Paresh Rawal’s Bio, Career, Movies, Family, Awards & Net Worth

Paresh Rawal is one of the most recognisable faces in Indian cinema. He has moved effortlessly between intense character roles and broad comedy

Over four decades he has acted in stage plays, television shows and more than two hundred films.

He has won major national awards, received the Padma Shri, served as a Member of Parliament and led the National School of Drama as its chairperson.

This article traces his life from a theatre-obsessed student to a national award winner and cultural figure.

It also includes a quick stats table, a useful filmography snapshot, frequently asked questions and sources for further reading.

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Paresh Rawal’s Biography

Early Life and Education

Paresh Rawal was born in Bombay on 30 May 1955. He grew up in a Gujarati family and developed an early interest in acting and theatre.

He studied commerce at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. While a college student he began taking part in stage plays.

Theatre remained central to his training and craft in the early years. These stage experiences laid the foundation for his later work in films and television.¹

NO . https://t.co/WmXBRG8e8A

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) September 13, 2025

Stats Table

Theatre Beginnings

Rawal’s roots are in the theatre. He performed in numerous Hindi and Gujarati plays. His stage background helped him build strong acting instincts.

On stage he explored a range of characters and styles. That theatre discipline made transitions to complex film roles possible.

In interviews and profiles he has credited theatre for teaching timing, voice control and the discipline of live performance.

Paresh Rawal’s Entry into Films

Early Career

Paresh Rawal’s film career began in the early 1980s. He initially appeared in supporting parts while continuing to act on stage.

Over time his natural presence on screen and range as a character actor got noticed by directors. He worked across genres.

Early films included serious dramas and action films that offered him character roles. As his film body of work grew, critics and audiences began to recognise his versatility.

Breakthroughs and Defining Roles

Two kinds of performances defined Paresh Rawal’s public image. One was serious, often negative or intense characters that won critical praise. The other was comic genius, roles that became part of popular culture.

Dramatic acclaim

Rawal earned major critical recognition in the 1990s. For his roles in the films Sir and Woh Chokri he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1994.

The film Sir also brought him a Filmfare award for a negative role. These performances established him as an actor who could anchor serious cinema with authority and depth.

Comic legend: Baburao from Hera Pheri

On the lighter side, Rawal created one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved comic characters: Baburao Ganpatrao Apte from Hera Pheri (1999).

The role remains a cultural touchstone for witty one-liners, perfect comic timing and a unique screen persona. The film and Rawal’s portrayal spawned a fan culture that still celebrates Baburao through memes, references and repeated TV airings.

Hera Pheri cemented Rawal’s reputation as a top comic actor and won him a Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role.

Other notable films

Across his long career, Paresh Rawal delivered notable performances in movies such as Arjun (1985), Naam (1986), Mohra (1994), Tamanna (1996), China Gate (1998), Chachi 420 (1997), Aitraaz (2004), Table No. 21 (2013), OMG – Oh My God! (2012) and Welcome (2007).

In OMG – Oh My God! he played a central role in a satirical drama that addressed faith and organised religion. The film was a commercial success and praised for its bold theme.

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Awards and Honours

Paresh Rawal’s work has been repeatedly recognised.

• National Film Award (1994): Best Supporting Actor for Woh Chokri and Sir.

• Filmfare Awards: Multiple nominations and wins, including Best Comic Performance for Hera Pheri.

• Padma Shri (2014): India’s fourth highest civilian honour, awarded for contributions to the arts.

These honours reflect both critical acclaim and popularity with mass audiences. They also highlight his contributions to mainstream Hindi cinema as well as to theatre.

Political Career

In 2014 Paresh Rawal entered politics. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Ahmedabad East in Gujarat as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He served a five-year term from May 2014 to May 2019. His stint as MP added another dimension to his public profile. After his parliamentary term he returned to his work in films and theatre and took on cultural leadership roles.

