Rajkummar Rao is an acclaimed Indian actor known for transformative performances in Hindi cinema. Born Raj Kumar Yadav, he developed a reputation for choosing varied roles in independent films, comedies, thrillers and biographical dramas. His work is praised for emotional range, preparation and a willingness to change his appearance to match a character.
Profile
Name: Rajkummar Rao
Real name: Raj Kumar Yadav
Nickname: Raj
Profession: Actor
Date of birth: 1984-08-31
Birthplace: Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Nationality: Indian
Gender: Male
Hometown: Gurgaon, Haryana
Education: Graduation and formal acting training
School/college: S.N. Sidheshwar Senior Secondary Public School; Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi; Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Height: Approximately 1.65 m (commonly reported)
Weight: No consistently verified current figure
Eye colour: Dark brown
Hair colour: Black
Marital status: Married
Spouse: Patralekhaa (Patralekha Paul)
Family: Parents Satya Prakash Yadav and Kamlesh Yadav; two older siblings are reported
Net worth: No verified public figure; published estimates vary
Hobbies/interests: Acting, films, theatre and character preparation
Biography and career
Rao grew up in Gurgaon and became interested in acting while participating in school plays. He studied at Delhi University and was involved with theatre groups before pursuing professional training at FTII. This foundation helped him develop the versatility that later became a defining feature of his film career.
He made his feature-film debut with Love Sex Aur Dhokha in 2010. Although he initially appeared in supporting parts, he stood out for controlled performances and an ability to make small roles memorable. His career expanded with films such as Kai Po Che!, Shahid, Queen, Newton, Stree, Badhaai Do and Srikant. His performance in Shahid brought major critical attention and awards recognition.
Rao’s screen work spans social dramas and mainstream entertainers. He has demonstrated that a performer can move between commercially successful comedies and challenging roles without losing credibility. He continues to be associated with detailed preparation, expressive acting and a broad range of characters.
Unknown facts
- He was actively involved in theatre while studying at Delhi University.
- He completed acting training at FTII in Pune.
- His birth name was Raj Kumar Yadav before he adopted the screen name Rajkummar Rao.
- The film Shahid marked a major turning point in his critical recognition.
- He has worked across independent cinema and commercial Hindi films.
Editorial note: Weight and net-worth estimates are not reliably confirmed and should not be treated as official disclosures.
