Paresh Rawal is an Indian actor who has worked in a number of Bollywood films. His work is notable in both comedy and villainous roles. He also had a considerable presence in Telugu media throughout the 90s. During his acting career, he has won many prestigious awards and gained critical acclaim. He has also stepped into the political field and currently serves as a member of Lok Sabha as a BJP leader.
Early Life
Paresh was born on 30 May 1950 in Mumbai's Gujarati family. He received his college education from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai. He married former Miss India 1979 Swaroop Sampat and has two sons.
Career
Paresh kicked off his film career in 1985 with the movie Arjun. However, it was Naam that came in 1986 that got him noticed by both media and the critics. After this blockbuster, he was being considered as a talented actor. He then got roles in more than 100 films in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Ram Lakhan, King Uncle, Baazi, Daud and many more. In 1990, came the cult comedy Andaz Apna Apna in which he was in a double role. In 2000 came another hit, in which Rawal gained huge appreciation from viewers and critics for his role in Hera Pheri. His acting was considered the main reason for film's huge success. After that, he starred in a number of mainstream Hindi movies. Throughout the 2000s, he played leading roles in films such as Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Hulchul (2004), Deewane Huye Paagal (2005), Garam Masala (2005), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Malamaal Weekly (2006), Bhagam Bhag (2007), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome(2007), De Dana Dan (2009) and many more. In 2012, he won rave reviews for his role in superhit OMG – Oh My God! His future projects include Rajkumar Hirani's Sanju. He would play the role of legendary actor Sunil Dutt.
Awards and Achievements
In 1994, he won National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Woh Chokri & Sir
In 1996, he bagged Star Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Raja
In 2001, he won multiple awards for Hera Pheri: Filmfare Best Comedian Award, IIFA Best Comedian Award, Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role and Star Screen Award for Best Comedian
In 2003 as well, he won multiple awards for his role in Awara Paagal Deewana: Filmfare Best Comedian Award, Star Screen Award for Best Comedian and Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role
In 2010, he was awarded Apsara Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for his comedic role in Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?
In 2014, he received Padma Shri for his contribution to the entertainment world.