Gajraj Rao
- himanshu105
- Apr 12, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Based in Mumbai
Gajraj Rao is an acclaimed ad film director, writer, and actor, who co-founded Code Red Films in 2003 alongside Subrata Kumar Ray.
Over the years, he has made contributions to the advertising industry, directing award-winning commercials for brands such as Times of India, Himalaya, Wipro, HDFC Life, Indian Oil, Maruti Suzuki, Samsung, Cadbury’s, HUL, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, Britannia, Titan, Dominos, Pepsi, and many more.
His notable campaigns include the Eye Bank Association of India’s Hostel Holi (winner of a Cannes Lions in 2007), Glycodin’s Khaasi ki chute, and Aaj Tak’s Eve Teasing. Under his leadership, Code Red Films has produced over 650 commercials and earned recognition at international festivals like Cannes Lions, Adfest Asia, The New York Festivals, and the Abby Awards.
At the Good Ads Matter Awards 2025, Gajraj Rao served as a jury member for the category of Film Carft, Casting & Performance.
Parallel to his work in advertising, Gajraj has built a celebrated acting career across theatre, film, and digital platforms. Starting with Delhi’s theatre group Act One, he made his film debut in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994) and went on to feature in acclaimed films such as Black Friday, Talvar, Aamir, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. His breakthrough performance came with Badhaai Ho (2018), which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
A multifaceted creative force, Gajraj Rao is admired for his versatility, wit, and ability to tell stories that resonate deeply—whether through the lens of advertising or cinema.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram - @gajrajrao
Website: