Paresh Rawal
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1955-05-30
    • Born Place: Ahmedabad, India
  • Also Known As:

    Paresh Raval, परेश रावल, পরেশ রাওয়াল

Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal is a highly versatile and acclaimed Indian actor, comedian, film producer, and politician, primarily known for his extensive work in Hindi cinema. Born on May 30, 1955, in Mumbai to a Gujarati family, he began his career in the early 1970s on the Gujarati and Hindi stage, performing in over 150 plays before transitioning to films. He made his cinematic debut in 1985 and rose to prominence throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, often excelling in formidable negative roles in over a hundred films. His portrayal of the freedom fighter Vallabhbhai Patel in Sardar (1994) earned him national and international recognition. Rawal achieved immense popularity and a shift in his career trajectory with his iconic comedic roles in the 2000s, most notably as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the cult classic Hera Pheri (2000). His body of work showcases an exceptional range, comfortably spanning from intense villains and serious dramatic characters (like Sunil Dutt in Sanju or the lead in OMG – Oh My God!) to legendary comic figures. A recipient of the Padma Shri in 2014, the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (1994 for Woh Chokri and Sir), and multiple Filmfare Awards, Rawal is recognized as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. He also served as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Ahmedabad East constituency from 2014 to 2019, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, and is currently the Chairperson of the National School of Drama. He is married to actress and former Miss India, Swaroop Sampat, with whom he has two sons.

Person History