Rajkummar Rao: From Struggle to Stardom
Rajkummar Rao, born as Raj Kumar Yadav on August 31, 1984, in Prem Nagar, Gurgaon, Haryana, is a well-known personality in the Indian film industry for his diverse acting abilities and engaging performances. His rise from humble beginnings to become one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed actors is both inspirational and impressive.
Family background
Rajkummar Rao is from a middle-class family. His father, Satya Prakash Yadav, worked in the Haryana revenue department, while his mother, Kamlesh Yadav, was a housewife. He has two older siblings: a brother named Amit and a sister called Monika. The family had considerable problems, notably following the deaths of his parents in 2016 and 2019.
Despite these difficulties, Rao’s childhood developed in him a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. His early education took place in Gurgaon, where he was involved in school plays, which sparked his passion in acting. Rao attended The Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, where he also participated in theatre with the Kshitij Theatre Group and the Shri Ram Centre. He then participated in a two-year acting program at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, which formed the groundwork for his acting career.

Career as an actor
Rajkummar Rao made his cinematic debut in 2010 with the anthology film Love Sex Aur Dhokha, which gained critical praise and marked the start of a successful career. His breakout roles were in Kai Po Che! and Shahid (2013), the latter of which earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor. He has appeared in a wide range of films, including Queen, Newton, Stree, and Badhaai Do, demonstrating his versatility in genres ranging from drama to comedy.
Rao’s performances have won several awards, including four Filmfare Awards and one Asia Pacific Screen Award. He is known for his commitment to his performances, frequently immersing himself fully in the characters he plays. His latest films, like Ludo and Monica, O My Darling, have cemented his place as a significant performer in contemporary Indian cinema.
Rajkummar Rao Movies and Awards
Rajkummar Rao has won multiple honors throughout his career, demonstrating his talent and flexibility as an actor. He currently holds 19 accolades from various prestigious organizations. Here is a list of some of the major prizes he has won, as well as the films for which he received them:
Major Awards Won by Rajkummar RaoMajor Awards Won by Rajkummar Rao
- National Film Awards
- Best Actor for Shahid (2013)
- Filmfare Awards
- Best Actor (Critics) for Shahid (2014)
- Best Supporting Actor for Bareilly Ki Barfi (2018)
- Best Actor (Critics) for Trapped (2018)
- Best Actor for Badhaai Do (2023)

Asia Pacific Screen Awards
- Best Performance by an Actor for Newton (2017)
Indian Television Academy Awards
- Best Actor – Original Film – OTT for Ludo (2021)
Zee Cine Awards
- Extraordinary Impact Award (Male) (2018)
Screen Awards
- Best Actor for Bareilly Ki Barfi (2018)
Summary of Notable Films and Awards
- Shahid: National Film Award for Best Actor; Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).
- Bareilly Ki Barfi: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor; Screen Award for Best Actor.
- Trapped: Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics).
- Newton received the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor
- Badhaai Do: Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
- Ludo receives Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actor – Original Film – OTT.
Rajkummar Rao Wealth
Rajkummar Rao’s net worth is expected to be at ₹81 crores (roughly $10 million) by 2024. His acting career earns him about ₹5 to ₹6 crores per film, making up the majority of his income. Rao also does brand endorsements and public appearances, which help him financially. In 2022, he paid ₹44 crores for a magnificent triplex in Juhu, Mumbai, reflecting his success. The property exemplifies his accomplishment, with modern conveniences and beautiful design aspects that represent his personality.

Rajkummar Rao’s honors highlight his dedication to his profession and ability to play a diverse range of roles across genres, establishing him as one of the most renowned actors in the Indian cinema industry.