Rajkummar Rao commenced his acting journey with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex aur Dhokha in 2010. With time he gradually ascended to become one of the most esteemed actors of his generation. However, before making it big in the film industry, Rajkummar faced profound financial hardships during his early days in the industry. In a recent interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, he revealed the stark realities of his struggles, recounting instances when he had to forgo lunch in Mumbai, subsisting solely on a packet of Parle ji biscuits and Frooti. He also shared the poignant memory of having a mere Rs 18 left in his bank account, a testament to the challenges he overcame on his path to success.
Speaking about his pre-fame struggle in Mumbai, Rajkummar said, “The most difficult time was facing financial difficulty and getting no work. My mother supported me a lot and when I would run out of money, she would arrange it and send. I remember once I was left with only Rs 18 in my account and that too in a city like Mumbai. I used to spend very frugally. We three used to live in one flat and I used to skip lunch and have one Parle Ji and Frooti for lunch. My lunch would cost me Rs 4 at the time.”
While Rajkummar faced financial struggle, his FTII batchmates often came to his recue. He added, “Now, the day I was left with only Rs 18, I was thinking what will I do? We have a FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) committee in Mumbai. A lot of our seniors and juniors live here. So, you can ring anybody and ask them what are they having for dinner and if you can come.”
Even before coming to Mumbai, Rajkummar started his preparation to become an a actor. Narrating his preparation during his time in Delhi and how he would cycle for 140 kms everyday to reach his acting school, he said, “I started preparing to become an actor after school. After completing school, I joined Sri Ram Centre in Delhi, it’s an acting school. I was 18 at the time. So, somebody told me to join college for graduation so that I can get a bus pass. In that way you can save money. I got to know this very late. Before that I used to go to the acting school on bicycle and would ride the cycle for 70 kms up and down. I would hear songs like “Lakshya Ko Har Haal Me Pana Hai,” “Papa Kahte Hain” and all on my walkman on my way there. It sounds filmy now but it used to be a lot of fun.”
Rajkummar is currently busy with the promotion of his upcoming film Srikanth. He also has Mr and Mrs Mahi with Janhvi Kapoor, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video with Tripti Dimri and the most awaited Stree 3 in the pipeline.
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