Name: Paresh Rawal
Profession: Actor, Politician
Born: May 30, 1955 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Known for: Hera Pheri, Andaz Apna Apna, OMG: Oh My God!, Uri: The Surgical Strike
Biography:
Paresh Rawal, born in Mumbai to a middle-class Gujarati family, began his career in Gujarati theatre before transitioning to Bollywood in the 1980s. Initially typecast in villainous roles, Rawal broke stereotypes with his impeccable comic timing in cult classics like Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and Hera Pheri (2000), where his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte became iconic.
His versatility spans intense dramas like Sardar (1993), where he played freedom fighter Vallabhbhai Patel, and thought-provoking films like OMG: Oh My God! (2012), questioning religious dogma.
A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rawal served as a Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad East (2014 to 2019). Despite his political commitments, he continued acting, delivering powerful performances in films like URI: The Surgical Strike (2019) and Sharmaji Namkeen (2022). A Padma Shri awardee, Rawal remains active in theatre and recently ventured into OTT platforms with series like Hush Hush (2022).
Awards and Accolades:
- National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (1994) for Woh Chokri
- Padma Shri (2014) for contributions to Indian cinema
- Filmfare Awards for Best Comedian (2001, 2002)
Interesting Facts:
- Rawal owns a 150-year-old ancestral home in Gujarat, which he restored as a heritage property.
- He initially aspired to become a painter and studied art at Mumbai’s Kala Bhavan.
- Known for his sharp wit, he often improvises dialogues, as seen in Hera Pheri.
Social Media:
Twitter: @SirPareshRawal
Instagram: @pareshrawalofficial
