‘I enjoy doing comedy roles:’ Rajkummar Rao on Bhool Chuk Maaf

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Bhool Chuk Maaf, describes it as a comedy that everyone should watch. Directed by Karan Sharma, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and is slated for release on May 23.

Rao, who will be seen in a comic role, expressed his love for the genre. “Comedy is not an easy genre, but I love doing roles that involve humour,” he said.

Reflecting on his 2017 film Bareilly Ki Barfi, he noted, “That was the film where people saw me doing comedy, and they loved it. I really enjoyed working on it.”

Speaking about comedic roles, Rao emphasised the importance of good writing. “It depends on how well a character is written. If the writing is strong, an actor can truly bring the character to life.”

The 40-year-old actor considers himself fortunate to have received quality scripts in the comedy genre. “I am happy that I have been offered good scripts for comedy films. When everything is in place, the process becomes smooth,” he added.

Rao also shared his experience of shooting in Varanasi. “Filming in Varanasi was an amazing experience. I personally love being there—just sitting by the ghats, in front of Ma Ganga—it is incredibly peaceful,” he said.

Often cast as everyday men or small-town characters, Rao believes these roles come naturally to him. “I have lived that life. I have seen it up close. That makes these characters more relatable for me,” he said. His acclaimed performances include Kai Po Che, CityLights, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Newton, and Stree.

Over a 15-year career, Rao has portrayed such roles with authenticity in films like Shahid, Boyss Toh Boyss Hain, Dolly Ki Doli, Trapped, Behen Hogi Teri, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana.

Expressing that if he had not become an actor, he would have joined the armed forces, he said, “I get very fascinated seeing soldiers.”

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In his film Srikanth, Rao plays visually impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla. He called the role both challenging and rewarding. “I love challenges. Something that scares me excites me even more—and Srikanth did that,” he said.

Rao has consistently taken on diverse roles to avoid being typecast.

He also emphasised his desire to be known for his craft rather than his marketability. “I’m an actor, not a commodity,” he said.

Rao and his wife, actor Patralekhaa, have stepped into film production with their upcoming Netflix project Toaster. Describing the experience, Rao said, “It’s empowering, but also a lot of pressure.” The film features talented actors, including Sanya Malhotra, Archana Puran Singh, and Abhishek Banerjee.

Rao is set to star in the gangster action thriller Maalik, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.