Rajkummar Rao has spoken out to clarify widespread speculation about his appearance and rumors of hair loss, following viral videos that led to public discussion on social media platforms. The actor recently appeared at an event in Mumbai, sporting a noticeably different hairstyle, beard, and a pair of tinted glasses. This fresh look attracted attention and sparked questions among fans and internet users about whether Rao was experiencing hair loss or if the change was connected to a new acting role.
Discussion intensified after videos from the Bolti Khidkiyaan Short Film Festival circulated online. Many fans expressed concern over Rao’s seemingly receding hairline and overall transformation. While some believed the change was due to personal reasons, others guessed it might be preparation for a new film, with suggestions that Rao was taking on the role of either public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam or cricketer Sourav Ganguly in their respective biopics.
Rajkummar Rao directly addressed these rumors by issuing a statement on social media. He explained that he does not rely on prosthetics for modifying his appearance when preparing for a character. Instead, he prefers to make authentic physical changes through hard work and dedication. For his role in the upcoming Ujjwal Nikam biopic, Rao shared that he gained around 9 to 10 kilograms of weight and made deliberate changes to his hair to accurately portray the real-life figure’s age and personality.
The actor also mentioned his approach to earlier film transformations, such as in ‘Trapped’ and ‘Srikanth,’ emphasizing that his process involves deep involvement with his character, including changes to both appearance and behavior. According to Rao, these efforts are not cosmetic but are intended to bring realism and depth to his performances.
Beyond the Nikam biopic, Rao confirmed that he would also be playing the role of legendary cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biographical film. He admitted feeling nervous about taking on such an important responsibility but expressed excitement and confidence in mastering the needed Bengali accent. Rao was last seen on screen in the film ‘Maalik’ in 2025.
