In a heartwarming start to the new year, Bollywood’s power couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have finally shared the name of their newborn daughter with the world. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the duo introduced their “greatest blessing” as Parvati Paul Rao.
The announcement comes just two months after the couple welcomed their first child on November 15, 2025, a date that already held immense significance as their 4th wedding anniversary.
The couple chose a minimalist yet deeply emotional way to introduce their daughter. They shared a joint post featuring a tender photograph of their hands cupping their daughter’s tiny fingers.
The name Parvati carries deep cultural and spiritual roots, often associated with the Hindu goddess of strength, love, and devotion. By naming her Parvati Paul Rao, the couple has also chosen to honour both their lineages. The inclusion of “Paul” pays tribute to Patralekhaa’s maiden surname, while “Rao” represents Rajkummar’s family heritage.
“With folded hands and full hearts, we introduce our greatest blessing, PARVATI PAUL RAO,” the couple wrote in a heartfelt caption that instantly garnered thousands of congratulatory messages from industry colleagues like Vicky Kaushal, Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Sonakshi Sinha and others.
The journey to parenthood began publicly in July 2025, when the actors first announced the pregnancy with a charming “Baby on the way” postcard.
Rajkummar and Patralekhaa share a bond that predates their stardom. Both are alumni of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), and their story is one of mutual support and shared artistic vision.
Born in Gurugram, Rajkummar Rao (born Raj Kummar Yadav) fought against industry stereotypes to become a National Award winner. He debuted in 2010 with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex Aur Dhokha and quickly rose to fame with gritty, performance-driven roles in films like Shahid, Newton, and Stree.
Anwita Paul, professionally known as Patralekhaa, hails from Shillong, Meghalaya. She made a powerful debut in Hansal Mehta’s CityLights (2014) alongside Rajkummar. Known for her naturalistic acting style, she has carved a niche for herself in projects like Bose: Dead/Alive and the recent thriller IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
Despite their new roles as parents, both actors have a packed slate for 2026, featuring some of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema.
Rajkummar Rao’s 2026 Lineup
- Ujjwal Nikam Biopic: Directed by Avinash Arun, this courtroom drama sees Rajkummar stepping into the shoes of India’s most famous public prosecutor.
- Sourav Ganguly Biopic: Slated for a late 2026 release, Rajkummar is currently undergoing rigorous cricket training to portray “Dada” on the big screen.
Patralekhaa’s 2026 Lineup
- Gulkanda Tales: A high-concept fantasy series from the creators of Tumbbad, set to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
- Suryast: A mystery thriller that has already wrapped filming, featuring her in a pivotal, complex role.
The birth of Parvati Paul Rao on their anniversary marks a full circle for the couple, who married in an intimate Chandigarh ceremony on November 15, 2021. Their decision to maintain a personal yet professional balance continues to inspire fans and aspiring artists alike.
As they navigate the joys of parenthood, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa remain the quintessential examples of how talent and groundedness can thrive in the glitzy world of Bollywood.
