Characters of mahabharatha movie (Randamoozham)
Randamoozham is the most ambitious project in Indian cinema, which is to be made on a whopping budget of Rs 1000 crore. To be directed by ad-filmmaker Shrikumar Menon, the project has megastar Mohanlal in the lead, playing Bheema, the second of the Pandavas. It must be noted that the film is an adaptation of Randamoozham, written by MT Vasudevan Nair, which tells the story through the eyes of Bheema, the second of the Pandavas. Here is my dream casting for the movie.
List activity
17K views
• 2 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
30 people
- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Mohanlal was born to Viswanathan Nair (father) and Santhakumari (mother) in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, which is located in the southern part of India on the 21st May 1960. Starting his career with a classic villain role, he has now become an outstanding actor in Malayalam Cinema. Without a doubt, Mohanlal is today's one of the best actors India has ever produced. He is also rated as one of the most talented actors in India. His ranges of movies are enviable, his comedy roles are incomparable and his unique style of dialogue delivery is effortless. Not many actors can portray both comedy and serious roles with the same ease. And with all these rare talents he has received "Padma Shri" and "Padma Bhushan", the nation's highest civilian honors. He has also won 5 National Film Awards, including Best Actor twice for Bharatham (1991) and the highly acclaimed Vaanaprastham (1999), as well as numerous other awards and honors.
He has reached this position with his hard work and devotion to the movie industry. As far as his acting is concerned, it's been acknowledged many times that he's the most gifted actor in the Indian movie field.As Bhima- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Music Department
Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor, born on 10th January 1974, well known globally for his versatile roles, unmatchable dancing skills and attractive looks.
After having appeared in films as a child actor in the 1980s, Roshan made his film debut in a leading role in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000) for which he earned Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Male Debut. It was not just a new actor on the block, but a star was born. He became a romantic hero, an action hero and revolutionized the Hindi film industry in significant ways. Never before had any debutant become an overnight sensation of this kind.
After his debut film, he appeared in Karan Johar's family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), which received immense love not just in India but even overseas.
In 2003, Hrithik Roshan, who is often described as "India's Most Complete Actor" stunned everyone and proved once again that it is not just the uber-flattering looks that he brings to the table. This was when he flawlessly essayed the role of an intellectually disabled boy in Koi... Mil Gaya. Not only did the film set the cash registers ringing massively, but Roshan also bagged multiple awards for his acting prowess in the film, including the Filmfare Best Actor award.
The makers turned it into a franchise because of the huge commercial success and love that the film received. The next installment, Krrish (2006) saw Hrithik Roshan playing a superhero, which went on to become the first ever-successful Indian superhero in Indian cinema.
Roshan received his 3rd Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 2006 for his performance as an enigmatic master thief in the action film Dhoom 2, with which he redefined style and action and set new bars. He established himself as a major action star. He took stylized action to a whole new level with Bang Bang in 2014, which did massive business at the box office.
In 2012, he created history in Indian cinema when his film, Agneepath minted a whopping 25 crs only on its opening day. That is the star power and pull of Hrithik Roshan.
We also saw him portray the role of the Moghul emperor, Akbar the Great himself in Jodhaa Akbar (2008) for which he received immense critical acclaim and also an International award at a Film festival.
In 2011, Roshan was seen in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which became an absolute cult classic.
Before becoming an actor, Hrithik toiled as a largely uncredited assistant on film projects, gradually progressing from unglamorous tasks such as set-sweeping, tea-fetching, or clapper-loading up to a major role in story development, camera, direction, and editing.
Since his entry into the industry, Hrithik has parlayed the natural gift of symmetrical features and a tall athletic frame into unimaginable standards. Through unparalleled work ethic, sheer honesty, talent, and commitment as an actor, he also effectively redefined the Hindi film hero. Actors would now have to act and dance and fight for themselves like never before.
With the kind of roles Hrithik has played on screen, there is no doubt about his acting prowess and versatility. From playing a intellectually disabled boy in Koi... Mil Gaya (2003) to an emperor in Jodhaa Akbar (2008); from playing a quadriplegic in Guzaarish (2010) to a visually impaired man in Kaabil (2017), he has played diverse characters effortlessly with his sheer talent.
In 2019, Hrithik continued taking on challenging roles as he marked two decades in the movies. In Super 30 (2019) he played the character of a Bihari Mathematician, Hrithik effortlessly slipped into the shoes of real-life Math genius Anand Kumar. He followed this up with War (2019), a larger-than-life Intelligence Agent gone rogue, while on a covert mission. Hrithik Roshan added act & action to his character. The actor aced at adding mystery to the thrilling story line with his screen presence as Kabir, which is considered one of the most charismatic characters he has played till date on screen.
Hrithik, a hot favorite for award show performances because of his smooth dance moves, high energy, and immense charm has won 66 awards out of 84 nominations, having a win rate of an outstanding 79%. Hrithik has also won many Style and Glamour awards for his appearances and red carpet outings. He was in fact voted as the 'Most Handsome Actor in the World' in 2018 by worldstopmost.com
Hrithik married his childhood sweetheart and longtime girlfriend, successful interior designer and businesswoman Sussanne Khan in December 2000. They have two sons: Hrehaan, born in 2006, and Hridaan, born in 2008. While the two got divorced in 2014, they chose to maintain cordial relations with each other for their kids and even today are good friends.As Krishna- Vikram is an Indian film actor, voice actor and a playback singer. He made his debut in the 1990 film En Kadhal Kanmani, which was followed by a series of Tamil and Telugu films and supporting roles in few Malayalam films throughout the early decade. After the critical and commercial success of Sethu (1999) he has been part of numerous other commercially successful films and has earned major critical acclaim for many of his performances. During his years in the Indian film industry, he has won five Filmfare Awards as well as one National Film Award for Best Actor.As Arjuna
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942 in Allahabad, British India (present-day Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India) to legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan & Teji Bachchan. He also has a brother named Ajitabh. He completed his education from Uttar Pradesh and moved to Bombay to find work as a film star, in vain though, as film-makers preferred someone with a fairer skin, and he was not quite fair enough. But they did use one of his other assets, his deep baritone voice, which was used for narration and background commentary. He was successful in being cast in Saat Hindustani. He got his break in Bollywood after a letter of introduction from the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, as he was a friend of her son, Rajiv Gandhi. This is how Bachchan made an entry in Bollywood, starting with Zanjeer, co-starred with his future wife Jaya Bhaduri, and since then there has been no looking back.
He married Jaya Bhaduri, an accomplished actress in her own right, and they had two children, Shweta and Abhishek. Shweta is married, lives a non-filmy life and has two children.
Being friends with Rajiv Gandhi, got him to decide to run for seat in the Indian National Congress (political party) from his home town but had to leave mid-term because of controversies, particularly after Rajiv and he were implicated in the now infamous "Bofors" case along with the U. K. based Hinduja Brothers.
After a four year break, he was back in the unsuccessful Mrityudaata (1997), a comeback which the actor wanted to forget. Critics written him off but his career was saved with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998). But four flops in 1999 and incurring debt of over 90 crore rupees of his sinking company ABCL saw him at an all-time low. To make matters worse, after the defeat of the Congress party, Bachchan lost considerable political support, the opposition made him a target, and his credit rating deteriorated to such an extent that a leading nationalized bank, Canara Bank, sued him for outstanding loans. He did bounce back, presenting the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire called Kaun Banega Crorepati? (2000). After a series of hits with Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Baghban (2003) and Khakee (2004), Bachchan is showing no signs of slowing down and proving the critics wrong once again.
Amitabh and Jaya were interested in getting their son Abhishek married to Karisma Kapoor, the daughter of Babita and Randhir Kapoor, they went through a formal engagement, but later broke it off.
The former Miss World and Bollywood actress, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek, were formally engaged on Sunday January 14, 2007, at the Bachchan residence in Juhu, Bombay, with the marriage taking place at the Bachchan residence on April 20, 2007.
