Flashback Friday: When Mahesh Bhatt called Rajkummar Rao the ‘future of Indian cinema’ | Filmymeet

Director, producer, and screenwriter Mahesh Bhatt is as renowned for his outspoken opinions as he is for his films. He never hesitates to speak his mind, which at times has also stirred up controversies.
Being a seasoned filmmaker Bhatt definitely has an eye for emerging talents. He had once called Rajkummar Rao the ‘future of Indian cinema’. Yes, looks like Bhatt foresaw the future of stunning actors and he is simply living up to it!
The filmmaker and Emraan Hashmi appeared on the fourth season and the ninth episode of Koffee with Karan.In the rapid fire round, the host Karan Johar asked, “An actor you consider the future of Indian cinema?” Without a space for confusion or doubt, Mahesh Bhatt responded, “Raj Kumar Yadav, who is now Rajkummar Ro. The guy you made had a fantastic debut!”
Karan reacted that Rajkummar was ‘very good in Kai Po Che as well,’ to which Bhatt too agreed. The director further added that Rajkummar is ‘outstanding’!
The episode was telecasted in January 2014, and a decade later now in 2024, Rajkummar Rao is clearly ruling the Hindi cinema, with his exceptional acting chops.

On the work front, Rajkummar was last seen in ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ alongside Janhvi Kapoor. He will be next seen in ‘Stree 2’, with Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. The film is slated for release in August.