In the heart of Mumbai, Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao stands at a significant juncture in his career. Known for his role as an about-to-be-married man caught in a time-loop in the upcoming film “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” Rao reflects on pivotal moments that have shaped his journey. From his debut in “Love Sex Aur Dhokha” to the box office triumph of “Stree 2,” these highlights delineate his rise in the film industry.
Speaking at the trailer launch for “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” Rajkummar Rao expressed a desire to relive several key moments. His career began in 2010 when, as an outsider in the competitive labyrinth of Bollywood, he secured his first film role. “Getting that first film is vital for any actor from the outside,” Rao remarked. Reflecting further, he shared his wish to revisit the moment his mother accompanied him to receive his first National Award. “When ‘Stree 2’ released, and we saw the initial box office numbers, the reaction was ‘What…what has happened,’” he nostalgically recounted.
He also cherishes personal milestones, including his 2021 marriage to Patralekha, reminiscing on the beauty of their wedding celebrations. “All three days of my wedding were beautiful, especially the ‘pheras’. Watching Patralekha walk down the aisle is a moment I’d love to relive,” he said.
In “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” Rao’s character discovers the eve of his wedding is caught in an infinite loop, drawing comparisons to Bill Murray’s role in “The Groundhog Day.” As Rao navigates through this comedic scenario, it mirrors his real-life capability to take on varied roles with adeptness, much like renowned actors Balraj Sahni, Sanjeev Kumar, and his personal favorite, Irrfan Khan.
Rao feels honored to be compared to such talents and acknowledges his continuing growth. “It’s a victory when people relate to my films, knowing I’m telling their stories,” Rao reflected. His dedication to authentic storytelling resonates with audiences, deepening his connection with them.
“Bhool Chuk Maaf,” marking Rao’s eighth project with Maddock Films, signifies his enduring collaboration with producer Dinesh Vijan. Their partnerships in films like “Raabta,” “Stree,” “Made in China,” “Roohi,” and “Bhediya” underscore a shared vision in cinema. Rao lauds Vijan’s dedication to compelling narratives and his support for rising directors. “Dinoo’s passion for every film, big or small, motivates me to work with him repeatedly,” Rao stated.
“The importance of backing good stories cannot be overstressed,” Rao emphasized, “and Dinesh continues to empower fresh talent like Karan Sharma, Amar Kaushik, and Laxman Utekar. It’s a pleasure to be part of stories that resonate widely.”
“Bhool Chuk Maaf,” written and directed by Karan Sharma, showcases Rajkummar Rao alongside actors such as Wamiqa Gabbi, Seema Pahwa, and Zakir Hussain. Gabbi, who rose to fame with the OTT series “Jubilee,” voiced initial nerves acting opposite Rao, yet appreciated his supportive nature. “I was nervous, but Raj sir assured me we were there to support each other,” Gabbi shared, praising the collaborative filming environment.
Reflecting on the comedic demands of the film, Gabbi expressed gratitude to Vijan for casting her in a challenging genre. “Comedy is tough, and I had doubts, but working with Raj sir taught me crucial aspects like comic timing,” she added. Her experience on set transformed her outlook, opening doors to future comedic roles.
The anticipation for “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” presented by Dinesh Vijan with Amazon MGM Studios’ backing, continues to build as it approaches its May 9 theatrical release. As audiences await its premiere, Rajkummar Rao’s past achievements and promising trajectory in Bollywood remain a testament to his enduring appeal and dedication to his craft.
