Rajkummar Rao remains unruffled by the constant attention from paparazzi, maintaining a positive outlook on the pervasive culture of celebrity photography. Despite acknowledging the pressures that come with being constantly followed and photographed, the actor expresses a surprisingly amiable perspective.
Rao recognizes that male actors, like their female counterparts, face pressure to always look presentable. He recounted how a single "wrong angle, one wrong picture, one wrong moment captured" can lead to unwarranted scrutiny and public commentary. He noted the change in the industry, observing that there's now an expectation to look presentable even at the airport, a stark contrast to how things were previously. "It was never like this," he said, "Now, you go to the airport and wonder what if there are paps there yaar. I'm not carrying my cap, it's a bad hair day, the picture will come, and there will be bad comments. That pressure is there. It's so weird".
This pressure extends to concerns about being meme-worthy, with Rao humorously stating that being part of meme culture means "you're famous, you're popular, people want to write about you so good, don't worry about it". He also addressed rumors about undergoing plastic surgery after a picture of him with a more defined jawline went viral. Rao clarified that he hasn't gone "under the knife" recently, attributing the altered appearance in the photo to editing and touch-ups. He did, however, reveal that he had fillers done on his chin about 8-9 years ago to boost his confidence.
Despite the potential downsides, Rao maintains a lighthearted approach to the paparazzi, describing them as "really sweet". He recounted instances where he has politely requested them not to take pictures on certain days, and they have been understanding. He said, "Our paps are still very very sweet you know to tell them listen guys you know please don't click today I'm like you know it's just I didn't know you guys would be here so they understand uh but still you never know but the pressure is there I wouldn't deny that".
Rao's ability to disconnect from the noise and focus on his work is a key factor in his seemingly unfazed demeanor. He emphasized that he doesn't dwell on what people think of him, trusting that ultimately, his work will speak for itself. "It doesn't matter to me honestly after," he stated. "You can disconnect, I can disconnect totally disconnect. And I'm the kind of person who will always keep my chin up". He focuses on his craft, aiming to contribute meaningfully to cinema rather than seeking fame.
The actor's grounded perspective might also stem from his journey in the film industry. Having started with smaller roles, he appreciates the opportunities he receives and focuses on continuous growth as an actor. This is evident in his excitement for upcoming projects where he can explore different genres and characters, such as his role in the action film "Maalik".
While acknowledging the pressures of maintaining a public image and the scrutiny that comes with it, Rajkummar Rao chooses to focus on his work and maintain a positive relationship with the paparazzi. His ability to stay grounded, disconnect from negativity, and appreciate the "sweet" nature of the paparazzi allows him to navigate the invasive aspects of celebrity culture with grace.
