Shaad Randhawa Bio, Family, Career, Movies, TV Shows and More

Shaad Randhawa is an Indian actor known for his steady presence in Bollywood films over nearly two decades

He first gained attention with his debut in Mohit Suri’s Woh Lamhe (2006), and over the years, he has carved a niche for himself as a reliable supporting actor, especially in romantic dramas and thrillers.

One of his most notable traits is his long-standing professional collaboration with director Mohit Suri appearing in many of Suri’s films, including Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, and the recent Saiyaara.

Beyond his filmography, Shaad’s personal story is interesting: he is the son of the wrestler-actor Randhawa and actress Malika Askari, and his family connections extend to veteran Bollywood personalities like Mumtaz and Dara Singh.

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Shaad Randhawa’s Biography

Early Life and Background

• Birth & Family: Shaad Randhawa was born on 21 November 1978 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.¹

• Parentage: His father was Sardar Singh Randhawa, known professionally as Randhawa, who was not only a wrestler but also an actor. His mother is Malika Askari, an actress and the sister of the well-known Bollywood actress Mumtaz.

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Create awareness #BeatPlasticPollution #tiktikplas #SolutionsToPlasticPollution .. pic.twitter.com/4prNlknLuk

— Shaad Randhawa (@Shaadrandhawa) June 5, 2023

• Extended Family: Through his father’s side, Shaad is related to Dara Singh, a famous wrestler and actor. On his mother’s side, his aunt is Mumtaz, and his cousins include actor Vindu Dara Singh.²

• Upbringing: While public information about his schooling or higher education is limited, Shaad grew up in a household deeply connected to wrestling and cinema, which likely influenced his career path.³

Personal Life

• Marital Status: Shaad Randhawa is married to Pooja Thakkar Randhawa.

• Children: The couple has two children: a son and a daughter. ⁴

• Marital Challenges: According to media reports, Shaad and Pooja have been living separately.

• Family Legacy: Being born into a family with strong wrestling and cinematic roots (his father was a wrestler-actor, his mother was an actress, and his aunt was a superstar) has given Shaad a strong legacy to carry forward.

Acting Career

Shaad Randhawa’s acting journey is marked by his frequent collaborations with Mohit Suri and his steady appearances in both films and television.

Film Debut and Breakthrough

• Debut: Shaad made his acting debut in Woh Lamhe (2006), directed by Mohit Suri, playing the role of Nikhil Rai.

• Early Roles: After Woh Lamhe, he appeared in Awarapan (2007), playing Kabir, who is the childhood friend of the protagonist.

Notable Film Appearances

Over the years, Shaad has been part of a variety of films across genres.

Some highlights include:

• Dhoom Dadakka (2008): A comedy-drama where he played Rahul / Kamal.

• Rokkk (2010): A horror/supernatural film.

• Aashiqui 2 (2013): A musical romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri. Shaad played the character Vivek in a supporting role.

• Ek Villain (2014): One of his more dramatic roles; he played ACP Aditya Rathore, a cop.

• Mastizaade (2016): A comedy film (note: this is listed in his filmography).

• Hate Story IV (2018): A suspense thriller film where he played Ashwin.⁵

• Saand Ki Aankh (2019): A biographical film about the world’s oldest sharpshooters; he played Rambir Tomar.

• Marjaavaan (2019): In this action-drama, he played Mazhar Khan.

• Malang (2020): A major collaboration again with Mohit Suri. Shaad appeared as a friend of the lead character.

• Mumbai Saga (2021): He played a character named Jagannath.

• Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021): He joined this socially themed action film.

• Ek Villain Returns (2022): Reprising his role as Aditya Rathore from Ek Villain.

• Saiyaara (2025): In this film, he plays Prince, an established singer.⁶

• Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (2025): Another recent film credit.

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Television Work

• Chandrakanta (2017–2018): Shaad made his TV debut in the fantasy series Chandrakanta, playing Prince Swayam.

• Kumkum Bhagya (2018–2019): He played the role of Nikhil Sood.

• Scam 2003 (2023): He appeared in this web series as Fahim Sheikh.

Signature Collaboration with Mohit Suri

One of the most notable aspects of Shaad Randhawa’s career is his long-term collaboration with director Mohit Suri.

According to interviews and reports:

• Shaad has featured in many of Suri’s films: Woh Lamhe, Awarapan, Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, Malang, Ek Villain Returns, and Saiyaara.⁷

• Mohit Suri has referred to him as his “lucky mascot” and “emotional anchor.”

• Their bond seems more than just professional: over time, they have built a trust that allows Shaad to play very different roles in Suri’s films.

