Amitabh Bachchan Praises Shah Rukh Khan’s Never-Give-Up Spirit on KBC 18

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao got candid about his early struggles in Mumbai and his deep admiration for superstar Shah Rukh Khan during his recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18. Rao, who appeared on the show alongside his Prahaar co-star Wamiqa Gabbi and real-life prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, opened up to host Amitabh Bachchan about how SRK’s rise shaped his own dreams of becoming an actor.

Rajkummar’s Delhi Connection with SRK

Noting that both Bachchan and Khan hail from Delhi, Rao shared that he had always looked up to Shah Rukh, whose poster once hung in his mother’s room. He explained that watching a middle-class boy from Delhi build a career through theatre and television before becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars left a lasting impression on him. Rao also revealed that during his struggling days in Mumbai, he would often stand outside Khan’s bungalow, Mannat, even after failing to land an audition.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Tribute to Shah Rukh

Responding to Rao’s admiration, Amitabh Bachchan spoke warmly about Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting his determination and refusal to give up despite setbacks. Bachchan also praised SRK’s generosity on film sets, noting his ability to uplift and encourage co-stars’ confidence, a quality many in the industry have echoed over the years.

Rao’s appearance on KBC 18 comes ahead of the release of his upcoming biopic Prahaar, based on the life of special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, known for handling the 26/11 Ajmal Kasab trial. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher, and is scheduled to hit theatres on October 16.