Stree 2 has taken the box office by storm since its release on August 15, grossing a staggering ₹441 crores worldwide in just nine days. Audiences are raving about the film’s storyline, dialogues, songs, and standout performances. Despite stiff competition from Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein and John Abraham’s Veda, Stree 2 has managed to maintain its strong earnings, proving its immense popularity.
Among the star-studded cast, which includes Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Varun Dhawan, and Abhishek Banerjee, Rajkummar Rao has been particularly in the spotlight. The talented actor recently shared his thoughts on being perceived as a brand during a conversation with entrepreneur Raj Shamani.
“I Am an Artist, Not a Product”
In the interview, Rajkummar Rao opened up about his approach to acting and how he views his career. “Acting is an art, so why should I turn myself into a brand? I am not a product. I am a human being who feels things,” Rao stated. He emphasized that he does not want to be seen as a brand or a product but as an artist who is here to create and surprise his audience with his work.
Rao’s desire to stay true to his craft rather than getting caught up in the commercial aspects of the industry reflects his commitment to being an actor first and foremost. “I do not want to become a slave. I am an actor. I have to become a chameleon, I have to change myself,” he added, highlighting his versatility and dedication to his art.
Three Blockbusters in Three Months
Rajkummar Rao has had a remarkable year, with Stree 2 marking his third hit in just three months. Before Stree 2, he delivered two other successful films—Shrikant and Mr. and Mrs. Mahi—both of which were well-received by audiences and critics alike.
A Look at Rao’s Recent Films
In Mr. and Mrs. Mahi, Rajkummar Rao shared the screen with Janhvi Kapoor. The film tells the story of Mahendra, a man from Jaipur who dreams of making it big in cricket. Despite his talent, Mahendra’s aspirations are crushed when he fails to reach the state and national levels, forcing him to work as a salesman in his father’s sports shop. The film explores Mahendra’s struggles with failure, family expectations, and his determination to carve out a path for himself.
Shrikant takes a different direction, focusing on the life of a child born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The film is inspired by the real-life story of industrialist Srikanth Bolla. Born into a farming family, Srikanth’s father dreams of his son becoming a cricketer. However, when the family discovers that Srikanth is visually impaired, their joy turns to sorrow. The film beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs of Srikanth’s journey, making it an inspiring watch.
A Relatable and Respected Actor
Rajkummar Rao’s recent success is a testament to his versatility and ability to connect with audiences through diverse roles. Whether he’s playing a small-town cricketer with big dreams or a visually impaired child overcoming adversity, Rao brings depth and authenticity to his characters.
His reluctance to be pigeonholed as a brand underscores his focus on evolving as an actor and delivering performances that resonate with viewers. As Rao continues to take on varied roles and push the boundaries of his craft, he remains one of Bollywood’s most respected and relatable stars.
In a film industry where branding often takes precedence over artistic expression, Rajkummar Rao’s approach serves as a refreshing reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s passion. As he continues to surprise and captivate audiences, Rao’s commitment to his art will undoubtedly keep him at the forefront of Indian cinema.
