Biography
Rajkummar Rao – Indian Actor and Film Producer (2026)
Inside This Article:
Who is Rajkummar Rao?
Rajkummar Rao is a popular Indian actor known for working primarily in Hindi cinema. He has performed in independent films, biographical dramas, romantic comedies, thrillers, and commercially successful horror-comedy movies.
Rajkummar Rao was born as Raj Kumar Yadav on August 31, 1984, in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. His father, Satya Prakash Yadav, worked in the Haryana government’s revenue department. His mother, Kamlesh Yadav, was a homemaker.
He studied at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College under the University of Delhi. During his college years, he participated in theatre productions in Delhi. He later completed acting training at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.
| Quick Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raj Kumar Yadav |
| Professional Name | Rajkummar Rao |
| Birth Date | August 31, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Gurgaon, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Profession | Actor |
| Father | Satya Prakash Yadav |
| Mother | Kamlesh Yadav |
| College | Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College |
| Acting Institute | Film and Television Institute of India |
| Wife | Patralekhaa |
| Children | One daughter |
| Film Debut | Love Sex Aur Dhokha |
| Active Since | 2010 |
When did Rajkummar Rao start his acting career?
After completing his acting course, Rajkummar Rao moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. Like many newcomers, he attended auditions and accepted smaller roles while trying to establish himself in the industry.
He made his film debut in director Dibakar Banerjee’s anthology movie Love Sex Aur Dhokha in 2010. The film introduced him to Hindi cinema and helped him receive further acting opportunities.
He later appeared in movies such as Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within in 2012. Although these were supporting appearances, they allowed him to work with established directors and actors.
Rajkummar received wider recognition in 2013 through Kai Po Che! and Shahid. His performance as lawyer and human-rights activist Shahid Azmi in Shahid became an important turning point in his career.
What awards has Rajkummar Rao won?
Rajkummar Rao has received several major honours for his performances. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for portraying Shahid Azmi in Shahid. The award was shared with actor Suraj Venjaramoodu at the 61st National Film Awards.
He also won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Shahid. His performance in Trapped earned him another Filmfare Critics Award. Rajkummar received the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Bareilly Ki Barfi. He later won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Badhaai Do.
His performance as industrialist Srikanth Bolla in Srikanth earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. He also received the Asia Pacific Screen Award for his performance in Newton.
Who is Rajkummar Rao’s wife?
Rajkummar Rao is married to Indian actress Patralekhaa Paul, professionally known as Patralekhaa.
The couple reportedly began their relationship around 2010. They later worked together in the 2014 film CityLights, where they played a married couple facing financial difficulties after moving to Mumbai.
After being together for more than a decade, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa married on November 15, 2021. Their wedding ceremony took place in Chandigarh.
Patralekhaa made her Hindi film debut in CityLights. She has also appeared in films and streaming productions including Nanu Ki Jaanu, Bose: Dead/Alive, Aar Ya Paar, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
Does Rajkummar Rao have children?
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa welcomed their first child, a daughter, on November 15, 2025. The date also marked their fourth wedding anniversary.
The couple announced the birth through a joint social-media post. Their daughter was later publicly identified as Parvati Paul Rao.
What is Rajkummar Rao’s estimated net worth?
Rajkummar Rao has earned income through acting, film production, endorsements, public appearances, and other professional projects.
Several entertainment publications estimate Rajkummar Rao’s net worth at approximately ₹80–81 crore as of 2026. However, this figure should be treated as an unofficial media estimate because Rajkummar Rao has not published an audited statement of his personal wealth.
His actual net worth may differ depending on taxes, investments, property ownership, business interests, expenses, and contractual arrangements.
Interesting Facts About Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao was originally known as Raj Kumar Yadav. He later adopted the surname Rao and added an additional letter “m” to his first name.
Before entering films, he performed theatre in Delhi and completed professional acting training at FTII.
He is also trained in taekwondo. His career includes realistic independent films as well as successful commercial productions.
His performances in Shahid, Trapped, Newton, Badhaai Do, and Srikanth have received particular recognition from critics and award organisations.