On November 16, 2011, he became a Dada (paternal grandfather) when Aishwarya gave birth to a daughter in a Mumbai Hospital. He is already a Nana (maternal grandfather) to Navya and Agastye - Shweta's children.
He continues to be one of the busiest actors and singers in Bollywood as well as on TV, as can be seen from the commercials that he appears on, especially on Sahara One. Looks like there are no limits for this super-star and once the "Angry Young Man" of Bollywood.As Bhishma- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya started modeling at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms; the ones that brought her into the limelight were the garden sari and the Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was a hot favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her beauty and charm made her India's darling. Ash stormed into the Indian movie industry, where she has proven herself a brilliant & genuine actress. Her performance in Iruvar (1997) was critically acclaimed, and she won the Screen best female debutant award for her role in ...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997). She was adored in movies like Taal (1999), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), her item number in 'Bunty & Bubbly' had sent waves of rhythm across the nation. With her successful Bollywood movies and prestigious Hollywood projects lined up for release it is impossible to ignore this Indian diva in international scenes.As Draupadi- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Vishal Veeru "Ajay" Devgn was born on April 02, 1969, in New Delhi, Delhi to action director Veeru Devgan and his wife Veena Devgan. He is an Indian actor, film director and producer who works in the Bollywood industry and is one of the highest-paid celebrities in India. Devgn started his film career with Phool Aur Kaante (1991). He is known for films like All The Best: Fun Begins (2009), Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999), Ishq (1997), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Singham (2011), Total Dhamaal (2019) etc. He is married to actress Kajol with whom he has two children (i.e son Yug and daughter Nysa). He is also the founder and owner of the production banner Ajay Devgn Ffilms.As Duryodhana- Actress
- Music Department
- Additional Crew
Bhanurekha was born in the Tamil-speaking Ganesan household on October 10, 1954. Her dad was the popular Tamil actor, Gemini, while her mom was a popular Telugu actress, Pushpavalli. She has seven sisters and one brother. One of her sisters is Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, while another one, Radha, lives in San Francisco with a son named Naveed, who is being readied to act in Bollywood movies.
No stranger to the tinsel screen, Bhanurekha acted in a Telugu movie 'Rangula Ratnam' as Baby Bhanurekha along with her mom during 1966, which was subsequently re-made and released in Hindi during 1976 as Rangila Ratan (1976). She acted in one more Telugu as well as one Kannada movie (Amma Kosam and Goadalli CID 999 respectively) before re-locating to Bombay.
Due to her background, she ended up being very gloomy and pessimistic during her early years. She get a chance to debut in Bollywood movies during 1970 with Sawan Bhadon (1970) opposite Navin Nischol with a screen name of Rekha. Inability to speak Hindi, a dusky complexion as well as her weight did not exactly add to her assets in a predominantly fair-skinned, Hindi-speaking North-Indian film industry.
She decided to take matters seriously, took Yoga, shed those extra pounds, learned Hindi and dancing, and thus was born a new and much improved Rekha - who went on to deliver one box office hit after another for example Nagin (1976), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Khubsoorat (1980), Umrao Jaan (1981), Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) amongst others. In her later years she has taken up character roles and appeared as a mother, even a grandmother in Krrish (2006).
Her slim, slender looks got her many admirers, including well established Bollywood actors such as Kiran Kumar , Jeetendra, Vinod Mehra, and Amitabh Bachchan'. In 2004, in a television interview with Simi Garewal, she rejected a long-standing rumor that she was once married to Vinod Mehra. She referred to him as a well-wisher and stated that her only marriage was to a businessman, Mukesh Aggarwal. This marriage ended when Mukesh killing himself shortly thereafter, leaving her a widow. She has never remarried.
She likes to surf the Internet, has written biographies of actresses like Zeenat Aman, and Salma Agha on IMDb, likes to collect old photographs and postcards, mimic people, watch movies, and practices Yoga regularly, read comics like Archie and Dennie the Menace, and is a vegetarian. She now lives with her Secretary, Farzana, and pets in a self-owned bungalow in Bandra (West)in Mumbai.As Kunthi- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Nagarjuna did his schooling at Hyderabad Public School and later went to Little Flower Junior College to do his intermediate. After that, he went on to do mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI and later got a masters degree in automobile engineering at San Jose State University.As Karna- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Malayalam film actor Mammootty was born to Ismail (an agriculturist) and Fatima (a homemaker). He has two younger brothers Ibrahim and Zakariah; and three sisters, Ameena, Sauda and Shafina. He did his schooling in St.Joseph's Thevara, Maharaja's College and then studied law at Ernakulam Government Law College. It was during his days at Maharajah's that he got his first role as an extra (junior artist) in Anubhavangal Paalichakal in 1971. Along with Mohanlal, he is a top star in the Malayalam film industry of South India.As Yudhisthira- Actor
- Music Department
- Director
Vishwanath Patekar (born on January 1, 1951 in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, India) is an actor, writer and filmmaker. He is known for his work on Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Raajneeti (2010) and Parinda (1989). He made his acting debut in the early 70's and since then has been nominated for multiple awards. He won a National Film Award and a Filmfare award for his supporting role in Parinda (1989). He then won the Best Villain award for his role on Angaar (1992). He is a very controversial actor, know for his different acting style, dialogues and dialogue delivery. He is sometimes regarded as the Morgan Freeman of Bollywood. In 1995, he won the National Film Award as well as the Filmfare and the Screen awards for Best Actor for his role in Krantiveer (1994). He is also the only actor ever to win Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Villain categories. He was bestowed the highest privilege in acting in 2013 when he was awarded the Padma Shri award for his dedication in the field of Films and Arts.
Patekar is an alumnus of the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai and in September 2015, He established an organization, Naam Foundation with fellow Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure, which works to provide aid to farmers to overcome by drought conditions in Maharashtra, India. When he was awarded the Raj Kapoor award which carries a cash prize of Rs 10,00,000, he donated the entire amount towards drought relief activities in Maharashtra. Patekar was married to Neelkantee Patekar and they have a son Malhar Patekar but their marriage life did not go well and it resulted in a divorce.As Drona- Producer
- Writer
- Art Director
An accomplished and award-winning producer-director-writer-actor-singer, Farhan Akhtar is the ultimate Bollywood multi-hyphenate. Born in 1974 to prolific Indian film writer and poet, Javed Akhtar and writer-director, Honey Irani , Farhan was raised in an environment where creativity and originality of thought were encouraged. This has made him a maverick whose films reflect refreshingly new content that easily strikes a chord with filmgoers.
In 1999, Farhan collaborated with Ritesh Sidhwani, a friend who shared his passion for good cinema, to form Excel Entertainment, a production banner that has become synonymous with excellence in film-making.
Debuting at the age of 26, as a writer, director, and producer with Dil Chahta Hai (2001) a coming-of-age film that has gained cult status, Farhan came to be lauded for his honest, path-breaking writing and his ability to extract mature performances from his cast. The film won Farhan his first National Award for 'Best Hindi Feature Film' along with Filmfare awards for 'Best Feature Film - Critics Choice' and 'Best Screenplay'.
Almost two decades later, this film continues to influence a generation of filmmakers.
Seven years after his dream debut as a writer-director, Farhan debuted as an actor-singer in Rock On!! (2008) Yet another runaway success, the film secured him a second National Award for 'Best Hindi Feature Film' and a Filmfare award for 'Best Debut Performance'.
The dream run continued with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) which released in 2011 to much popular and critical acclaim, winning him three Filmfare awards for 'Best Film', 'Best Actor in a supporting role' and 'Best Dialogue'.
His next, a biopic on Indian athlete Milkha Singh, popularly known as 'the Flying Sikh', was entitled Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013).
He essayed the role with such integrity that it set the standard for other actors considering to play titular protagonists in biopics. Deservingly, Farhan swept all awards that year for 'Best Actor' as did the film for 'Best Film'. It also claimed the National award for 'Best Popular Film providing Wholesome Entertainment.'
