Actor Rajkummar Rao made a special appearance on the stage of the television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, engaging in an extensive conversation with host Amitabh Bachchan about his deep admiration for superstar Shah Rukh Khan. When Bachchan brought up the subject of Delhi and the shared connection with the celebrated actor, Rao explained how profoundly Khan's professional path had shaped his own ambitions. Rao recounted his early struggles, revealing that during his initial visits to Mumbai, he would spend hours waiting outside Khan's residence, Mannat. Hearing this, Bachchan reflected on his own collaborations with Shah Rukh Khan, praising his rare ability to confront adversity without backing down.
From Delhi's Streets to Stardom and Waiting Outside Mannat
Looking back at his formative years, Rajkummar Rao explained that he had committed to pursuing an acting career at a very tender age. He mentioned that a poster of Amitabh Bachchan always adorned the wall of his mother's room, noting that Bachchan had permanently defined excellence for an entire generation of performers. Alongside that foundation, Rao emphasized that Shah Rukh Khan's trajectory left an extraordinary imprint on his mindset. The journey of a young man hailing from a middle class family in Delhi who began with street and stage theater, transitioned into television serials, and ultimately rose to become a global superstar remains a monumental template for aspiring artists.
Rao shared the memory of his very first trip to Mumbai, which was undertaken for a specific show opportunity. Even though he was not selected during that audition, he spent hours standing patiently outside Khan's bungalow, Mannat, drawing quiet strength and motivation simply from being near the home of an icon who had walked the same path from Delhi.
Amitabh Bachchan on Working With Shah Rukh Khan and Facing Odds
Moved by Rao's heartfelt account, Amitabh Bachchan offered his own insights into Shah Rukh Khan's character, drawing from their professional work across several major films, including Mohabbatein and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Sharing what it is like to work alongside him on set, Bachchan highlighted that Khan is an individual who simply refuses to surrender under any circumstances.
Bachchan observed that whenever an overwhelming problem arises, Khan possesses an exceptional communicative skill. Through direct conversation, he manages to uplift the confidence and morale of the person before him to such a degree that half of the dilemma instantly feels resolved. Bachchan noted that this infectious optimism and problem-solving attitude remain among Khan's greatest professional qualities.
Promoting Prahaar and Undergoing an Intense Physical Transformation
Rajkummar Rao visited the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 to promote his upcoming cinematic project titled Prahaar. The film is based on the life and prominent legal cases of renowned Indian lawyer Ujjwal Nikam. In addition to Rao in the central role, the ensemble cast features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in significant supporting parts.
The discussion on the show also touched upon the drastic physical overhaul Rao underwent to embody the veteran legal luminary. To match the physique of Ujjwal Nikam, Rao gained approximately 9 to 10 kilograms of body weight. Beyond the weight gain, he incorporated specific aesthetic details including a light beard and glasses, alongside intensive vocal coaching to master the nuances and inflections of the Marathi language.
Upcoming Biopic on Sourav Ganguly Slated for May 2027
Beyond his commitments to Prahaar, Rajkummar Rao is preparing to step into the shoes of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly for an official biographical feature. Titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, the sports drama aims to chronicle the veteran cricketer's career milestones. The film is officially scheduled to arrive in theaters on 14 May 2027.
