Rajkummar Rao is showering praise on his wife, Patralekhaa, for her performance in the recently released film "Phule," a biographical drama centered on the lives of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The film, which opened in theaters on April 25, 2025, sees Patralekhaa portraying the role of Savitribai Phule, a pioneer in women's education and a fierce advocate against caste oppression in 19th-century India.
Rao took to Instagram to express his admiration and pride, stating that he was deeply moved and inspired by Patralekhaa's portrayal. In a heartfelt note accompanying stills from the film, he described her as a "pure artist" and commended her for taking on such a challenging role. He acknowledged the difficulty of portraying Savitribai Phule, a historical figure who faced immense adversity in her fight for social justice.
He specifically highlighted Patralekhaa's dedication and the raw honesty she brought to the character. He said that he has seen that purity in Citylights, IC814 and Phule. Rao even shared a memory of calling Patralekhaa after watching her performance in the 2024 thriller series "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack," marveling at her ability to deliver such a truthful and captivating performance. He admitted that many actors today, including himself, might not be able to achieve the same level of purity and truth in their acting.
Rao also lauded Patralekhaa's resilience and strength in navigating the entertainment industry. He noted that she has carved her own path and pushed her boundaries without relying on external support. He expressed his joy in witnessing the audience's reaction to her performance in "Phule," particularly a scene where her character slaps a man, which drew applause in the theaters.
"Phule" depicts the challenges faced by Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule as they fought against caste-based discrimination and demanded equal rights to education for women. The film opens in 1897, a time when Pune was grappling with the bubonic plague. Patralekhaa's portrayal of Savitribai takes viewers back to the era when these social reformers began their fight against orthodox beliefs and patriarchy, facing opposition in the form of cow dung, stones, and even death threats.
Rajkummar Rao concluded his message with words of encouragement and expressed his pride in Patralekhaa's accomplishments. He acknowledged the hard work she has put in over the years and stated that it is her moment to shine.
Patralekhaa responded to Rajkummar Rao's post in the comment section, expressing her love and gratitude. "Phule," also starring Pratik Gandhi, aims to shed light on the Phules' significant contributions to Indian society and their enduring legacy as champions of equality and education.