His most recent release The Sky Is Pink (2019) premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received a 15-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Roy Thomson Hall.
In addition to his contribution to Indian cinema, Farhan has initiated and supported a plethora of social causes. In 2012, he founded MARD (Men against Rape & Discrimination), an initiative that raises awareness about gender-related issues amongst the youth of India. Recognizing his sustained efforts, Farhan was made the first male UNwomen goodwill ambassador (South Asia) in 2014.
Additionally, Farhan feeds his passion for music by writing, composing and performing live with his band FarhanLive.
His English language debut album 'Echoes' released in March 2019 to critical acclaim.
He has 2 daughters and lives in Mumbai, India.As Nakula- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Anupam Kher is a renowned Indian actor who has worked extensively in the Indian film industry, as well as in international films and television shows. He is known for his versatile acting skills and has portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his career.
Kher studied at Simla in D.A.V. School and graduated with a degree in Economics from Simla's Himachal Pradesh University. He studied at the Government College, Sanjauli. He left the university mid-way and instead studied the Indian theatre in Chandigarh at Panjab University.
Kher was a part of several plays at Himachal Pradesh University. He took drama classes in Lucknow at Raj Bisaria's Bharatendu Natya Akadem for a small role in Sheeshay Ka Ghar (1984), his debut film.
In 1984, he landed his first role in Bollywood with the film Saaransh (1984). He played the role of a 65-year-old teacher in this film. He went on to work in projects like Tezaab (1988) and Vijay (1988), for which he was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Kher received public recognition for his performances in movies like Ram Lakhan (1989) and his first Filmfare Award under the Best Performer in a Comic Role category. He also won a Filmfare Critics Award and a National Film Award - Special Mention for his role in Daddy (1989).
In 1990, Kher starred in Dil (1990) and received another Filmfare Best Supporting Actor nomination. He was critically acclaimed for his performance in Lamhe (1991). He won a Filmfare Award as the Best Comedian for his role in the movie.
Kher later appeared in Beta (1992) alongside Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor. In the same year, his role in Khel (1992) earned him another Filmfare Award as the Best Comedian.
Kher went on to star in massive hits like Darr (1993), which got him a Filmfare award as the Best Comedian. In 1994, he appeared in another blockbuster, Laadla (1994).
One of Kher's most successful movies Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), earned him another nomination as the Best Supporting Actor at Filmfare and was the second movie for which he won the National Film Award, this time under the category Best Popular Film.
Kher's performance in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) got him his fifth Filmfare Best Comedian Award and was highly applauded and loved by the audience.
After a gap of almost three years, he made his comeback in yet another blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), for which he received the Best Comedian nomination at Filmfare.
Kher also tried his skills in directing with Om Jai Jagadish (2002) and was also the producer. In 2007, Kher collaborated with Satish Kaushik and started Karol Bagh Productions, a film production company. They produced their first movie Teree Sang: A Kidult Love Story (2009), in 2009.
He hosted TV shows like Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle (2000) and The Anupam Kher Show (2014).
Kher has also appeared in international films like Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Bride & Prejudice (2004).
Kher received the Best Actor Award at the Karachi International Film Festival for his performance in I Did Not Kill Gandhi (2005), which was also produced by him.
His other foreign films were The Mistress of Spices (2005), Lust, Lust, Caution (2007), the TV show ER (1994), Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook (2012), and Hotel Mumbai (2018).
He also received a nomination for BAFTA for his supporting role in the British sitcom The Boy with the Topknot (2017).
In 2019, Kher took the role of Manmohan Singh, India's former Indian Prime minister in The Accidental Prime Minister (2019). In 2022, he appeared in the controversial film The Kashmir Files (2022), which was a blockbuster.
Kher was awarded the best actor for his role in a short film titled Happy Birthday (2021) at the New York City International Film Festival. He is a recipient of two National Film Awards, eight Filmfare Awards, two International Indian Film Academy Awards, two Screen Awards India, and five other state/viewer awards.
His handprint was preserved for posterity at Bandra Bandstand in Mumbai as he was honoured by 'Walk of the Stars'. The US state of Texas presented him with the "Honoured Guest" award for his contribution to cinema and art.
He has also been honoured with Civilian Awards like the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 by the Indian Government for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts.
Anupam Kher tied the knot with Kirron Kher, a fellow Indian actress, in 1985. Kher became a stepfather to Kirron's son, actor Sikandar Kher. He was appointed as the goodwill ambassador of the Pratham Education Foundation in 2010, which works to improve the education of children in India. In 2021, Kher received an honorary doctorate degree in Philosophy of Hindu Studies from the Hindu University of America.As Shakuni- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Prithviraj Sukumaran (born 16 October 1982), credited mononymously as Prithviraj, is an Indian actor, playback singer and producer best known for his work in Malayalam films. He has also acted in a number of Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films.
Prithviraj Sukumaran was born in Thiruvananthapuram to actors Sukumaran and Mallika Sukumaran. His initial schooling was at Shrine Vailankanni Senior Secondary School, T. Nagar, Chennai and St.Joseph's Boys' Hr.Sec.School, Coonoor, since the family was settled at Tamil Nadu that time. Later when the family shifted to Kerala he had his education from The NSS Public School Perunthanni, St.Mary's Residential Central School, Poojappura (which was near his home at Chengallur) where he acted in various plays and skits for the school's Annual Day Celebrations. He completed the rest of his school education at Sainik School Kazhakoottam and Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Prithviraj, along with his brother Indrajith Sukumaran. He also participated in debates and elocution competitions while in school. Prithviraj won the title of "Mr LA Fest" in the Annual Inter-School arts festival hosted by Loyola School, Thiruvananthapuram in successive years and is the only person to date to win that title twice.
While pursuing his bachelor's degree in Information Technology at the University of Tasmania, Australia, he was called for a shot in the movies by film director Ranjith Balakrishnan to play the lead role in his film Nandanam. It was Fazil, a well known Malayalam film director, who introduced him to Ranjith. After his performance in Nandanam, he decided to take a break from studies to concentrate on his film career.
Prithviraj Sukumaran's elder brother Indrajith Sukumaran and sister-in-law Poornima Indrajith are also film actors.As Sahadeva- Actor
- Music Department
- Director
Sudeep is an Indian film actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, anchor, and cricketer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Kannada for three consecutive years for his films Huchcha (2001), Nandhi (2002) and Swathi Muthu (2003). Since 2013, he is hosting the television reality show Bigg Boss in Kannada which only regional language holds other than Hindi.As Dussasana- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Pankaj Kapur, born in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, is a highly respected Indian actor, director, and playwright known for his exceptional contributions to the world of Indian cinema, television, and theater. With a career spanning over four decades, Pankaj Kapur has carved a niche for himself with his versatility, nuanced performances, and creative endeavors.
Pankaj Kapur began his acting journey in the theater, where he honed his skills and gained recognition for his exceptional talent. He made his mark in the world of television with the critically acclaimed series "Karamchand" (1985-1988), where he portrayed the titular character of the quirky detective Karamchand.
In Bollywood, Pankaj Kapur's film career took off with films like "Mandi" (1983) and "Ek Doctor Ki Maut" (1990), where he showcased his ability to portray complex and layered characters. However, it was his collaboration with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj that brought him widespread acclaim.
Pankaj Kapur delivered memorable performances in Vishal Bhardwaj's films, including "Maqbool" (2003), "The Blue Umbrella" (2005), and "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" (2013). His collaborations with Bhardwaj were marked by their depth and authenticity, establishing Pankaj Kapur as a powerhouse performer in the industry.
Apart from his acting career, Pankaj Kapur has directed and produced television shows and films. His directorial venture, "Mausam" (2011), showcased his prowess behind the camera as well.
Pankaj Kapur is also known for his contribution to theater, where he has been associated with iconic productions. His work as a playwright and actor in plays like "Dopehri" has received critical acclaim and demonstrated his commitment to diverse forms of storytelling.
In recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema and entertainment, Pankaj Kapur has received numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for "Raakh" (1989) and the National Film Award for Best Actor for "Ek Doctor Ki Maut" (1991).
Pankaj Kapur continues to be an influential figure in the Indian entertainment industry, maintaining a balance between cinema, television, and theater.As Dhritarashtra- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Manoj Bajpayee is a highly acclaimed Indian film actor known for his versatile acting skills and intense performances. Despite facing financial struggles during his childhood, he pursued his passion for acting and worked hard to achieve success in the film industry. Bajpayee is the second child in a family of six siblings, with two brothers and two sisters.Bajpayee decided to become an actor after watching the 1973 film Zanjeer (1973). He began his acting career with small roles in plays and television shows. He made his acting debut in the film Droh Kaal (1994) in 1994. He also played a minor role as a dacoit in Bandit Queen (1994) the same year. Bajpayee gained recognition for his performance in the film Satya (1998) in 1998. Although considered a flop at first, this film won him critical acclaim and established him as a celebrated actor in Indian cinema. Since then, he has acted in numerous successful films and has become known for his ability to portray complex, grey, and challenging characters. He is well-known for his ability to deliver powerful performances in a variety of genres and roles, ranging from gangsters to cops to journalists. Bajpayee has a diverse filmography that includes both mainstream and independent films. His filmography includes many notable films, including Satya (1998), Shool (1999), Pinjar (2003), Special 26 (2013), Aligarh (2015), and Sonchiriya (2019). The actor was also part of the popular web series The Family Man (2019). Some of his other top works include Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), LOC: Kargil (2003), Raajneeti (2010), Satyameva Jayate (2018), and Shootout at Wadala (2013), among others. Bajpayee has also been seen in Despatch and Joram (2023). He has also been a part of Gulmohar (2023), directed by Rahul V. Chittella. The story is based on complex, dysfunctional family life. Throughout his career, Bajpayee has been recognized for his talent and has received numerous awards and nominations. He has won three National Film Awards - Best Supporting Actor for Satya in 1999, Special Jury Award (Feature Film) for Pinjar in 2004, and Best Actor for Bhonsle (2018) in 2021.He has also won four Filmfare Awards, two under the category of Best Actor (Critics) for the films Satya, Shool, and Aligarh in 1999, 2000, and 2017 respectively, and one under the category of Best Actor in a Short Film?? for Taandav (2016?) in 2017.In 2019, Bajpayee was awarded the Padma Shri, which is India's fourth-highest civilian honour. In addition to his work in the film industry, Bajpayee is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He is actively involved in various social and charitable causes, including education and healthcare. He is also a strong advocate for environmental protection. He has also voiced his concerns about the state of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bajpayee married Shabana Raza in 2006. They met in 1998 at a Bollywood party when the latter debuted with the film Kareeb (1998) opposite Bobby Deol. They have a daughter, Ava Nayla.As Aswathama- Actor
- Music Department
- Director
Naseeruddin Shah was born on July 20 1950, in Barabanki, a small village in Uttar Pradesh. He is a seasoned Bollywood actor and has received several awards for his notable performance in several movies. The actor has also been awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan awards for his enormous contributions to Indian cinema.
Shah was born into a Nawab family. He studied at St. Anselm's Ajmer School in Rajasthan and St. Joseph's College in Nainital. He completed his graduation from the Aligarh Muslim University in 1971. He also attended the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
At the age of 19, Shah married Manara Sikri, who was 36 years old and a divorcee. Post one year of their marriage, their daughter Heeba Shah was born. However, the relationship didn't work out, and they decided to part ways after 12 years of marriage.
Shah met Ratna Pathak Shah, daughter of Dina Pathak and a Bollywood actor in the 1970s. They fell in love and went on to co-star in several films. They tied the knot in 1982. They have two sons together - Imaaduddin Shah and Vivaan Shah. The couple currently resides with their children in Mumbai.
At the age of 18, Shah acted in Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968), starring Hema Malini and Raj Kapoor. However, his scene was removed before the release of the movie.
He made his Bollywood debut with an uncredited role in Aman in 1967, a film starring Rajendra Kumar Tuli and Saira Banu. From then onwards, he went on to feature in various movies like Nishant (1975), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Katha (1983) and Junoon (1979).
In 1974, Shah founded a theatre company called Motley Productions, and their inaugural production was Waiting for Godot. He is also part of a theatre troupe and has performed across different cities like New Delhi, Lahore, and Mumbai. He has directed a few plays written by Lavender Kumar, Ismat Chughtai and Saadat Hasan Manto.
He started gaining popularity with his films Hum Paanch (1980) and Masoom (1983), which was shot at St Joseph's College, Nainital, where Shah had studied during his childhood. Another movie called Karma (1986), where he starred beside Dilip Kumar gained much acclaim.
Shah has been a part of several multi-star Bollywood movies like Ghulami (1985), Tridev (1989), and Tridev (1989). In 1994, he completed his 100th movie as an actor with Mohra (1994), where he played the role of a villain.
Shah has also been a part of international projects like the Hollywood adaptation of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003). He played the role of Captain Nemo in the film, which gained him a lot of praise.
In 2003, he acted in Vishal Bhardwaj's Maqbool (2003), an Indian adaptation of Macbeth, and in 2004, he appeared in Rajiv Rai's Asambhav (2004) with Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra.
Shah has won several awards, including three National Film Awards, three Filmfare awards, one IIFA award and two Bengal Film Journalists' Association awards. He also received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival in 1984.As Vidura- Actress
- Producer
Vidya was born in Palghat, Kerala, India. Her family consists of her dad, P.R. Balan, who is the Vice-President of ETC Channel; mom - a home-maker, and an elder sister, Priya, who is married to Kedar. She also has an aunt by the name of Raji Raju.
The Balan family re-located to live at Road No. 11, near Ambedkar Garden, Chembur, Bombay, when Vidya was very young. She studied in St. Anthony's Convent School, and thereafter in St. Xavier's College from where she obtained a degree in Sociology. She then went on to obtain a Masters degree in Sociology from Bombay University.
She also studied and performed in Prithvi Theaters' workshops. Due to tradition of most Tamil-Iyer families, Vidya and her Priya learned Carnatic dance form during their early childhood days, but Vidya opted out as the dance classes took place early on Sunday mornings and as she is not an early riser.
Considerably overweight, rather tomboyish, during her school-days, and an ardent fan of Shahrukh Khan, she decided to shed those extra pounds when she elected to opt for modeling and movies.
Facing disappointment after being rejected by a Tamil producer, she nevertheless persisted until she got her first break with a Malyalam movie 'Chakram' opposite Mohanlal, however, the project was shelved, and she had to wait until 1998 to debut in a Surf Excel commercial. She then went on to appear in several commercials directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She completed nearly 90 such ads.
She appeared in three music videos for Pankaj Udhas, Euphoria, and Shubha Mudgal in supporting roles. She then also appeared in two TV serials Ekta Kapoor's 'Hum Paanch', and Ashok Pandit's 'Hanste Khelte'.
During 2003 she was signed-up to play a role in a Bengali movie 'Bhaalo Theko' opposite Joy Sengupta. This project was completed during the year 2006, and was a considerable hit.
Then during 2006 Vidya was approached by Vidhu Vinod Chopra during a pop-concert in Mumbai to play a lead role in 'Parineeta'. She then had to undergo 17 make-up shoots and 40 screen tests before being chosen for this role. All this hard work did result in success as 'Parineeta' was very well received so much so that the Tamil producer, who had previously rejected her, invited her to appear in a 'Dasavatharam' opposite Kamal Hassan, and now it was Vidya's turn to reject this offer which eventually went to 'Asin'.
Apart from acting, Vidya occupies herself for supporting education for young Indians by promoting children's' books; is associated with Americans for Aids Research; with Hale House - that provides support and housing for children born with HIV and drug abuse; as well as hosting forums and attending events for Harvard Aids Institute.
