The world of cinema cherishes versatility and abhors typecasting, and Paresh Rawal stands as a testament to that credo. With a filmography boasting over 240 titles and a trophy case housing a National Award and the prestigious Padma Shri, awarded to him by the Government of India in 2014, Rawal has shaped an enviable narrative of success in the Indian film industry. Known for his wide-ranging portrayals, Paresh Rawal’s path to cinematic glory was anything but straightforward.
Born into a Gujarati middle-class family on May 30, 1955, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Rawal’s passion for the arts led him to the gates of Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics in Vile Parle, Mumbai, from where he graduated. Yearning to be financially self-reliant, Rawal soon found himself at a crossroads that led him away from the conventional and toward the silver screen.
It was on The Anupam Kher Show that Paresh candidly shared an anecdote about his brush with the banking sector. The Rawals weren’t accustomed to the concept of pocket money, which compelled a young Paresh to embark on a brief stint at the Bank Of Baroda. Lasting a mere three days, Rawal realized that the bank job was not his cup of tea. To make ends meet during this transition, he leaned on his then-girlfriend, Swaroop Sampat—actress and Miss India 1979—for financial support. The couple’s bond withstood the test of time, culminating in marriage in 1987 and the birth of two sons, Aditya and Anirudh.
Rawal’s foray into the acting world began with the Gujarati film ‘Naseeb Ni Balihari’ in 1982, followed by the Hindi debut ‘Holi’ alongside Aamir Khan in 1984. However, it wasn’t until the 1985 movie ‘Arjun’ and the subsequent ‘Naam’ in 1986, with Sanjay Dutt, that Rawal tasted the sweetness of success and cemented his place in the industry. Initially, his roles largely revolved around portraying villains or ambiguous characters in films like ‘Dacait,’ ‘Kabzaa,’ and ‘Ram Lakhan,’ among others.
The year 1994 earmarked Rawal’s pivot to humor with the cult classic ‘Andaz Apna Apna,’ delighting audiences with his double role—one being the memorable Teja. Despite the film’s lackluster box office performance, Paresh’s comedic talent shone through, opening new avenues in the comedy genre, including roles in ‘Mohra’ and ‘Hero No. 1.’ Amid this period of laughter, he dared to portray an eunuch in ‘Tamanna’ and a menacing presence in the thriller ‘Gupt: The Hidden Truth.’
Undoubtedly, Rawal’s most iconic character emerged in the year 2000. His portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Priyadarshan’s ‘Hera Pheri’ became a cultural phenomenon, etching Rawal’s name in the annals of cinematic history. Awards poured in, and the character became so beloved that it was reprised in ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ and will make a comeback in the much-anticipated ‘Hera Pheri 3.’ The chemistry between director Priyadarshan and Rawal yielded numerous hits, and the actor continued to explore his range with films like ‘OMG: Oh My God’ and ‘Table No 21.’
Looking ahead, Paresh Rawal’s zeal for compelling narratives shows no signs of waning as he gears up for projects like the Hindi remake of ‘Soorarai Pottru’—titled ‘Sarfira’—and the upcoming ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ (also known as ‘Welcome 3’).
In an industry where actors often fall prey to repetitive roles, Paresh Rawal’s relentless pursuit of diverse characters demonstrates a legacy built not only on talent but also on unwavering courage to defy stereotypes. From banking to Bollywood blockbuster, Rawal’s journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit and boundless artistic expression.
