Keep the faith

Rajkummar Rao

When director Vinod Rawat narrated Pushtaini's script to Rajkummar Rao to seek his advice, the actor immediately recognised its potential. He was only too happy to feature in a cameo in his director-friend's debut feature film. Pushtaini, which will be premièred at the upcoming MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, is centred on struggling actor Bhuppi, who is caught in a scandal and desperate to secure his last chance at stardom. Rao's scene marks the beginning of his journey. "I have immense faith in Vinod's talent, and wanted to be a part of his process," says Rao.

Vinod Rawat

The duo know each other since their Delhi days, when they worked together in a theatre group. While collaborating with his long-time friend was an incentive, Rao says he agreed to the cameo for its larger message. "Bhuppi, who hails from a village, represents many young people whose values and ambitions are challenged almost every day in cities like Mumbai. Through this film, I wanted to reach out to them with a message of hope," he says.

Pushtaini is also Rawat's feature debut as an actor-writer-producer and has been shot in his ancestral village in Uttarakhand. Grateful for Rao's presence in the drama, he says, "I wanted to show the protagonist vulnerable on a film set, in front of a big star. Yet, this star [Rao] embodies ease and grace, and shows him empathy."