Paresh Rawal is an Indian actor, film producer, comedian, and former politician. He was born on May 30, 1955 (71 years old) in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India.

He is the kind of actor who can change the mood of a scene with just one look. In one film, he can be a strict villain.

In another, he can make the audience laugh without trying too hard. This rare balance has made him one of the most respected names in Indian cinema.

Rawal is best known for his work in Hindi films, but his strong base in Gujarati theatre also shaped his acting. His role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri became a landmark in Bollywood comedy.

Over the years, Paresh Rawal has acted in more than 240 films. He has won a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards for his work.

Quick Facts of Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal
Full NameParesh Rawal
ProfessionActor, film producer, comedian, former politician
Age71 years old
Date of BirthMay 30, 1955
NationalityIndian
Zodiac/Sun SignGemini
BirthplaceBombay, Bombay State, India, now Mumbai, Maharashtra
Current AddressMumbai, Maharashtra, India
GenderMale

Paresh Rawal Early Life and Education

Paresh Rawal was born and raised in Bombay, now known as Mumbai. He belongs to a Gujarati family. Some public sources also mention that he was born into a Nagar Brahmin family in Mumbai.

There is limited verified public information about his childhood in detail. So, details about his early school years and childhood activities are yet to be updated.

Education

Paresh Rawal studied at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Public sources also state that he graduated in Commerce from Bombay University in March 1974 and later started doing Gujarati theatre.

SchoolYet to be updated
Alma MaterNarsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics
Highest QualificationCommerce graduate

Paresh Rawal Personal Life

Paresh Rawal Family

Paresh Rawal is married to Swaroop Sampat. She is an actress and was the winner of the Miss India contest in 1979. The couple married in 1987. They have two sons named Aditya Rawal and Anirudh Rawal.

Wife

Swaroop is an Indian actress, model, producer, educator, and former beauty pageant winner. She won the Femina Miss India Universe title in 1979 and represented India at Miss Universe 1979. She later became known for her acting work in Hindi films and television. Her popular work includes the TV comedy show Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and films such as Naram Garam, Nakhuda, Saathiya, Ki & Ka, and Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Sampat also built a strong career in education. She completed a PhD in Education from the University of Worcester in 2006. Her research focused on using drama to teach life skills to children with learning disabilities.

In 2026, the University of Worcester honoured her with a Fellowship for her work in creative education and inclusive learning.

Children

Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat have two sons named Aditya Rawal and Anirudh Rawal.

  • Aditya Rawal was born on 28 September 1993 in Mumbai. He is an actor and writer who works in Hindi films. He studied at the University of Mumbai and also trained in dramatic writing at Tisch School of the Arts, New York. He made his lead film debut with Bamfaad in 2020. He later acted in Faraaz, which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut in 2024.
  • Anirudh Rawal keeps a lower public profile than his brother. Public sources state that he has worked behind the camera. He has been linked with assistant direction work, including work on the film Sultan. He has also worked in theatre with Naseeruddin Shah. Verified public details about his age, education, and personal life are limited, so those details are yet to be updated.

Family

Paresh Rawal keeps many details about his family private. Verified public details about his parents and siblings are limited.

Relationship StatusMarried
WifeSwaroop Sampat
ChildrenAditya Rawal and Anirudh Rawal
ParentsYet to be updated
SiblingsYet to be updated

Paresh Rawal Career

Paresh Rawal Career

Paresh Rawal started acting on stage before he became a well-known film actor. After completing his studies at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai, he began performing in Gujarati and Hindi theatre in 1972.

This stage background helped him build strong dialogue delivery, timing, and character work.

He continued to stay connected with the theatre even after becoming a film actor. His work in plays, mainly Gujarati theatre, remained an important part of his career.

Entry into Films

Paresh Rawal entered films in the 1980s. His early screen work included films such as Holi and Arjun.

One of his major early roles came in Naam in 1986. The film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and starred Nutan, Kumar Gaurav, Sanjay Dutt, Poonam Dhillon, and Amrita Singh.

He played Rana, a negative character. The film became a major commercial success and helped Paresh Rawal gain wider attention in Hindi cinema.

