The excitement surrounding Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao and his upcoming cinematic ventures has reached a fever pitch. Recently, the versatile star graced The Bombay Journey chat show to promote his highly anticipated project, Prahaar- The Ujjwal Nikam Story. During the candid conversation, the actor dived deep into the intense preparations required to bring a real-life legal stalwart to the silver screen.
Fans had previously noticed a distinct shift in the actor’s physical appearance, sparking widespread speculation across social media platforms. Addressing the rumors directly, Rajkummar revealed that he first met Ujjwal Nikam back in 2025 to understand the man behind the legendary public prosecutor.
To capture his physical presence accurately, the dedicated performer gained 8 kilograms and modified his hairstyle to match Nikam’s signature look. He clarified that while internet gossip mills churned out various theories about his fluctuating weight, he was simply hard at work on set, living and breathing the character.
Unveiling Courtroom Secrets and Inside the 26/11 Trials
Delving deeper into what audiences can expect from the narrative, Rajkummar shed light on the intense courtroom drama that forms the backbone of the film. He explained that as laymen, the general public rarely knew what was truly happening behind closed doors inside the courtroom during the historic trials. Viewers will finally get an exclusive look into those tense proceedings through this cinematic adaptation.
The actor further noted how Nikam managed the complex legal battle and handled Ajmal Kasab under immense pressure. He recalled how the veteran public prosecutor has often mentioned in interviews that Kasab was quite an actor who would frequently resort to intense drama during proceedings. Bringing these high-stakes judicial moments to life allows audiences to witness the grit and resilience required to deliver justice in one of India’s darkest hours.
Life-Changing Milestones, Early Struggles, And Kai Po Che Salary
The journey from a small-town dreamer to one of Bollywood’s most respected actors is never an easy one. Reflecting deeply on the defining milestones that completely reshaped his personal and professional world, Rajkummar pointed to getting selected for the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) as an early turning point, followed closely by landing his breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film LSD (Love Sex Aur Dhokha).
However, the actor noted that life-changing milestones are not always defined by career highs, sharing that the passing of his mother was the most profound and devastating shift in his life, explaining how losing a parent fundamentally alters a person’s perspective. Balancing these poignant personal losses with joyful new beginnings, he highlighted marrying Patralekha and welcoming their daughter, Parvati, as the ultimate pillars of his transformed life.
Discussing the often-unseen financial realities of the Hindi film industry, Rajkummar pulled back the curtain on his early paychecks. He candidly revealed that back in 2017, significant financial rewards finally started coming his way, a stark contrast to the modest remuneration he received during his initial struggling years in the industry.
Giving fans a concrete example of how far he has come, the actor disclosed that he was paid a meager 3 lakh rupees for his breakout role in the massive hit Kai Po Che. Despite the low initial pay, those early projects built the rock-solid foundation for his current standing, proving that raw talent and perseverance eventually command the recognition and financial success they deserve.
Memories of 26/11, Family, And Mumbai Spirituality
The conversation also took a sobering, historical turn as Rajkummar recalled being right here in Mumbai when the tragic 26/11 terror attacks shook the city. He vividly remembered how the city came to a standstill, with weeks passing where conversations revolved around nothing else.
Recalling the terrifying atmosphere, he mentioned how a bomb planted by terrorists in a taxi detonated in Vile Parle, leaving citizens gripped by fear that attackers had infiltrated every corner of the metropolis. Paying heartfelt tribute to the guardians of the nation, Rajkummar saluted the unwavering bravery of India’s security forces.
He specifically honored the supreme sacrifice of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, emphasizing how vital it was to capture Ajmal Kasab alive to ensure justice was served.
Shifting gears from haunting memories to his personal grounding, Rajkummar opened up about his creative sanctuary, Kampa Films, co-founded with his wife Patralekha. The actor explained that the unique name combines the first syllable of his late mother Kamlesh’s name with the first syllable of Patralekha’s mother Papri’s name.
He also shared his deep reverence for Mumbai’s iconic sacred spaces, such as Siddhivinayak, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali, and ISKCON Juhu, where chanting before Lord Krishna brings him immense peace. Reflecting on parenting, he shared that they have arranged for their daughter Parvati’s Malayalam-speaking caretaker to teach her Malayalam, while Patralekha introduces her to Bengali, alongside his own desire for her to embrace Haryanvi. With anticipation building for Prahaar- The Ujjwal Nikam Story, these powerful reflections highlight the actor’s profound depth, empathy, and connection to his roots.
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