Paresh Rawal: Celebrating 70 Years of Exceptional Performances

As Paresh Rawal celebrates his 70th birthday, we reflect on his illustrious career and the memorable performances that have defined him as one of India's finest actors. Known for his ability to bring depth to every role, Rawal shares his thoughts on the challenges of comedy and his desire for more serious roles. From his breakthrough in 'Dacait' to his iconic portrayal in 'Oh My God', discover the highlights of his journey and the impact he has made in the film industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2025, 19:55 IST

Paresh Rawal: A Remarkable Actor

Recently, Paresh Rawal has been less visible in the film industry, which is unfortunate given his immense talent. He is an actor who embodies middle-class values and brings life to every character, even in the most trivial films.

In the spotlight for his decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3, Rawal shared in a 2007 interview, "I’m not worried about financial security, but I do feel insecure when I see great performances by actors like Naseer or Om. I often find myself awake at night after watching them. My aspirations are not about wealth but about achieving success. I’ve worked diligently to reach a point in my career where I can lead films, but I seek meaningful challenges. The comedic roles I’ve taken on have stifled my growth as an actor. I crave substantial scenes that allow me to showcase my skills. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that not every film resonates, even if I believe in the story. Sometimes, I choose projects based on the production or to be part of something significant. However, I am quite fatigued with comedy and wish to explore serious roles. My doors are open for such opportunities."

Top 5 Performances of Paresh Rawal

1. Dacait (1987): In this film, Rawal portrayed Vindhu Pandey, a corrupt police officer, marking his first significant recognition. He infused the character with a unique malevolence rarely seen in villainous roles. Director Rahul Rawail was instrumental in giving him this opportunity. Reflecting on his early career, Rawal mentioned, "Initially, I struggled to land roles in art films and found success in commercial cinema after being recommended to Rawail by Karim Morani."

2. Sardar (1993): Ketan Mehta’s biopic on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel showcased Rawal’s authentic portrayal of the politician, which he takes great pride in. He recalled, "When I was primarily cast as a villain, Ketan offered me the role of Patel, which many doubted. But he believed in me, and later Mahesh Bhatt provided me with significant roles in films like Sir and Tamanna."

3. Oh My God (2013): Rawal’s role as Kanji Lalji Mehta, an atheist challenging religious norms, was filled with sharp humor. He defended the film against accusations of being anti-Hindu, stating, "If it were truly offensive, it wouldn’t have been embraced by so many. I’ve performed the stage version globally without issue, and I believe only those guilty should feel anxious about it."

4. Sir (1993): This film, while not as renowned as Bhatt’s earlier works, featured Rawal as Velji, a gangster whose daughter receives help from her teacher. Their dynamic was a highlight, and Rawal expressed his desire to work with directors who have strong convictions, lamenting the lack of serious roles offered to him.

5. Tamanna (1997): In a groundbreaking role, Rawal played a transgender character, showcasing his versatility. He expressed gratitude for being entrusted with significant roles, stating, "I’ve worked hard to reach this point in my career, but I need meaningful projects. I’m open to serious roles and wish filmmakers would recognize that."