Rajkummar Rao Responds to Fan’s Request to Avoid Propaganda Films

The actor’s unequivocal response to a fan’s request regarding propaganda films has sparked significant attention across social media platforms, highlighting ongoing discussions about artistic integrity in Bollywood.

Rajkummar Rao, known for his commitment to diverse and challenging roles, recently addressed public concern about his appearance at the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival. The actor’s noticeably transformed physique had prompted speculation about his health among fans and industry observers.

Putting those concerns to rest, Rao took to Instagram to explain that his physical transformation was deliberate preparation for his upcoming biopic “Nikam.” In his post, he detailed the extensive physical changes he underwent for the role, including gaining approximately 9-10 kilograms through a diet that included “two pizzas, sweets, aloo parathas, and biryani” daily.

What captured widespread attention, however, was an exchange in the comments section. When a follower requested, “Please do not do propaganda films, sir,” accompanied by a folded hands emoji, Rao’s response was swift and emphatic: “NEVER.”

This exchange comes at a time when Indian cinema faces increased scrutiny over films perceived to have political agendas or propaganda elements. The actor’s unambiguous stance has resonated with many of his followers who appreciate his commitment to artistic integrity.

In his detailed post, Rao also provided insight into his approach to character preparation, emphasizing his preference for physical transformation over prosthetics. “I’m not a believer in prosthetics as long as I can achieve the look through my hard work,” he wrote, citing previous roles in films like “Bose,” “Trapped,” and “Srikanth” where he underwent significant physical changes.

The actor further revealed that having completed filming for “Nikam,” he is now entering a “transition phase” to lose the weight he gained as he prepares to portray cricket icon Sourav Ganguly in another upcoming biopic. “Now it’s time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada,” he stated, referring to the former Indian cricket team captain by his popular nickname.

Rao’s dedication to physical transformation for roles has become a hallmark of his career. For “Trapped,” he famously adopted a minimal diet to portray a man stranded without food, while for “Srikanth,” he immersed himself in the mannerisms of a visually impaired person even when cameras weren’t rolling.

Industry analysts note that Rao’s commitment to authentic character portrayal has helped establish him as one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Indian cinema. His body of work, spanning independent and commercial films, has consistently garnered critical acclaim for its depth and authenticity.

The actor’s firm stance against propaganda films reflects a growing trend among certain Bollywood performers who are becoming more selective about the political implications of their projects. In recent years, Indian cinema has seen heated debates about films that allegedly promote specific political narratives or historical interpretations.

While Rao didn’t elaborate on what constitutes a “propaganda film” in his view, his unequivocal response suggests a personal boundary he maintains when selecting projects. This position potentially carries significant weight in an industry where big-budget, politically-tinged productions have become increasingly common.

“Nikam,” the biopic Rao has recently completed, is scheduled for release in the coming months, though specific details about the subject and release date remain under wraps. Meanwhile, his preparation for the Sourav Ganguly biopic is expected to begin soon, generating anticipation among cricket and cinema enthusiasts alike.