When she was single, she was never involved in any scandal and claimed to get along well with both female and male friends. In 2012, she married producer Siddharth Roy Kapur
An ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shri Sai Baba, she makes it a point to attend Mandirs every Thursday. She is proficient in Tamil, Malyalam, Hindi, English, Bengali, and can also read Urdu.As Hidumbi- Actress
- Music Department
- Producer
One of the leading lights of the 1965-1990's Indian New Wave, Shabana Azmi (alongside the late Smita Patil) was one of the main female actors who dominated the films of the so-called "Parallel Cinema" in India in the 1970s and 1980s. Born to noted Urdu progressive poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi and theatre actress Shaukat Azmi, Shabana has acted in films by virtually all of India's most famous art-house directors including Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Aparna Sen and others, as well as in commercial and middle-of-the-road Hindi films, where she has essayed several strong female characters (e.g., in The Death Sentence: Mrityu Dand (1997) and Godmother (1999)). Shabana Azmi was paired opposite Rajesh Khanna in 7 successful films.She is noted for her naturalness and intensity on-screen, matched by her fierce advocacy of the rights of women, minorities and slum-dwellers off-screen, both through activism and in her role as a Member of Parliament, where her consistent stand in defense of liberal values and the freedom of expression is noteworthy. She has also acted on stage to considerable acclaim, most notably in Tumhari Amrita with Farookh Sheikh. She is married to noted scriptwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar.As Gandhari- Actor
- Producer
Born in Kerala India, Arya initially worked as a computer engineer. Luckily for us however, his passion for filming and his impressive physique brought him to modeling before debuting in acting.
Director VishnuVardhan's favorite, he worked with other acclaimed filmmakers and started building a solid filmography as a versatile and subtle actor, delivering pungent portrayals.
His first release was VishnuVardhan's Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005), where Arya played the son of Prakash Raj in a critically acclaimed young gangster role which won him Filmfare Best Debut Award South and Best New Male Face Award at the Filmfare Awards.
Since then, he embodied very diverse characters with equal intensity, demonstrating a emotional verve and sharpness, on-screen presence, a fine sense of humour, and an extremely powerful unaffected candor.
His dedication to his work won him respect of the south Indian film industry very quickly. He is known to choose the projects he gets involved in very carefully and give them his best.
Tough yet endearing gangster in Pattiyal, impressive sadhu in Bala's Naan Kadavul (Best actor Nomination at 57th South Filmfare Awards), bubbly suitor in Sarvam to soft lover in Ullam Ketkumae, romantic wrestler Madharasapattinam, are a few of the characters he's played.
Arya also started his production company, "The Show People", which will see its first release in 2010 with Padithurai.
His younger brother is the newcomer actor Sathya.As Ghatotkacha- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Vancouver native, Avan Jogia landed his first acting role as Danny Araujo on the award-winning TV movie drama A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (2006), directed by Oscar nominee Agnieszka Holland. Jogia followed up with a recurring role on the SyFy Channel hit series Caprica (2009) as well as becoming series regular role the CW's Aliens in America (2007). Recently receiving notice amongst a wide audience with his lead role as Beck on Nickelodeon's Emmy nominated series Victorious (2010), Avan can now be seen as Danny Desai on ABC Family's Twisted (2013).
Having a special interest in youth human rights and equality, Avan lends his support to many charitable organizations: as a Peace First Ambassador for Peacefirst.org, host of the PBS series "Reel Works," and founder of the national charitable organization Straight But Not Narrow.As Abhimanyu- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Sarathkumar Ramanathan is an Indian film actor, producer, and politician who has made a significant impact on the South Indian film industry.
Ramanathan studied at the Raja Muthiah High School in Chennai. Later, he went to the Central School in IIT Madras and completed his further studies at St. Patrick's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School.
He was quite interested in sports; he played cricket, football, and hockey, even representing his school and college in numerous tournaments. He also joined the NCC and became an Air Wing Cadet. Ramanathan completed his pre-university education at Loyola College. He then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The New College in Chennai.
In 1974, Ramanathan became a bodybuilder and earned the title of Mr Madras University. Later, he moved to Bangalore to work for Dinakaran, a Tamil newspaper. While he started off as a newspaper distributor, he went on to become a reporter for Dinakaran. He then shifted back to Chennai and opened a travel agency, where he met Kannadasan, who encouraged him to become a film producer.
Ramanathan then transitioned to acting and made his debut in the film industry in 1986 with the Telugu film Samajamlo sthree (1986). He was supposed to play the lead role in Chinna Poove Mella Pesu (1987) but was replaced by Prabhu. In 1988, he produced and acted in the Tamil film Kan Simmittum Neram (1988). One of his first major roles was in the movie Pulan Visaaranai (1990), where he played the role of a villain.
Soon after, he started getting more offers, which led to him acting in films like Mr. Karthik (1990), Pudhu Padagan (1990), Velai Kidaichiruchu (1990), Raja Kaiye Vacha (1990) and Urudhi Mozhi (1990). He also worked in several Telugu films, including Magaadu (1990) and Balachandrudu (1990). Following this, he essayed supporting roles in many Tamil films, such as Salem Vishnu (1990), Sirayil Sila Raagangal (1990), and Mounam Sammadham (1990).
In 1991, he featured in twelve Tamil films and three Telugu movies, mostly in supporting roles. The same year, he appeared in lead roles in films like Kaaval Nilayam (1991) and Cheran Pandian (1991), which were quite successful commercially.
His major breakthrough role came in the 1992 film Surieyan (1992), considered a trendsetter for Tamil action films. In addition to positive reviews, this role got him the Cinema Express Best Actor Special Award. He also worked on other films in 1992, including Thai Mozhi (1992), Ellaichami (1992), Samundi (1992), and Natchathira Nayagan (1992).
In 1993, Ramanathan acted in films like Aadhityan (1993), Dasarathan, Vedan (1993), Band Master (1993), and Moondravathu Kann (1993). In 1994, some of his projects included Aranmanai Kaavalan (1994), Captain Shiva (1994), Raja Pandi (1994), and the critically-acclaimed Nattamai (1994), for which he won the Best Actor award at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and Cinema Express Awards.
Ramanathan continued to be incredibly prolific; he featured in various films over the years, like Veluchami (1995), Coolie (1995), Ragasiya Police (1995), Mahaprabhu (1996), Nethaji (1996), Aravindhan (1997), Suryavamsam (1997), Janakiraman (1997), Moovendhar (1998), Natpukkaga (1998), Chinna Durai (1999), Maayi (2000), Rishi (2001), Vinnukum Mannukum (2001), Samudhram (2001), Thenkasi Pattanam (2002), Paarai (2003), Chatrapathy (2004), Aai (2004), etc.
In 2005, he acted in Ayya (2005), which was successful and received positive reviews. He also appeared in guest roles in Bunny (2005) and Jithan (2005). In 2006, he directed and acted in Thalaimagan (2006), which was a commercial failure. He appeared in several other films, including Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007), Nam Naadu (2007), and Vaitheeswaran (2008), which received mixed to negative reviews.
In 2009, Ramanathan debuted in Malayalam cinema through Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009). He won the Vanitha Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role. He also appeared in Jaggubhai (2010), Kola Kolaya Mundhirika (2009), Oridathoru Postman (2010), The Metro (2011), and Christian Brothers (2011).
In 2011, he played a transgender person in Kanchana: Muni 2 (2011), which was a commercial success. He appeared in Achante Aanmakkal (2012) and Myna (2013). In 2014, he appeared in Nimirndhu Nil (2014), Janda Pai Kapiraju (2015), and Kochadaiiyaan (2014). In 2017, he made a comeback in Tamil cinema with Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2 (2017).
Besides his career in the entertainment industry, Ramanathan has been actively involved in politics. He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in 1996 and launched the All India Samathuya Makkal Kathci (AISMK) party in 2007. He is also a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Tenkasi Constituency and served for three terms as the president of the Nadigar Sangam from 2006 to 2015.
