Rajkummar Rao says he never saw himself as a brand ahead of Prahaar release

Rajkummar Rao says titles like star, superstar or brand mean very little to him. The actor spoke at a panel at FICCI Frames ahead of his upcoming biographical drama, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story. In the film he plays Ujjwal Nikam, the veteran public prosecutor.

Looking back on more than 16 years in the industry, Rao said he has never thought of himself as a brand. When he began in theatre, his only dream was to act in films one day. He said such labels usually come from colleagues and the people around an actor, and that his love for his art will always come first. For him, the purest part of the job is picking up a script and working on the character.

Rao also said brand value does not guide his choices. He does not stop to ask whether a story suits his image, and he will stay an actor whatever people decide to call him. He said he is glad filmmakers think of him when planning a biopic. He called it a very difficult genre that needs real courage from everyone involved, and added that he has been offered many more such films than the ones he has done.

Producer Dinesh Vijan reportedly praised Rao at the same event, calling him one of the best actors the industry has. According to reports, Vijan said Maddock once stopped shooting for three to four months to take stock. During that time he saw that content-driven films such as Stree, Munjya, Hindi Medium and Bala need actors more than stars.

Prahaar is reportedly set against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the case against Ajmal Kasab. Reports say Rao has already played seven real-life figures, and Nikam becomes the latest. His most recent theatrical release was the action drama Maalik in July 2025. Prahaar is reportedly due in theatres on October 16, 2026.