Mumbai, Sept 2: Rajkummar Rao, one of India’s most esteemed actors, has expressed his desire to be recognized for his craft rather than his stardom. In a recent interview, the National Award-winning actor discussed his perspective on fame, stating, “Stardom is essentially a label that people assign. While it's flattering to be called a star or a superstar, my primary goal is for people to recognize me for my artistry first.”
Since his debut in 2010 with "Love Sex Aur Dhokha," Rajkummar Rao has built an impressive career over the past 14 years, appearing in over 30 films and earning numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and an Asia Pacific Screen Award. He also made it to Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list in 2017.
Despite his achievements, Rao remains driven and hungry for more. When asked if he feels he has accomplished everything he set out to do, he replied, “Not at all. There's always more to offer. As an actor, I am continually hungry and eager to learn. Acting is an expansive field, and there’s always something new to explore with each project. Complacency is not an option for me.”
On his 40th birthday, Rajkummar delighted fans by announcing his upcoming film, “Maalik,” an action thriller directed by Pulkit, known for films such as "Dedh Beegha Zameen," "Bose: Dead/Alive," and "Bhakshak." He shared the film’s poster on Instagram, featuring him standing on top of a jeep with an AK-47, surrounded by a line of trucks. The poster bears the tagline: “Maalik. Paida nahi ho sakta ban toh sakta hai.”
In this film, Rajkummar will portray a gangster for the first time, marking a new direction in his career. The production of "Maalik" is currently underway.
