Election Commission to appoint actor Rajkummar Rao as National Icon

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao as its national icon ahead of the assembly elections in five states scheduled for November and the 2024 General Elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will officially appoint Rao as the National Icon in an event on Thursday. The move is aimed at inspiring millions of people across the nation to participate in the electoral process.

Rao, known for his versatile roles in the film industry, gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a principled government clerk in the Hindi film Newton. His character’s unwavering determination to conduct a free and fair election in the Maoist-affected regions of Chhattisgarh, overcoming various challenges, was the highlight of the film. His outstanding performance earned him accolades. The film received the prestigious National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Newton was also India’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards.

The Election Commission’s decision to appoint Rao as a National Icon aligns with its ongoing efforts to motivate and engage voters to actively participate in the democratic process. The poll panel has a history of recognising prominent personalities like actors Pankaj Tripathi and Aamir Khan, as well as celebrated sports figures such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and MC Mary Kom as National Icons.