Survived on biscuits as a struggler: Rajkummar Rao

Actor Rajkummar Rao is a self-confessed foodie, as every north Indian is. But his profession keeps from indulging to his heart’s content. Talking about his love for food, he says, “I love Indian food, but I don’t cook. Being in the profession of acting though, I have to keep my greed under control. Since I’m working continuously these days, I have to follow a diet.” He adds that he gets an opportunity to cheat on his diet only when he needs to put on some weight for a role.

Reminiscing about his early days in the industry and how he survived as a struggling actor, Rao says, “When I came from Gurgaon, my hometown, to Mumbai, I shared a flat with two other boys. The only thing I could cook was noodles. Sometimes, if I had the money to spare, I would order some subzi and chappatis from a nearby restaurant.”

“And at times, when I didn’t have much money, I would survive on water and Parle G biscuits,” the actor adds.

But despite his struggles, he never lost sight of his goal. “I always loved acting. That’s why I came to Mumbai, to make it big in Bollywood. And it was possible only because of my mother’s support. She never told me to try and work in television or look for some other job. I wanted to work in films, and I have been able to make it here through sheer perseverance. I am blessed, I suppose,” Rao says.

He also admits that he’s had some trouble making a niche for himself given that he looks like a regular guy and doesn't fit Bollywood’s idea of a typical hero. “I remember I had to audition for Love Sex Aur Dhokha a number of times before I got my first big break. But my failures have taught me more than my successes,” he says.

“I fell in love with acting in my school days, and I will continue doing it because I enjoy it. I will face the cameras until my last breath,” the passionate actor concludes.