Rajkummar Rao’s First Break: Hansal Mehta Recalls How Shahid Poster Changed Everything

TL;DR: Hansal Mehta revealed that a simple poster helped convince producers to cast newcomer Rajkummar Rao as Shahid Azmi in Shahid (2012). That role not only gave Rao his first big break but also won him the National Award, marking the start of one of Bollywood’s most trusted actor-director duos.

Key Facts

Detail	Info
Film	Shahid
Release Date	18 October 2013
Director	Hansal Mehta
Producer	Sunil S. Bohra, Anurag Kashyap (presented)
Actor (Debut Lead)	Rajkummar Rao as Shahid Azmi
Role	Human rights lawyer & activist (based on a true story)
Award	National Film Award – Best Actor (2014)
Filming Duration	11 months commitment from Rao
Legacy	Start of Mehta–Rao collaborations (Citylights, Aligarh, Omerta, Shahid)

What Happened?

Hansal Mehta shared a throwback poster originally designed to convince producer Sunil S. Bohra that a young FTII graduate — Rajkummar Rao — could play slain lawyer Shahid Azmi. At the time, many believed a Muslim title was not commercially viable, and the initial team dropped out. But Rao’s dedication and performance carried the film.

Why It Matters?

That casting decision gave Indian cinema one of its most powerful actor-director partnerships. Shahid became a cult film, establishing Rao’s credibility and reviving Mehta’s career. The movie also reshaped conversations around biopics rooted in social justice.

Numbers & Context

• ₹1.6 crore budget; limited release but strong critical acclaim.

• Rajkummar Rao won the National Award for Best Actor.

• The film also won Hansal Mehta the National Award for Best Director.

• Their later collaborations grossed higher and cemented both as serious storytellers in Bollywood.
  

Expert Take / Fan Buzz

Critics often cite Shahid as one of the boldest indie films of the 2010s. Fans on social media continue to hail Rao’s portrayal as “raw, fearless, and career-defining.” Mehta’s post frames the film as not just a project but the birth of an enduring bond.

What’s Next?

Rajkummar Rao is now one of Bollywood’s most versatile leading men, with upcoming projects spanning thrillers, biopics, and romcoms. Hansal Mehta, too, continues pushing boundaries with OTT and cinema projects. Their collaborations remain eagerly anticipated by fans.

FAQs

Q1. Which film gave Rajkummar Rao his breakthrough? Shahid (2012, released 2013) directed by Hansal Mehta.

Q2. Who was Shahid Azmi? A Mumbai-based human rights lawyer assassinated in 2010, known for defending people accused of terrorism.

Q3. What award did Rajkummar Rao win for Shahid? National Film Award for Best Actor in 2014.

Q4. How did Hansal Mehta convince the producer? By creating a poster showcasing Rajkummar Rao as Shahid Azmi.

Q5. How many films have Mehta and Rao done together? At least four major projects — Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh, and Omerta.