# Rajkummar Rao Recalls Mannat Days on KBC 18 as Amitabh Bachchan Lauds Shah Rukh Khan's Resilience

> During his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, Rajkummar Rao reflected on Shah Rukh Khan's inspiring journey, prompting host Amitabh Bachchan to praise Khan's relentless mindset.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bollywood · **Published:** 2026-09-25 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/kbc-18-men-rajkummar-rao-ne-yada-kie-purane-dina-amitabh-bachchan-ne-ki-shah-rukh-khan-ke-hausale-ki-sarahana-38644 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Rajkummar Rao, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, KBC 18, Prahaar, Ujjwal Nikam, Sourav Ganguly Biopic

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.

## What this means for you
This update gives movie and entertainment enthusiasts clear timelines and behind-the-scenes details regarding upcoming biographical film projects.

- **For Film Enthusiasts:** Rajkummar Rao's forthcoming feature Prahaar explores the real-life journey of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Viewers will witness Rao alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in a grounded legal drama.
- **For Cricket and Biopic Fans:** Audiences anticipating the biographical feature on former national cricket captain Sourav Ganguly now have a set theatrical calendar. The film, titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, is slated for release on 14 May 2027.
- **For Television Viewers:** Audiences following Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 get an authentic look into the candid camaraderie shared between mainstream cinema veterans. The show offers firsthand reflections on perseverance and mutual industry respect.
- **For Aspiring Actors:** The insights demonstrate the rigorous physical and vocal preparation required to tackle real-life historical figures on screen. Aspiring performers can observe how discipline shapes authentic biographical acting.

## Why this happened
Rajkummar Rao attended Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 to promote his film Prahaar, which naturally led to a broader discussion about career milestones and influences.

- **Promotional Appearance:** The primary reason for Rao's presence was the promotional campaign for his upcoming biographical legal drama Prahaar. This platform provided the context for host Amitabh Bachchan to explore Rao's artistic background.
- **Shared Delhi Origins:** Both Rao and Shah Rukh Khan built their careers after transitioning from Delhi's theater and television circuits to mainstream cinema. This common regional and professional origin prompted Bachchan to inquire about Khan's influence on Rao's journey.
- **Collaborative History on Screen:** Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan shared prominent screen space in major feature films such as Mohabbatein. That firsthand working history allowed Bachchan to recount Khan's resilient working style during real professional challenges.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Why did Rajkummar Rao appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18?
Rajkummar Rao appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 to promote his upcoming feature film titled Prahaar.

### 2. What did Amitabh Bachchan share about his experience working with Shah Rukh Khan?
Amitabh Bachchan stated that Shah Rukh Khan never gives up in any situation and boosts people's confidence through conversation to resolve tough problems.

### 3. What memory did Rajkummar Rao share regarding his early days in Mumbai?
Rao revealed that during his first trip to Mumbai, after not being selected in an audition, he spent hours standing outside Shah Rukh Khan's residence, Mannat.

### 4. Whose life is the film Prahaar based on?
The film Prahaar is based on the life and legal journey of prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.

### 5. Who are the other main cast members in the film Prahaar?
Alongside Rajkummar Rao, the film features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles.

### 6. What physical preparation did Rajkummar Rao undertake for Prahaar?
He gained about 9 to 10 kilograms, adopted glasses and a light beard, and practiced Marathi dialect nuances to portray Ujjwal Nikam authentically.

### 7. What is the title and release date of the Sourav Ganguly biopic starring Rajkummar Rao?
The biopic is titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story and is scheduled to be released in theaters on 14 May 2027.

## Inspiration & Lessons
The reflections exchanged by these actors highlight how resilience, discipline, and mutual respect enable artists from humble roots to achieve enduring careers.

- **Perseverance Through Rejection:** Despite facing early audition rejections in Mumbai, Rajkummar Rao drew encouragement from his role models rather than yielding to despair. Persistent commitment to one's chosen craft gradually creates avenues for breakthrough.
- **Maintaining Optimism Under Pressure:** As recounted by Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan approaches severe difficulties by instilling confidence in others through steady dialogue. Maintaining calm communication can dissolve major hurdles in high-stakes environments.
- **Uncompromising Professional Dedication:** Gaining 9 to 10 kilograms and rigorously learning regional speech patterns for a single role illustrates the level of personal commitment required for true artistic excellence.

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