Updated on: 31 August, 2026 05:33 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
Some actors play characters, while some make you believe those characters actually exist. Rajkummar Rao belongs firmly to the latter league. From intense dramas that leave you thinking long after the credits roll to hilarious characters that have us quoting them even years later, he has proven that versatility is his greatest superpower. On his birthday, here’s a look back at the iconic roles that made Rajkummar Rao impossible to ignore.
Shahid
Portraying slain human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi, Rajkummar Rao delivered a career-defining performance that earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Portraying slain human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi, Rajkummar Rao delivered a career-defining performance that earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Srikanth
Rajkummar Rao starred as industrialist Srikanth Bolla, capturing the inspiring journey of a visually impaired entrepreneur with incredible nuance.
Rajkummar Rao starred as industrialist Srikanth Bolla, capturing the inspiring journey of a visually impaired entrepreneur with incredible nuance.
Badhaai Do
Rao's touching and sensitive portrayal of a closeted gay police officer won him another Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Rao's touching and sensitive portrayal of a closeted gay police officer won him another Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Stree 1 and 2
As Vicky in this horror-comedy franchise, Rajkummar mixed small-town charm with perfect comedic timing, driving massive box-office success.
As Vicky in this horror-comedy franchise, Rajkummar mixed small-town charm with perfect comedic timing, driving massive box-office success.
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Transforming into the meek and submissive Pritam Vidrohi who undergoes a hilarious alter-ego shift, he completely stole the show and won a Filmfare Award.
Transforming into the meek and submissive Pritam Vidrohi who undergoes a hilarious alter-ego shift, he completely stole the show and won a Filmfare Award.
