x is a celebrated Indian actor, ad filmmaker, and storyteller. Known for his breakthrough performance in Badhaai Ho (2018), Rao spent over two decades juggling odd jobs, theatre, and advertising before emerging as a respected name in Bollywood and OTT. From struggles in the railway colony of Delhi to winning a Filmfare Award, his journey embodies persistence, talent, and versatility.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gajraj Rao |
| Born | 1971 (Age 53–54 in 2025), Dungarpur, Rajasthan |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession(s) | Actor, Ad Filmmaker |
| Height | 175 cm (5’9”) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
| Hobbies | Reading, Travelling |
Family & Relationships
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Sanjana Rao
Children: Two sons (elder son studies graphic design)
Religion: Hinduism
Despite early hardships, Gajraj Rao often emphasizes the importance of giving his family the best life, something he could only dream of during his struggling years.
Early Life & Struggles
Born in a lower-middle-class family in Rajasthan, raised in Delhi’s railway colony, where his father worked with Indian Railways.
Exposure to diverse dialects and cultures in the colony shaped his acting instincts.
At 16, he joined the Act One Theatre Group with Manoj Bajpayee and Ashish Vidyarthi.
He was mesmerized by theatre after watching Sandhya Chhaya at Delhi’s Shri Ram Centre.
Struggled with odd jobs: worked in a tailor shop, a garment company, and as a freelance writer for Navbharat and Hindustan Times.
Later, I wrote scripts for Doordarshan anchors before moving into ad films.
Career Journey
Entry into Films
Debut: Bandit Queen (1994) as Ashok Chand Thakur (offered by Shekhar Kapur).
Played small but impactful roles in Dil Se (1998), Aks (2001), Black Friday (2007), and Talvar (2015).
Breakthrough with Badhaai Ho (2018)
Role: Jeetendra Kaushik, father of Ayushmann Khurrana.
Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor.
Overnight fame after 20+ years of struggle.
Advertising Career
Co-founded Code Red Films (2003) with Subrat Ray.
Directed ad campaigns for Maruti Suzuki, Samsung, Cadbury, McDonald’s, Reliance, Flipkart, and P&G.
Won awards at Adfest Asia, Promax Singapore, The Cup, and NYF.
Directed short films & social ads, including a National Anthem respect campaign.
Filmography Highlights
Bandit Queen (1994)
Dil Se.. (1998)
Black Friday (2007)
Talvar (2015)
Badhaai Ho (2018)
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)
Lootcase (2020)
Thai Massage (2022)
Maidaan (2024)
Jolly LLB 3 (2025)
Web Series
Bang Baaja Baaraat (2015)
F.A.T.H.E.R.S. (2017)
Masaba Masaba (2020)
PariWar (2020)
Ray (2021)
Dabba Cartel (2025)
Dupahiya (2025)
Awards & Achievements
2018: Screen Award – Best Actor (Critics) – Badhaai Ho
2019: Filmfare Award – Best Supporting Actor – Badhaai Ho
2020: Filmfare Nomination – Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
Multiple advertising awards for Code Red Films
Net Worth (2025)
Estimated ₹40–45 Crores ($5–6 Million USD), earned through:
Acting (films & OTT)
Ad filmmaking & production house Code Red Films
Endorsements & guest appearances
Favourite Things
Food: Chole Bhature
Actor: Shah Rukh Khan
Actress: Deepika Padukone
Cricketers: Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh
Some Lesser-Known Facts
Rao once considered quitting acting after facing repeated rejections in Delhi.
He used to walk from Town to Andheri, surviving on tea during struggles.
Writes, directs, and produces ads, documentaries, and short films.
Known as the new father figure of Bollywood and OTT.
Latest Updates (2025)
Will be seen in Jolly LLB 3 (2025) as Haribhai Khaitan.
Plays a cop in Netflix’s Dabba Cartel (2025).
Stars in Amazon Prime’s Dupahiya (2025) as Banwari Jha.
Recently praised in interviews for upholding strong values about money and dignity after years of hardship.
Conclusion
From a railway colony boy in Delhi to a Filmfare-winning actor and ad filmmaker, Gajraj Rao’s story is one of resilience and talent. His balance of commercial films, OTT shows, and advertising work makes him a unique creative force in India. Today, he stands as an inspiration for anyone struggling to find recognition in their field.