Controversies

Shaad Randhawa’s public life hasn’t been completely smooth; he has faced some controversies:

• Legal Case: In January 2020, Shaad was booked for forgery and cheating. Reports said he allegedly used forged documents to procure a liquor license for his restaurant in Mumbai.

• Marital Separation: As noted earlier, media outlets reported in 2021 that Shaad and his wife Pooja Thakkar were living separately.

Acting Style and Public Image

• Supporting Actor Strength: Shaad is not typically cast as the lead hero, but he has become a reliable supporting actor, especially in emotional or morally complex roles.

• Versatility: He has played a wide range: from a troubled boyfriend (Woh Lamhe) to a police officer (Ek Villain) to a singer (Saiyaara).

• Trust Factor: His long-term collaboration with Mohit Suri suggests that filmmakers trust his ability to deliver nuanced performances.

• Media Perception: He is appreciated for his quiet professionalism; his public persona is not flashy, but consistent and sincere.

Impact and Legacy

• Legacy of Family: Shaad carries forward a legacy that combines wrestling and cinema. His father and uncle were wrestling icons, while his mother and aunt were associated with classic Bollywood. This unique inheritance gives him a place of respect in the industry.

• Bollywood Journeyman: Rather than becoming a mainstream “masala hero,” Shaad has built a sustained career on character roles and strong supporting parts. That makes him more like a character actor with longevity.

• Suri’s Confidence: By being Mohit Suri’s recurring actor, Shaad has become part of a cinematic “family,” which not only underscores his reliability but also his important role in shaping some of Suri’s memorable films.

• Inspiration: For aspiring actors, Shaad is an example that a successful career doesn’t always mean being the star – it can also mean being the consistent presence that supports and elevates stories.

Quick Facts Table

 

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FAQ’s

Q1: Who is Shaad Randhawa?

A1: Shaad Randhawa is a Bollywood actor. He has appeared in a number of Hindi films since his debut in 2006 and has acted in both movies and television.

Q2: When was Shaad Randhawa born?

A2: He was born on 21 November 1978.

Q3: Who are Shaad Randhawa’s parents?

A3: His father was wrestler-actor Randhawa (Sardar Singh Randhawa), and his mother is actress Malika Askari, who is the sister of veteran actress Mumtaz.

Q4: What is his relationship with director Mohit Suri?

A4: Shaad has frequently worked with Mohit Suri. Their collaboration spans many films over the years, and Suri has described Shaad as his “lucky mascot” and an emotional support.

Q5: Is Shaad Randhawa married?

A5: Yes, he is married to Pooja Thakkar Randhawa.

Q6: Does he have children?

A6: Yes, the couple has two children, a son and a daughter.

Q7: Has Shaad Randhawa faced any controversies?

A7: Yes, in 2020, he was booked for forgery and cheating related to obtaining a liquor license for his restaurant.  Also, reports in 2021 suggested he and his wife were living separately.

Q8: What are some of his most famous films?

A8: Some well-known films include Woh Lamhe (2006), Aashiqui 2 (2013), Ek Villain (2014), Malang (2020), Marjaavaan (2019), and more recently Saiyaara (2025).

Q9: Is he active on television too?

A9: Yes, he has acted on TV. Notably, he played Prince Swayam in Chandrakanta, Nikhil Sood in Kumkum Bhagya, and appeared in the web series Scam 2003.

Q10: What is Shaad Randhawa’s legacy in Bollywood?

A10: Shaad is often seen as a dependable supporting actor. He represents a blend of legacy (through his family) and craft (through his long-term collaborations and diverse roles). He may not always play the lead, but his presence adds depth and consistency to many projects.

Conclusion

Shaad Randhawa might not be the most glamorous or headline-grabbing star of Bollywood, but his career speaks volumes about consistency, trust, and legacy.

Born into a family of wrestlers and actors, he leveraged his heritage but more importantly, he made a name for himself through commitment and versatility.

His association with Mohit Suri is perhaps the most defining aspect of his career. Over the years, Suri has entrusted him with varied roles, and Shaad has responded by delivering grounded and honest performances.

Whether it’s love, crime, or action, he moves comfortably across genres.

On the personal front, Shaad has faced challenges too, from reported marital separation to legal troubles. Yet, he continues to work and remain relevant a testament to his resilience. His journey shows that in Bollywood, success doesn’t always mean being the lead; sometimes, it’s about being the actor who elevates the story, not just the star.

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1. en.wikipedia.org
2. imdb
3. thecityceleb
4. timesofindia.indiatimes
5. republicworld
6. newssamachar
7. indiatoday.in