Mumbai: Rajkummar Rao, one of Bollywood’s most talented actors, is currently basking in the success of his latest film, Stree 2. The film, a sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, has been a blockbuster at the box office, reaffirming Rajkummar’s place as a bankable star. However, the road to stardom hasn’t been an easy one for him. In a recent interview, Rajkummar opened up about his struggles in the industry, including the numerous times he was dropped from major projects.
Facing Rejections Early On
In a candid conversation on Audible’s podcast The Longest Interview, Rajkummar Rao shared an interesting anecdote from his early days in Bollywood. Despite his undeniable talent, there were instances when he was removed from films for various reasons. Reflecting on these setbacks, Rajkummar expressed that being dropped from a project was never a reflection of his abilities. Instead, he viewed it as a failure on the part of the producers who couldn’t recognize his potential.
“Everything was going well at one point, but then for some reason, I was removed from the film,” Rajkummar revealed. He went on to say that these experiences taught him valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of being prepared for any situation. According to Rajkummar, the rejections were not personal failures but rather missed opportunities for those who failed to see his worth.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Interestingly, Rajkummar now feels that those rejections were a blessing in disguise. He shared that when he looks back, he realizes that some of those projects either never got made or the roles weren’t as impactful as he initially thought. This perspective has helped him stay grounded and grateful for the opportunities that did come his way.
Rajkummar also spoke about the guiding force of the universe in his life. “I believe that when the universe is guiding you, everything falls into place,” he said. This belief has kept him motivated through the ups and downs of his career, allowing him to trust in the timing of his success.
The Turning Point: Kai Po Che and Beyond
One of the significant milestones in Rajkummar Rao’s career was his role in the critically acclaimed film Kai Po Che. The film, based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel The Three Mistakes of My Life, marked a turning point in his career. Rajkummar fondly recalled his experience working on the film and how it felt like a dream come true.
Before Kai Po Che, Rajkummar had read The Three Mistakes of My Life when he was new to Mumbai. He was deeply impressed by the book and hoped that if it were ever adapted into a film, he would get a chance to play one of the key characters. “I didn’t know which role it would be, but I was really keen on it,” Rajkummar admitted. His wish eventually came true, and his performance in Kai Po Che was widely appreciated, setting the stage for his subsequent success in the industry.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Rajkummar Rao’s journey in Bollywood is a testament to his passion and perseverance. Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, he never lost faith in his abilities. His belief in the power of hard work and the guidance of the universe has led him to where he is today—a respected and successful actor with a growing list of accolades.
As Stree 2 continues to dominate the box office, Rajkummar’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and anyone facing challenges in their own lives. His journey reminds us that success is not always immediate and that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
With each new project, Rajkummar Rao continues to prove that talent, combined with determination, can overcome any obstacle. As he looks forward to future roles, his fans can expect to see even more remarkable performances from this versatile actor.
