Paresh Rawal is an Indian film actor, thespian and politician known for his works notably in Bollywood. He is currently a member of the Lok Sabha of the Indian Parliament belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rawal speaks Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu languages fluently. In 1994, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in the films Woh Chokri and Sir. For the latter, he received his first Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. This was followed by Ketan Mehta's Sardar, which saw him playing the lead role of freedom fighter Vallabhbhai Patel, a role that got him national and international acclaim.
He has received wide recognition for his villainous roles in Telugu box office hits such as Kshana Kshanam (1991), Money (1993), Money Money (1995), Govinda Govinda (1994), Rikshavodu (1995), Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998), Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004), and Teen Maar (2011). His other notable works in Hindi cinema are Naam (1986), Shiva (1990), Mohra (1994), Tamanna (1996), in which he played the role of a hijra, Aitraaz (2004), Table No. 21 (2013), Zilla Ghaziabad (2013).
He then ventured into comedy, with hits such as Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Nayak (2001), Aankhen (2002), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), Deewane Huye Paagal (2005), Garam Masala (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010), OMG - Oh My God! (2012) Welcome Back (2015) and Hera Pheri 3 (2016).
Born on: 30 May, 1950
Born in: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India