Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao opened up about his early days in Mumbai and his admiration for superstar Shah Rukh Khan during his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18. The actor, who will be seen on the show with his Prahaar co-star Wamiqa Gabbi and the man the movie is based on, Ujjawal Nikam, recalled how Shah Rukh’s journey from Delhi to becoming a Bollywood superstar inspired him when he was starting out.
Rajkummar recalls his early days
During the conversation, Amitabh Bachchan asked Rajkummar about Shah Rukh Khan, pointing out that the two actors share a Delhi connection. Rajkummar said he had decided at a young age that he wanted to become an actor and had closely followed Shah Rukh’s journey.
“Sir, since you are from Delhi yourself, and I too had decided at a very young age that I wanted to pursue acting… Also, there used to be a poster of yours in my mother’s room because you have always been number one, and we have all drawn inspiration from you. As I was saying, I was deeply inspired by Shah Rukh Sir’s journey; how a boy from a middle-class family in Delhi started out in theatre, did numerous TV shows, and eventually became a massive superstar. When I first came to Mumbai for a show, though I didn’t get selected, I used to stand outside his bungalow, right in front of Mannat.”
Amitabh Bachchan praises Shah Rukh
Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Shah Rukh on several projects like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Mohabbatein and more, also shared his thoughts on the actor. Speaking about his experience of working with him, he said, “Main batata hoon maine unke sath kaam kiya hain aur woh aise insaan hain ki woh kisi bhi baat par haar nahi mante, koi bhi samasya ho woh sirf bolte hain aur samne wale ka confidence kitna badate hain (Let me tell you, I have worked with him, and he is the kind of person who never gives up on anything; no matter the problem, just by speaking, he boosts the other person’s confidence tremendously).”
About Rajkummar Rao’s next
Rajkummar Rao’s appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 comes ahead of Prahaar, an upcoming biopic on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The trailer placed significant emphasis on the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The project also features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher in key roles. The film is set to release on October 16.