Ramanathan has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the film industry. His accolades include the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, such as the M.G.R. Award in 1996 and the Best Actor Award for Natpukkaga and Simmarasi in 1998. He has also won multiple Filmfare Awards South, including Best Tamil Actor Awards for Suryavamsam in 1997 and Natpukkaga in 1998.
In addition, he received several Cinema Express Awards, including the Best Villain Award for Pulan Visaranai in 1990 and the Best Actor Award for Suryavamsam in 1994. He was honoured with the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award in 2000 and the Sivaji Ganesan Award in 2005.
Ramanathan was also felicitated with the Asianet Special Jury Award, the Jai Hind Patriotic Pride Award, and the Incisive Charisma Award by WE Magazine.As Jarasandha- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Venkatesh Daggubati has worked in the Telugu film industry for over 37 years. He has also done a few Hindi movies.
His father, D. Rama Naidu, was a film producer and former Parliament Member; his mother, Rajeshwari, is a housewife. He completed his schooling at Don Bosco, Egmore.
He completed his B.Com from Loyola College, Chennai, and his MBA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, US.
He started his film career as a child artist in the movie Prema Nagar (1971) in 1971, in which he played the role of Keshav. It was directed by K.S. Prakash Rao.
After his MBA, he returned to India and wanted to pursue a career in film production. However, he became a Telugu actor and starred in his first movie as a lead in Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986).
This movie was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and was also the debut movie of actress Khushbu Sundar. It was a huge success and won the Nandi Special Jury Award.
After appearing in five movies in 1987, he was a part of two major hits in 1988, Brahma Puthrudu (1988) as Shakthi, which got him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu, and Swarnakamalam (1988) as Chandra Sehkar (the role of a painter), which won the Nandi Special Jury Award.
Swarnakamalam was also featured in the 12th IFFI, the Asia Pacific Film Festival in the Indian Panorama section and the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
He starred as Pruthvi in Prema (1989), for which he got his first Nandi Award for Best Actor.
In 1990, he appeared in a dual role in the movie Aggiramudu (1990) as Aggi Ramudu and Vijay. He also appeared in the action movie Bobbili Raja (1990) along with the late actress Divya Bharti. These films were featured at the Fribourg Festival.
He made his Bollywood debut with the movie Anari (1993) opposite Karisma Kapoor. He also starred in another Hindi movie, Taqdeerwala (1995), opposite Raveena Tandon.
In 1995, he did another movie, Pokiri Raja (1995), in a double role as Chanti and Balaraju. The film was directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy.
He delivered another significant role successfully with Dharma Chakram (1996), for which he was recognised with Nandi Award for Best Actor and Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu. In this movie, he plays the role of an honest lawyer.
In 1998, he made another successful movie Ganesh (1998), again winning the Nandi Award for Best Actor and Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu. His role as Ganesh fought with the vices of the Indian healthcare system.
His movie Kalisundam Raa (2000), in which he played the role of Raghu, got him another Nandi Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Special Award - South.
In the same year, he appeared in another blockbuster success Jayam Manadera (2000), in a dual role as Mahadeva Naidu and Rudrama Naidu/Abhiram, for which he got the Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu.
In 2007, he appeared as Ganesh in Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule (2007), which got him another Nandi Award for Best Actor.
Daggubati has also starred in several multi-starrer movies like Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013), along with Mahesh Babu.
In 2014, he appeared as Rambabu in the crime thriller Drushyam (2014) and reappeared in its sequel Drushyam 2 (2021) in 2021. Drushyam 1 got him the Best Actor (Jury) award at TSR - TV9 National Film Awards in 2015.
His hit movie Guru (2017) won him Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor - South. In 2019, he starred in Venky Mama (2019) along with his nephew Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, which grossed more than 72 crores across the globe.
Daggubati has voiced the role of Genie in the Telegu Version of the Hollywood movie Aladdin (2019), originally voiced by Will Smith.
He appeared as Naga Naidu in the popular web series Rana Naidu (2023) on Netflix, a Hindi-Telugu bilingual series, along with Rana Daggubati and Surveen Chawla.As Dhrishtadyumna- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Prakash Raj is an established actor, producer, director, and television presenter in the Indian film industry. He is known for his works in South Indian and Hindi films.
Starting in the early 90s, he went on to appear in about 400 films. He has received several awards and accolades in his career, spanning more than three decades.
Raj was born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to Manjunath Rai and Swarnalatha Raj. Actor Prasad Raj is his brother. His original name is Prakash Rai. He started using the surname Raj instead of Rai on the advice of director K. Balachander.
Raj studied at St. Joseph's Indian High School and St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bengaluru. His first brush with acting was in a play he did in seventh grade. Later, when he was in college, he began acting in theatre but didn't think much about it.
His love for stage shows developed after he started going to Kalakshetra in Bengaluru and participating in theatre rehearsals. He used to perform in back-to-back stage shows for a meagre monthly payment of Rs. 300. After performing in 2,000 street theatre shows, he felt the urge to explore bigger opportunities in this field.
His journey into the acting world started with television. He also worked in the film industry as an assistant director and editor, then got the opportunity to act in films.
Raj started his acting career on television with serials like Guddada Bhootha (Kannada and Tulu) and Bisilu Kudure (Kannada) that were aired on Doordarshan. Later, he started acting in Kannada movies in supporting roles.
His performance in Harakeya Kuri (1992) caught the attention of the movie's lead actress Geetha. She introduced Raj to director K. Balachander, who gave him the scope to play a major role in his Tamil film Duet (1994).
After appearing in a few more Tamil and Kannada movies, he made his debut in Telugu cinema in 1995 with Sankalpam (1995). The same year, he appeared in Mani Ratnam's Tamil romantic drama Bombay (1995). It featured among the top 20 Indian movies in the rankings of the British Film Institute.
Raj ventured into Malayalam cinema in 1996 with The Prince (1996), helmed by Suresh Krishna. He played an antagonist in K. Balachander's Kalki (1996), for which he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award 1996 for Best Villain.
After acting in a few more movies, such as Priyam (1996), Pavitra Bandham (1996), Alexander (1996), Suswagatham (1997), and Hitler (1997), he appeared in Mani Ratnam's political drama Iruvar (1997). The film revolves around the relationship between two politicians. Raj received the National Film Award 1997 for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
He then appeared in a prominent role in T.S. Nagabharana's film Nagamandala (1997), which was among the selected movies for the International Film Festival of India in 1997 under the Indian Panorama.
He continued to appear in several other movies before playing a pivotal role in Anthahpuram (1998). The film revolves around a feudal society. Raj won the National Film Award 1998 for Best Actor (Special Jury) for his performance.
In Vaanavil (2000), Raj played the role of an antagonist, which earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award 2000 for Best Villain.
He essayed the role of Kaala Bhairavan in the Indian fantasy drama Little John (2001). He was seen in a supporting role in the war film Kannathil Muthamittal (2002). He won the ITFA Best Supporting Actor Award in 2003 for portraying the character of Dr Herold Vikramesinghe in the film.
In 2004, he acted in Rajkumar Santoshi's Hindi thriller action movie Khakee (2004), starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Atul Kulkarni, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film revolved around an Indian police team and its assignment involving an accused terrorist. Raj played the role of a corrupt ACP in the movie.
He essayed the character of DCP Prabhakar in Anniyan (2005), a psychological thriller helmed by S. Shankar. The story revolved around a disillusioned common man and his multiple personality disorder. He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award 2005 for Best Villain for his performance in this movie.
Raj was then seen in the role of a silk weaver in Priyadarshan's period drama film Kanchivaram (2008), starring opposite Shreya Reddy. The film highlighted the miserable condition of silk weavers as they struggled through life in Kanchipuram. It was screened at the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival held in 2008. He won the National Film Award 2007 for Best Actor and the Filmfare Award 2009 for Best Actor in Tamil for his acting in the movie.
