Rajkummar Rao: I'm not really aiming for my films to become blockbusters

National Award winning actor Rajkummar Rao has added another feather to his cap. His movie ‘Newton’ is India’s official bet this year to bring home the Oscar Award. Being one of the finest actors in the industry and known for having extraordinary command over his craft, there is no doubt about the fact that Rajkummar’s ongoing contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered by posterity.

(Read the details here: Rajkummar Rao's 'Newton' has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars)

"My plan is to do one film in two years. I know I have to have the demand. People should wait for my films to come and it's in process. I know that I have started on that journey. But for that, I have to keep pushing myself. I want to keep telling people that I'm here and I'm working.”

Talking about venturing into unconventional cinema from the very start of his career, the actor added, "I just couldn't say no to these scripts. I knew I had to push myself when it comes to dates and all physical transformation. But there was no other way.” He further talked about how ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ changed people’s perception of him as an actor. “It is happening, but let's wait and watch. It is too soon to say. I guess it started happening after 'Shahid' and 'Kai Po Che'. But it became really strong after 'Bareilly...'. Lot of directors called up after and said 'tu to ye bhi kar leta hai humein nahi pata tha' (We didn't know you could do this too!). They believe what they see.”

The actor has been in the industry for seven years now but is yet to get the taste of a blockbuster. "It will happen when it happens. Of course, I wouldn't mind my films to become blockbusters. But I'm not really aiming for that. I can't work thinking that, 'let this film be a blockbuster'. And how can I make this film into one.I believe everything has its destiny. Someone's film did well and then other five didn't. You can't let these things affect you as an artiste. Only thing you can focus on is giving an honest performance."

Lastly, talking about his Oscar-nominated movie ‘Newton’, the actor said, “As we're all claiming that cinema is changing today, I want to see how 'Newton' does. I think it will decide how many people are there who actually support a film like this. This will be a test for me."

We wish Rajkummar all the best for the Oscars! He sure has made us proud.