During this phase, he was often cast in serious, negative, or supporting roles. His strong screen impact made him a common choice for villain roles in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Rise as a Villain and Character Actor

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Paresh worked in many Hindi films as a villain and character actor. He became known for playing sharp, intense, and sometimes corrupt characters. His early image was very different from the comic image that later made him popular with family audiences.

He appeared in films such as Ram Lakhan, King Uncle, Baazi, Daud, and many other films. He also worked with many leading actors of the time, including Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Kumar.

Comedy Breakthrough with Andaz Apna Apna

In 1994, Paresh Rawal acted in Andaz Apna Apna, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film starred Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, and Shakti Kapoor.

Paresh played a double role as Ram Gopal Bajaj and Shyam Gopal Bajaj, also known as Teja.

The film did not become a major box-office hit at the time of release, but it later became a cult comedy.

Rawal’s double role became one of the most remembered parts of the film. His comic timing with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shakti Kapoor showed that he could handle comedy as strongly as serious roles.

Turning Point with Hera Pheri

The biggest turning point in Rawal’s comedy career came with Hera Pheri in 2000. The film was directed by Priyadarshan and starred Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Tabu, Om Puri, and Gulshan Grover.

He played Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, also known as Babu Bhaiya. His role as Baburao became one of the most popular comedy characters in Hindi cinema.

After Hera Pheri, Paresh became one of the busiest comedy actors in Bollywood. He continued to work with Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar in several films.

Success in Comedy Films

After Hera Pheri, Paresh acted in many comedy films. He became known for his fast dialogue delivery, natural expressions, and ability to make serious lines funny.

He worked in films such as Awara Paagal Deewana, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Dhol, De Dana Dan, and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

Many of these films had large casts. He worked with actors such as Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, Arshad Warsi, John Abraham, and Nana Patekar.

His comic roles helped him reach a wider audience. He also returned as Baburao in Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. The role again became very popular with viewers.

Serious and Social Films

Paresh Rawal did not work only in comedy. He also acted in serious and social films. One of his important roles was in Sardar, where he played Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The role is counted among his strong dramatic performances.

In 2012, he acted in OMG: Oh My God!, where he played Kanji Lalji Mehta. The film also starred Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, Om Puri, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Govind Namdev.

Paresh Rawal’s role was central to the story, as he played a shopkeeper who takes legal action after his shop is destroyed in an earthquake.

The film was based on religion, belief, and social questions. His performance was praised by many viewers because he carried much of the story on his own.

Later Film Career

In the 2010s and 2020s, Paresh Rawal continued to act in different types of films. He appeared in Welcome, Ready, Table No. 21, Raja Natwarlal, Welcome Back, Sanju, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Coolie No. 1, and Toofaan.

In Sanju, he worked with Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Dia Mirza, Manisha Koirala, and Anushka Sharma.

In Uri: The Surgical Strike, he worked with Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Mohit Raina, and Kirti Kulhari.

In Toofaan, he appeared with Farhan Akhtar and Mrunal Thakur.

In 2024, he appeared in Sarfira, directed by Sudha Kongara. The film starred Akshay Kumar and Radhika Madan. It was the Hindi remake of the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru.

In 2025, he acted in The Taj Story, a Hindi courtroom drama directed by Tushar Amrish Goel. The film starred Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Namit Das, and Sneha Wagh. It was released in theatres on 31 October 2025.

Television, Production, and Theatre

He has also worked outside of films. He has produced television shows, including Teen Bahuraaniyaan, Main Aisi Kyunn Hoon, and Laagi Tujhse Lagan.

He has also continued theatre work. His stage work is an important part of his acting life. His long experience in Gujarati and Hindi theatre helped shape his film acting style.

Political Career and Public Role

Rawal also entered politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Ahmedabad East in Gujarat. He served as a Member of Parliament from 26 May 2014 to 23 May 2019.

In September 2020, he was appointed Chairperson of the National School of Drama. This role connected him with one of India’s main theatre and acting institutions.

Upcoming Projects

Below are the upcoming projects and films of Paresh Rawal:

Welcome to the Jungle

Paresh Rawal is part of Welcome to the Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan.

The film stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff, Farida Jalal, Rajpal Yadav, Kiku Sharda, and other actors.

The film is part of the Welcome comedy franchise, releasing on June 26, 2026.

Hera Pheri 3

Paresh Rawal is linked with Hera Pheri 3, along with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. The film is expected to bring back the original trio of Baburao, Raju, and Shyam.