He appeared in the role of a villain in several Bollywood films as well, including Wanted (2009), Singham (2011), Dabangg 2 (2012), and Mumbai Mirror (2013).
In Singham, he played the role of a powerful politician cum criminal who creates problems for the protagonist police officer. He won the Zee Cine Award 2012 for Best Actor in a Negative Role for this movie.
In 2015, he starred with Kamal Hassan in the pacy action thriller Thoongaa Vanam (2015). He then appeared in T.J. Gnanavel's legal drama Jai Bhim (2021). He went on to feature in films like Sita Ramam (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022).
Raj was previously married to actress Lalitha Kumari. The couple legally separated in 2009. They have two daughters, Pooja and Meghna. They also had a son named Sidhu, who passed away in 2004. Raj married Pony Prakash Raj Verma, a choreographer, in 2010. Their son Vedhanth was born in 2015.As Shalya- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Born Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, in Jaipur, Rajasthan (NW India) January 7, 1967 to a Pashto-speaking Muslim family. Khan's mother, Begum Khan, was from the Tonk Hakim family and his father, Jagirdar Khan, from the Khajuriya village near the Tonk district, ran a tire business.
The Khan family name comes from Turkish and Mongol languages and mean "king" or great leader. Descendants of Genghis Khan (13th century) in central Asia adopted Islam and became the Moghuls, who conquered India for several centuries until British rule.
Irfan was a skilled cricket player. In his early 20's he was selected for the CK Nayudu Tournament (a stepping stone to First Class cricket). He did not turn up for the tournament owing to lack of funds and as a result he focused on acting.
In 1984 he earned a scholarship to the National School of Acting in New Delhi.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor for his contribution to the field of arts.
His portrayal of Paan Singh Tomar in the acclaimed biographical sports drama Paan Singh Tomar (2011) won him the National Film Award for Best Actor and a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. His performance in the BAFTA Award nominated romance The Lunchbox (2013) earned him universal acclaim by the critics and audiences.
Globally, Khan was in The Warrior (2001), The Namesake (2006), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), New York, I Love You (2009), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Life of Pi (2012), Jurassic World (2015) and Inferno (2016). As of 2017, his films have grossed $3.643 billion at the worldwide box office. In 2018, Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor.
Khan got married to his wife Sutapa Sikdar, in 1995. She is a Hindu of the Brahmin caste. She is a movie producer, dialogue writer and screenwriter. Among her famous movies are Khamoshi: The Musical (Dialogue Writer, 1996), Supari (Dialogue Writer, 2003), Kahaani (Dialogue Writer, 2003), Madaari (Producer, 2016), Qarib Qarib Singlle (Producer, 2017)
They have two kids: Ayaan Khan, Babil Khan
Unlike most Indian film stars, Irrfan has been outspoken on religion. On Arnab Goswami's talk show, he took on Muslim fundamentalists, including India's Grand Imam. Irrfan Khan argued against "transactional religious interaction" and for "personal religious discovery"..."to discover yourself, to find God". Though he admits he is "not an authority" on the Koran and Islamic Holy scriptures he has bravely stood by his comments despite heavy criticism and even threats of violence. He's aware of the dangers that his frank comments pose to him and his family. His wife commented, "We are very proud of him."As Keechaka- Actress
- Music Department
- Producer
Manju Warrier is an Indian actress, producer, classical dancer, and playback singer who appears in Malayalam cinema.
Warrier completed her primary education in Nagercoil at CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School. After her father's transfer to Kannur, she continued her education there at Chinmaya Vidyalaya. She later attended Chovva Higher Secondary School.
Warrier started her career in the film industry with the movie Sakshyam (1995), directed by Mohan. The year after, she was the lead in the Malayalam movie Sallapam (1996), co-starring Dileep. Warrier and Dileep were married from 1998 until their divorce in 2015. The couple has a daughter named Meenakshi.
Between 1996 and 1999, Warrier acted in several films and portrayed a wide range of characters. She played a pivotal role in the romantic drama Thooval Kottaram (1996) alongside co-stars Jayaram and Sukanya. The film ran for about 300 days in theatres.
As a lead actor, her next two big screen ventures were Dilliwala Rajakumaran (1996) and Kaliveedu (1996), both of which starred Jayaram.
She was paired opposite Dileep in the romantic-thriller drama Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996). For this film, Warrier won the Best Actress Award at the Kerala State Film Awards in 1996. Warrier went on to act in films like Kudamattom (1997), Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997), Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997), The Play of God (1997), Sammanam (1997), and Aaram Thamburan (1997). She also received the Filmfare Awards South for Best Actress (Malayalam) in 1998 for her performance in The Play of God (1997).
Soon after, she appeared in Pranayavarnangal (1998), followed by other films like Daya (1998), Kanmadam (1998), Summer in Bethlehem (1998), and Pathram (1999).
Her impressive performance in Kanmadam (1998) won her the Best Actress Award at the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) in 1999. She received her fourth consecutive Best Actress Award in 2000 at the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) for her performance in Pathram (1999).
Her last film to release in 1999 was Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999). After that, Warrier took a long break from the silver screen.
Warrier ended her hiatus in 2014 and returned to cinema with the comedy-drama film How Old Are You? (2014). She won the Best Actress (Malayalam) Award for this film at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2015.
During the second phase of her career in the film industry, she continued her work in films like Ennum Eppozhum (2015), Rani Padmini (2015), Jo and the Boy (2015), Vettah (2016), Karingunnam 6's (2016), C/O Saira Banu (2017), and Udaharanam Sujatha (2017).
Her portrayal of a single parent in Udaharanam Sujatha (2017) won her the Best Actress Award at the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards 2017. She was also the recipient of the North American Film Awards (NAFA) 2017 in the Best Actress category for her movies Karinkunnam 6's and Vettah. She went on to win the North American Film Awards (NAFA) 2018 in the Best Actress (popular) category for her movies Udaharanam Sujatha and C/O Saira Banu.
Warrier starred in the title role of the biographical film Aami (2018), based on the life of author and poet Kamala Das. She won the Best Actress Award at both the Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) in 2019 and the Asia Vision Awards 2018 for her performance in the film. Her next film was Mohanlal (2018), a comedy-drama directed by Sajid Yahiya.
Warrier's next release, Odiyan (2018), was a fantasy drama film featuring Mohanlal as the male lead released across 42 countries through QubeWire.
Warrier played a pivotal role in Lucifer (2019), co-starring Mohanlal and Vivek Oberoi. This political action thriller film grossed Rs. 100 crores worldwide. She won the Best Actress Award at the 9th South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) held in 2021 for her role in Lucifer.
In Asuran (2019), an action-drama film, Warrier paired up with Dhanush to play the lead role. It was well-received by the audience and critics alike. The film went on to collect over Rs. 100 crores, making it an enormous success.
Over the next couple of years, Warrier went on to do movies like Prathi Poovankozhi (2019), The Priest (2021), Chathur Mukham (2021), Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021), Lalitham Sundharam (2022), Meri Awas Suno (2022), Jack N Jill (2022). In 2023, Warrier starred in the action heist movie Thunivu (2023), co-starring Ajith Kumar.As Subhadra- Kay Kay Menon is a well-known Indian actor who has acted in numerous movies and web series. He was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, but raised in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, India.
Menon pursued his early education at St Joseph High School in Pune. After this, he went on to earn a degree in Physics from Mumbai University.
He then pursued an MBA from the University of Pune. After completing his education, he joined the advertising industry.
Menon began his acting career with a theatre break opposite Naseeruddin Shah in Mahatma vs Gandhi. After that, he started working in the TV industry with the television serial Darr (1995).
His debut movie was Naseem (1995) in 1995, but he got recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed movie Bhopal Express (1999) in 1999.
He has acted in numerous movies, including Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Black Friday (2004), Sarkar (2005), Corporate (2006), Life in a Metro (2007), ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) (2013), Ankur Arora Murder Case (2013), Haider (2014) and The Ghazi Attack (2017).