Cultural Leadership: National School of Drama

In 2020 Paresh Rawal was appointed chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD).

The role of NSD chairperson is significant because NSD trains many of India’s next generation of actors and theatre practitioners.

Rawal’s appointment was welcomed by some as an opportunity to bring industry insight and a focus on contemporary storytelling to the institute. It also tied back to his deep theatre roots and decades of experience as a performer.

Personal Life

Paresh Rawal married Swaroop Sampat. Swaroop is an actress and former Miss India. The couple married after a long courtship and kept their personal life relatively private.

They have two sons, one of whom, Aditya Rawal, has worked in the film industry. Rawal’s family life is often described in profiles as supportive and rooted in the performing arts. ²

Controversies and Recent Developments

Like many public figures, Rawal has been part of controversies. In 2024–2025 there were widely reported developments about his association with film sequels and remakes.

He confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3, a decision that surprised many fans given his central role in the franchise. Reports also mentioned that a production house filed a lawsuit related to the withdrawal, reflecting tensions behind the scenes. These developments became part of the public conversation about film commitments and the handling of popular franchises.

Another controversy in the public domain concerns the replacement of Rawal by other actors in projects he was initially linked to. These stories underline the pressures stars face when they juggle multiple roles and obligations in film, theatre and public life.

Where possible facts were reported by established media outlets. Readers should consult primary reporting for the latest status of any legal or contractual matters.

Notable Films and Roles

Below is a short list of films that showcase Rawal’s range.

• Arjun (1985) — early supporting role.

• Naam (1986) — a gritty drama.

• Sir (1993) — acclaimed supporting role, National Award.

• Woh Chokri (1993) — National Award winning performance.

• Mohra (1994) — memorable negative role.

• Hera Pheri (1999) — Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, a comic icon.

• Chachi 420 (1997) — critical and comic appreciation.

• Welcome (2007) — comic entertainer.

• OMG – Oh My God! (2012) — satirical drama with social commentary.

• Table No.21 (2013) — dark thriller.

For a full and updated filmography consult dedicated film databases and the actor’s official profiles.

Legacy of Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal’s legacy is twofold. He is a critically respected character actor and a public figure who bridged stage and screen. His comic performances made him a household name. His serious roles won him national honours.

Beyond acting he took responsibility in public life. For many viewers, he represents a model of longevity built on craft, continual reinvention and the ability to connect with audiences across generations.

 

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FAQ’s

Q: When was Paresh Rawal born?

A: Paresh Rawal was born on 30 May 1955 in Bombay, now Mumbai.

Q: How many films has Paresh Rawal acted in?

A: He has acted in more than 240 films across Hindi and some regional languages. For an exact count check updated filmography pages.

Q: Which major awards has he won?

A: He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1994 for Sir and Woh Chokri. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014. He has also won and been nominated for several Filmfare Awards.

Q: Did Paresh Rawal enter politics?

A: Yes. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad East in 2014 and served until 2019.

Q: Is Paresh Rawal involved in theatre?

A: Yes. He began in theatre and remains involved. He was appointed chairperson of the National School of Drama in 2020.

Q: What is Paresh Rawal’s most famous comic role?

A: His portrayal of Baburao in Hera Pheri is arguably his most famous comic role and remains iconic.

Q: Are there recent controversies about him?

A: Recent news reports from 2024–2025 covered his exit from Hera Pheri 3 and related legal developments. For the most current details, check trusted news sources.

Conclusion

Paresh Rawal’s career shows how a strong theatre foundation can support a long and varied life in film.

He has won both popular and critical acclaim. From serious award-winning roles to comic turns that are part of everyday popular culture, he has shaped the acting landscape in India.

Whether you are researching his awards, filmography or political life this profile offers a clear and up-to-date starting point. For real-time updates about his projects or any ongoing legal matters, check the news links cited above.

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1. en.wikipedia.org
2. bollywoodshaadis