Today, Gajraj Rao is celebrated as one of the most versatile actors in the Indian film industry. His career took a transformative turn with the success of Badhaai Ho in 2018, a film that opened several doors for him. But long before his cinematic breakthrough, Rao began his artistic journey in Delhi—as a passionate theatre artist.

Though he wasn’t facing financial hardship during his theatre days, he felt the need to earn money to support his theatre-related activities. It was during this time that Rao unexpectedly stepped into the world of journalism.

How Gajraj Rao got to interview Yash Chopra

In a conversation on Mid-day’s Bombay Film Story, Rao recalled how he became a journalist. He had made friends with journalists at Delhi’s Mandi House, one of whom—Arvind Gaur, now a theatre director—suggested that Rao write for a local newspaper. Despite having no formal journalism training, his love for Hindi literature and reading helped him find his footing.