Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao, currently celebrating the release of his film Bhool Chuk Maaf with Wamiqa Gabbi in cinemas, took time during promotional interviews to revisit his earlier experiences, including his collaboration with Kangana Ranaut. As he spoke candidly about his journey through the industry, Rao addressed his work with Kangana Ranaut, who has been praised as immensely talented.
In an interview given to Instant Bollywood, Rajkummar Rao was asked about acting alongside Kangana Ranaut in the 2013 hit Queen. He recounted their days on set and expressed admiration for the lead actress, saying,
“It was fun, I think it was a lot of fun. She is, of course, undoubtedly one of the finest talents that we have in the country. Immensely talented, and it was a lot of fun.”
—Rajkummar Rao, Actor
Rao appeared in the film as Vijay, supporting Kangana Ranaut’s memorable performance as the protagonist. Their filming took place across Amsterdam, Paris, and Delhi, which Rao fondly recalled was a rewarding and educational experience for everyone involved.
Behind the Scenes of Queen: Cast and Crew Perspective
Describing the filming environment, Rajkummar Rao shared that working across different cities enriched the entire cast. He emphasized Queen as a significant learning opportunity, not just for actors but also for filmmakers. He explained,
“I think we had a great time shooting in Amsterdam, Paris and Delhi. And I think Queen will always be, of course, a masterclass for actors, in a way for filmmaking also, and then the storytelling, I think.”
—Rajkummar Rao, Actor
Looking back, Rao explained that neither he nor other members of the team had initially anticipated the film achieving cult status. They focused on putting forth their best effort throughout the production, with the film’s ultimate success remaining unpredictable at the time.
When asked about the potential for Queen to become a cultural landmark, Rao remarked that expectations are never fixed on set. The creative process, he feels, is about dedication and hope, rather than predicting box office triumphs. To reinforce his view, he drew a comparison with Shraddha Kapoor’s film Stree, explaining in Hindi that no one involved could ever truly forecast such major achievements:
“No one expects it. Just like Stree, it seemed like when we were making the first one, even then, we didn’t expect that it would be such a massive success. No one knows that. You just end up making a film thinking that I have done my best.”
—Rajkummar Rao, Actor
He added further thoughts about the filmmaking process:
“Not every department can claim we’ve done our best. Now, every film has its own destiny. Let’s wait and see how the audience responds to it.”
—Rajkummar Rao, Actor
Rao on Collaborations and Upcoming Projects
The actor, known for his energetic approach and strong commitment, also discussed his experiences with other co-stars such as Janhvi Kapoor, applauding their work ethic and passion. This reflects his broader appreciation for the effort and talent found among his peers.
Rajkummar Rao began his film journey with Love Sex Aur Dhokha in 2010, gradually earning recognition through supporting roles. His performances in films like Queen, Aligarh, and Bareilly Ki Barfi further elevated his reputation within the industry. Looking ahead, he is set to appear in a new film titled Maalik, scheduled for release in theatres in 2025.
The Lasting Impact of Queen and Its Talented Cast
The acclaim for Queen continues to resonate in Bollywood and beyond, driven by the performances of Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao. The film is frequently cited as a reference point for both acting and filmmaking excellence. The ongoing praise for Kangana Ranaut as “immensely talented” by Rajkummar Rao underlines the respect she commands from her colleagues. With films like Queen, industry figures such as Rao, the supporting cast, Shuaddha Kapoor, and countless co-actors reinforce the collaborative aspect of cinema, while audiences remain the ultimate judges of cinematic destiny.
