Rajkummar Rao, the prolific actor known for his versatility, is on a roll with consecutive film releases. After the success of Srikanth, which hit theaters on May 10, Rao is gearing up for the release of Mr & Mrs Mahi by the end of the same month.
A self-made actor, Rajkummar Rao’s journey to success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. In a recent podcast on the YouTube channel, We Are Yuvaa, Rao reminisced about his humble beginnings and the struggles he faced when he first arrived in Mumbai.
![Rajkummar Rao explains why he looks up to Shah Rukh Khan | Filmfare.com](https://filmfare.wwmindia.com/content/2020/nov/rajkummarraoshahrukhkhan41604752965.jpg)
Hailing from Gurugram, Rao vividly recalled his auditions for the TV dance show Boogie Woogie as a 16-year-old, accompanied by his younger brother. Despite being captivated by the allure of Mumbai, the harsh realities of the city soon set in when they found themselves penniless and spent a night at the railway station after exhausting all their money.
During his early days in Mumbai, Rao would spend hours outside Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic residence, Mannat, hoping to catch a glimpse of his idol. Despite the challenges, Rao remained undeterred, with a steadfast determination to pursue his dreams.
His persistence paid off when he finally met Shah Rukh Khan during the promotions of Citylights at Mehboob Studio. Rao was initially nervous but was pleasantly surprised to find that Khan was already familiar with his work, including his National Award-winning performance in Shahid and his roles in Kai Po Che and Citylights.
Reflecting on the encounter, Rao humorously likened himself to a scene from Khan’s movie Om Shanti Om, with the iconic song “Aayi Aisi Raat Hai Jo” playing in his head. Despite his nerves, the meeting with his idol remains a cherished memory for the talented actor.
As Rajkummar Rao continues to captivate audiences with his stellar performances, his journey from Mumbai’s streets to the silver screen serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.