly for work- updates. He feels there was once a certain mystery around actors that has faded now. For him, protecting his personal life is more important than sharing every detail online.

Talking about his role in Badhaai Do, Rajkummar said the script stood out because it centred on a simple but powerful theme: love. Playing a gay police officer gave him a deeper understanding of the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces, from self-acceptance to societal judgement. He believes the film resonated with people because it came from a place of honesty.

Rajkummar’s latest film Maalik has already hit theatres and is performing strongly at the box office. Known for playing relatable, everyday characters, he takes on an entirely different shade in this project. In Maalik, he portrays a character with a commanding presence and raw intensity, bringing depth to a story that goes far beyond typical action. For Rajkummar, stepping into this rugged, powerful role was a chance to break away from what audiences have seen him do before, and the film’s positive reception proves it was worth the risk.

In the interview, he also spoke about his relationship with his wife Patralekhaa. He recalled how they first met during a work trip and how he had already noticed her in an advertisement before they ever spoke. For him, their marriage hasn’t changed much in daily life except for the fact that they now have new titles, husband and wife, which he described as a simple but special shift.

Whether it’s his childhood memories, time at drama school, or everyday interactions, Rajkummar Rao continues to show that an actor’s best preparation often comes from real life, and that some parts of that life deserve to stay behind the scenes.