Basic Details

Known for his powerful presence in Pathaan, Special Ops, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, actor Rajat Kaul has quickly risen as a versatile character actor in Bollywood. Born and raised in an Army household in Lucknow, with academic roots in hotels and theatre, Rajat’s journey from hospitality professional to respected Rajat Kaul actor is inspiring. This biography explores his background, acting growth, notable roles, and upcoming ventures.

Physical Stats and More

Biography

Rajat Kaul, a Lucknow-born Army kid, began his journey in hospitality before turning to theatre in Mumbai. With early work in theatre companies and corporate roles at Oberoi Hotels, he gradually transitioned into acting. His film debut came with Ragini MMS (2011), but his breakthrough was the interrogation scene as Raafe opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Pathaan (2023), a role many remember. Kaul explains he auditioned in his car to set the right mood and was subsequently cast—a defining moment in his career.

On OTT, Rajat Kaul carved roles in Special Ops and Bambai Meri Jaan, and portrayed Iqbal (Mallaika Jaan’s driver) in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, a performance he called emotionally and technically challenging.

Relationships & More

Career

• Ragini MMS (2011) – early film debut.
• Pathaan (2023) – portrayed Raafe; major visibility boost alongside SRK.
• Special Ops (2020) – part of popular Amazon India espionage series.
• Bambai Meri Jaan (2023) – upcoming Amazon Prime Video series.
• Taj: Divided by Blood – historical series for ZEE5 in production.
• Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) – played Iqbal/Balli, praised for his nuanced portrayal; prepared deeply by studying dialects and cultural context.
• Sky Force (2024–25) – joins Akshay Kumar in upcoming aerial action thriller about 1960s India-Pakistan conflict.

Other Details

Contributions Beyond Work

Beyond commercial cinema, actor Rajat Kaul brings integrity to roles in streaming content. From espionage thrillers to historical dramas, he lends authenticity and emotional honesty. The way he handles criticism on social media—as in dip into Heeramandi’s supporting cast—reflects depth beyond his screen roles.

The Legacy of Rajat Kaul

With diverse roles in Pathaan, Heeramandi, Special Ops, and upcoming projects like Sky Force, Rajat Kaul is building a promising legacy in modern Indian cinema and OTT. His journey from Army-housed hospitality professional to impactful actor Rajat Kaul resonates—dedication, humility, and range mark his evolving path. Which performance of his caught your attention most—Raafe, Iqbal, or his turn in Special Ops? Share in the comments below!

Other Facts:

• He auditioned for Pathaan by filming in his car to evoke interrogation mood—this simple tactic landed him the role opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
• For Heeramandi, he learned Punjabi, Urdu, and even practiced dialects and singing to authentically represent Iqbal’s innocent loyalty. He even listened to Punjabi podcasts and bhajans for nuance.
• He publicly defended Sharmin Segal when she was targeted by social media trolls, calling them “frivolous and shallow,” showing empathy beyond acting roles.