Rajkummar Rao: Actor Steers Clear of Industry Labels, Focuses on Art

Actor Rajkummar Rao, who has been part of the film industry for over 16 years, recently opened up about how he steers clear of labels imposed on him by the industry or audiences. The 42-year-old, who was part of a panel discussion at FICCI Frames on Wednesday, shared, “Whatever terms people give you: star, superstar, brand, it does not concern me.

My love for my art would always be first.”.

When asked about his approach to his craft, Rao emphasized that his relationship with his art has always taken precedence over the labels that come with success. “It’s been 16 years in the industry, but I have never seen myself as a brand,” he said, adding, “Growing up, when I started doing theatre, my dream was to be a film actor one day.

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It was never to be a brand.”.

Rao also expressed his happiness that filmmakers see him as someone who can take on the biographical genre. “I’m glad that people think of me when they think of a biopic. Biopics are a very difficult genre.

And it takes a lot of guts and courage for everybody involved to make a biopic.”.

With Prahaar – The Ujjwal Nikam Story being his latest project. In which he plays public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Rao revealed that the biopics he has done are only part of the offers that have come his way.

“I have been offered a lot of them apart from what I have done,” he says.

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When asked about his thoughts on the biopic genre, Rao said, “These are the terms that people give you. Or your colleagues give you.” He added, “When I am working on a character, I don’t want to deviate and think, ‘Is this story going to match my brand value?’ I don’t think like that.

So for me, I am always going to be an actor. People can call you whatever they want.”.

Rao's approach to his craft is particularly relevant as he finds himself increasingly associated with biographical films. The 42-year-old actor believes that his focus on his art has helped him navigate the industry successfully.