Rao's life's narrative commenced in his formative years, where he initially delved into the world of theatre, only to subsequently redirect his creative energies towards poetic expressions. Born into a family with a profound connection to India's civil rights movement, Rao's life was profoundly influenced by his involvement in various social justice endeavors, including a remarkable display of dedication and resilience during a hunger strike until death at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Unfortunately, this courageous act ultimately led to his expulsion from the institution. Following this significant turning point, Rao relocated to the United States, where he continued to champion the cause of self-determination, this time focusing his efforts on the plight of Native Americans in Upstate New York.
Rao's formative years in the Deep South, with its rich cultural heritage and conservative values, played a pivotal role in shaping his communication style and ability to navigate complex social situations, a skillset that would later prove invaluable in his acting career.
Rao's journey as an actor was reborn after the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, when a business project he was involved with at the World Trade Center was tragically lost. This life-altering experience led him to reevaluate his priorities and make a profound decision, opting to abandon his lucrative career with the United Nations to pursue his long-held passion for acting full-time.
Rao's profound journey in the realm of acting was marked by a rigorous and comprehensive education, as he had the privilege of being mentored by and learning from some of the most esteemed actors and institutions in the industry. Under the guidance of the illustrious Alan Arkin, Rao honed his craft at the prestigious Juilliard School, where he was surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his passion for the art of acting. Furthermore, he had the opportunity to study at the Lee Strasberg Institute, a renowned institution that has produced some of the most talented actors of our time. Additionally, Rao's training was supplemented by his studies at HB Studios, a New York City-based institution that has been a hub for actor training for over 70 years. Finally, he was fortunate enough to have received instruction from the esteemed Meisner technique, a highly respected method of acting that has been used by countless actors to achieve success in the industry.
Rao's career in the entertainment industry began with a humble start, as he made his debut in a VISA Super Bowl commercial in the year 2002. This initial foray into the world of acting was merely the beginning of a long and illustrious career, as Rao went on to appear in an impressive 30 national commercials. However, it was his breakthrough role in the film "That's My Boy," where he had the privilege of sharing the screen with the talented Adam Sandler, that truly catapulted him to stardom.
Rao's extensive filmography boasts a diverse range of cinematic endeavors, with one notable example being the Amazon original production "Gandhi, Untouchables and Me". In this production, Rao demonstrated his remarkable versatility by taking on a staggering seven distinct roles, garnering widespread recognition and accolades from esteemed festivals such as the Australian Film Festival and the Dalit Film and Cultural Festival in the year 2019.
Furthermore, Rao has been actively engaged in the development of an artistic film, "An Actor's Journey", which delves into the introspective and transformative experiences he encountered during his travels in Europe. This cinematic masterpiece is poised to make its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to witness Rao's creative vision and artistic expression firsthand.
Rao has embarked on a creative endeavour, reimagining the iconic Shakespearean monologues and the introductory prologue to Charles Dickens' renowned novel, "The Tale of Two Cities". This innovative endeavour has allowed Rao to thoughtfully reflect on the global pandemic that has swept the world, COVID-19, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement, a crucial social justice initiative.
With a keen eye for storytelling, Rao has not only rewritten these classic works but has also brought them to life through his narration and production of a film, aptly titled "Shakespearean, Dickensian Reflections on COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter". This ambitious project showcases Rao's versatility and his ability to adapt timeless masterpieces to modern-day themes, effectively bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Rao's long-term aspiration is to emulate the iconic character of Dr. Zhivago, a legendary figure known for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of society, and subsequently transform into an activist actor, leveraging his influential platform to spotlight pressing social justice issues and catalyze meaningful transformations, thereby inspiring a wave of positive change that reverberates far and wide, leaving a lasting impact on the world at large.