Reports about the film have changed many times. Some reports said the film was moving ahead, while other reports mentioned delays and legal issues. Because of these updates, the final release date is yet to be officially confirmed. 

Paresh Rawal Awards and Achievements

Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal has received major awards for his acting in Hindi cinema. He has won the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, IIFA Award, Zee Cine Awards, Screen Awards, and the Padma Shri. He has also received several nominations for supporting, negative, and comedy roles.

Key Wins

  • 1994 – Paresh Rawal won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
  • He received this award for his performances in Woh Chokri and Sir.
  • 1994 – He won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Sir.
  • 2001 – He won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hera Pheri.
  • 2003 – He won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Awara Paagal Deewana.
  • 2001 – He won the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hera Pheri.
  • 1996 – He won the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for Raja.
  • 2001 – He won the Screen Award for Best Comedian for Hera Pheri.
  • 2003 – He won the Screen Award for Best Comedian for Awara Paagal Deewana.
  • 2001 – He won the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Hera Pheri.
  • 2003 – He won the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Awara Paagal Deewana.
  • 2001 – He won the Bollywood Movie Award for Best Comedian for Hera Pheri.
  • 2004 – He won the Bollywood Movie Award for Best Comedian for Hungama.
  • 2014 – The Government of India honoured Paresh Rawal with the Padma Shri.
  • He received this honour for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
  • 2018 – He received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award from the Government of Maharashtra.

Key Nominations

  • 1994 – For Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Raja.
  • 1995 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Mohra.
  • 1998 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Chachi 420.
  • 2002 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar.
  • 2003 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Aankhen.
  • 2004 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Fun2shh: Dudes in the 10th Century.
  • 2004 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hungama.
  • 2005 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hulchul.
  • 2007 – For Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Phir Hera Pheri.
  • 2025 – For Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Sarfira
  • 2001 – For the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega.
  • 2004 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hungama and Baghban.
  • 2005 – For the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Aitraaz.
  • 2005 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Hulchul.
  • 2007 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Phir Hera Pheri.
  • 2008 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
  • 2009 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
  • 2011 – For the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor for Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?
  • 2012 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Ready.
  • 2013 – For the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for OMG: Oh My God

Other Recent Nominations

  • 2022 – Nominated at the Hitlist OTT Awards for Best Supporting Actor – Male for Toofaan.
  • 2023 – Nominated at the Hitlist OTT Awards for Best Actor – Male for Sharmaji Namkeen.
  • 2023 – Nominated at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for Best Actor for The Storyteller.
  • 2025 – Nominated at the Times of India Film Awards OTT Edition for Acting Excellence – Male in Web Films for Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai.
  • 2025 – Nominated at the Times of India Film Awards OTT Edition for Best Actor in a Web Film for Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai.

Paresh Rawal Controversies

Paresh Rawal has been involved in public controversies mostly because of his political views, social media posts, and comments on public issues. One source notes that some of his statements related to social and political issues have created controversy.

In 2025, there was also public discussion around his reported exit from Hera Pheri 3 and later return to the film. Reports said the matter led to legal and payment-related issues before being settled.

His film The Taj Story also created debate due to its subject. Media reports said the film received mixed reactions, with praise for Paresh Rawal’s acting but criticism over the film’s execution and subject matter.

Paresh Rawal Net Worth

The estimated net worth of Paresh Rawal is around ₹180 crores ($19.01 million), and his annual salary ranges between ₹6-12 crores ($634,000 to $1.27 million).

Net Worth (Approx.)₹180 crores ($19.01 million)
Salary (Approx.)₹6-12 crores ($634,000 to $1.27 million)

Paresh Rawal Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

Paresh Rawal Height

Below are the physical stats of Paresh Rawal:

Height In centimetres: 173 cm
In meters: 1.73 m
In feet & inches: 5 feet 8 inches
WeightIn kg: 72 kg
In lbs: 159 lbs
Body Measurements40-32-14 inches
Hair ColorSalt and pepper
Eye ColorDark brown

Paresh Rawal Instagram, X, Facebook

InstagramInstagram Profile@pareshrawalofficial
XX (Twitter) Icon@SirPareshRawal
FacebookFacebook Profile@PareshRawalOfficial

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