He is also known for his role in the Hotstar web series Special OPS (2020) and Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story (2021), where he played the role of RAW officer Himmat Singh.
He has played the role of Mansoor Dalal in the web series, Farzi (2023).
Some of his best performances are in the movies Black Friday (2004), where he played the role of DCP Rakesh Maria, Sarkar (2005), where he played the role of Vishnu Nagre, Gulaal (2009) where Menon played the role of Dukey Bana, and Haider (2014), where he played the role of Khurram Meer.
Kay Kay Menon has received several awards and nominations for his performances in movies and web series. He was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for his role in Sarkar (2005).
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for his role in Haider (2014).As Jayadratha - Actor
- Director
- Writer
Nassar is one of the most acclaimed actors in India. He is the current president of South Indian Actors Association. Nassar is well known for Thevar Magan (1992), Bombay (1995), Anbe Sivam (2003) and Nayakan (1987).
Nassar was born on 5 March 1958 to Mehaboob Basha and Mumtaz in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. He studied in St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School (Chengalpattu). He moved to Madras (now chennai) after school, where he finished his pre-university at Madras Christian College, where he was an active member of the Dramatic Society. Later for a brief time, he worked in the Indian Air Force. He trained in two acting schools: the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce's Film Institute and the Tamil Nadu Institute for Film and Television Technology.
Nassar made his acting debut in K.Balachander movie in 1985 portraying a secondary supporting role, before moving on to play villainous roles. With breakthrough role came through his performance as a police officer in Nayakan (1987), he became one of the most important actor in Indian cinema. He subsequently became a regular in Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan ventures.
Even in small role made by Nassar became more powerful with his acting skills in the movies like Kabali (2016), Vishwaroopam (2013) & Iruvar (1997).As Drupada- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (born 1974) is an Indian film actor who has appeared in some of Bollywood's major films including, Black Friday (2004), New York (2009), Peepli Live (2010), Kahani (2012), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 2 (2012).
Early life and education
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is from Budhana a small town of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, where his father is a farmer. [2][3][4] Siddiqui grew up amongst nine siblings, seven brothers and two sisters. [5][2]
After graduating in science from a local college, he worked as a chemist in a petrochemical company for a short while. But boredom set in soon, and he moved to Delhi, here in the next one and a half year period, he started watching plays, while working a watchman at an office. He got associated with Sakshi Theatre Group and worked with actors like Manoj Bajpai and Saurabh Shukla.
Eventually he graduated from the The National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi in 1996.Now he is a well known actor. Career
After graduating from NSD, he moved to Mumbai. Nawazuddin made his Bollywood debut in 1999, with a small role in Sarfarosh starring Aamir Khan. After moving to Mumbai he tried to get work in television, but did not achieve much success. After his debut, he appeared in short roles, where he remained unnoticed, despite his strong performances. He did a short film, The Bypass in 2003, where he appeared with actor, Irrfan Khan. Between 2002 and 2005, he was out of work, and lived in an apartment where he shared with four others, and struggled through his acting carrier by conducting occasional acting workshops. His appearance in Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday (2007) paved way for other powerful roles. His first lead role in a feature film was in Prashant Bhargava's PATANG, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, for which Nawazuddin's performance was praised by the world renowned film critic Roger Ebert (awarding the film 4 stars), a role which 'transformed his acting styles'. In 2009, he appeared in a cameo role in hit song "emotional attyachar" in a movie Dev D, in his moniker as Rangila along with his duo Rasila (known together as Patna ke Presley). However it was his role of a journalist in Aamir Khan Productions's Peepli Live (2010). That movie first got him a recognition as an actor. This was followed by a role as police informer Gopi in biopic, Paan Singh Tomar, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, also in the same year.
He, however became a household name post Kahaani (2012), where he played the archetypal short tempered cop Khan. Gangs of Wasseypur followed which furthered his fame. He played his first lead role as Sonu Duggal in Ashim Ahluwalia's Miss Lovely that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, a role Nawazuddin describes as his "most real performance so far." Nawazuddin also played a lead role in his following films, Gangs of Wasseypur - Part II and Aatma. He appeared in Aamir Khan's 2012 release, Talash. Gangs of Wasseypur has been touted as a career defining film for Nawazuddin, where he played the role of Faizal Khan, a second son of Sardar Khan, played by Manoj Bajpai. His gaudy style of dress, magnificent accent and out-of-the-way mannerism in Gangs of Wasseypur left an impression on Bollywood critics. His film PATANG, initially released in the U.S. and Canada, garnered much attention for Nawazuddin with rave reviews from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Roger Ebert.
Siddiqui is best known for his roles in The Lunchbox (2013), which premiered as part of the International Critics' Week at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and won him multiple awards, Manto (2018), for which his groundbreaking performance won him Best Actor at the 2018 Asian Pacific Screen Awards[8] and Raman Raghav 2.0 for which he won the Fancine Malaga Award in Spain[9] and in Asia Pacific Screen Awards[10] both in the category of Best Actor. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the only Actor in the world having 8 films officially selected and screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.[11] Inspite of being very busy with film shoots, Siddiqui continues to take time out to do farming in his native place in Uttar Pradesh (North India).[12] He is an active motivational speaker, drawing on his struggles and experiences to inspire. He stars in two Emmy nominated series, Sacred Games (2019), a two-season Netflix original series for which he was conferred with the GQ - Men of the Year Award 2018 for the second time[13] and United Kingdom's McMafia directed by James Watkins. Recently Nawazuddin Siddiqui was awarded with the highest honorary, The Lesley Ho Asian Film Talent Award at the prestigious Singapore International Film Festival[14] for his globally appreciated series Sacred Games duology.As Ekalavya- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Kamal Haasan was born November 7, 1954 in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. He debuted as a child artiste in the film "Kalathoor Kannamma" (1960). Since then, he has starred in nearly 220 films in the major Indian languages - Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. He has been a part of the film industry for 60 years, as of 2020. His journey in cinema has seen him do various roles - from child artiste, to romantic lead to one of the most respected and revered heroes of the film industry today.
He has famously said that he is a reluctant actor. He has an avid interest in every aspect of film making and is known for his work as a choreographer, director, and writer, as well.
He wrote his first script at age 18 for the film "Unarchigal" (1976), which was then followed by films that have gone on to become cult classics - Rajapaarvai (1981), Sathya (1988), Apoorva Sahotharargal (1989), Thevar Magan (1992), Mahanadi (1994), Kurudhippunal (1995), Avvai Shanmugi (1996), Hey Ram (2000), Pammal K Sambandam (2002), Panchathanthiram (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), are a few of the films etched in popular memory for having set the bar for craftsmanship in the fields of screenplay, script, and dialogue.
He is also a prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction in Tamil and his published work is testament to his constant exploration of structure and form.
Kamal Haasan's strong convictions in his art have led to some of Indian cinema's most path-breaking films like Pushpak / Pushpaka Vimaanam / Pesum Padam (1987). Kamal Haasan also worked as a choreographer while transitioning as a well-known child artiste to the lead actor in a feature length film. Some of his best-known work as a dancer can be seen in Saagara Sangamam (1983) and the popular hit Punnagai Mannan (1986).
Kamal Haasan is also a student of Carnatic music, studying under musical maestro Dr. Balamuralikrishna. One of his biggest hits as a playback singer was the song "Inji Iduppazhagi" for the film Thevar Magan.
His career as a director began with the film Chachi 420 (1997), the Hindi remake of Avvai Shanmugi. Since then he has called the shots for critically acclaimed films like "Hey Ram" and "Virumaandi".
He has never hesitated to state his opinions and encourage debate about topics that are socially relevant. He is a rationalist in thought and moderate in opinion and a humanist in philosophy. The need to be socially conscious is seen in the way his fan clubs have revamped themselves into entities that carry out charity and volunteer work.As Hanuman (cameo)