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Aftab Shivdasani

Aftab Shivdasani is an Indian actor known primarily for his work in Hindi cinema. He began his on-screen career as a child artist in the late 1980s before transitioning to leading roles in Bollywood from the late 1990s onward, working across romantic dramas, thrillers and comedies.

Key facts

Full name Aftab Shivdasani
Born 25 June 1978, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation Actor, producer
Primary industry Hindi cinema (Bollywood)
Active since 1980s (as child artist); 1999 onward (as lead actor)
Spouse Nin Dusanj

Early life and background

Aftab Shivdasani was born and raised in Mumbai. He entered the film industry at a young age, appearing in advertisements and as a child performer in Hindi films during the late 1980s. Among his early appearances was a role as the young protagonist in Mr. India (1987), directed by Shekhar Kapoor.

Career

Debut as a lead actor

Shivdasani made his debut as a lead actor in the romantic film Mast (1999), directed by Ram Gopal Varma and produced under the Varma Corporation banner. The performance brought him early recognition and the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.

Filmography highlights

  • Mr. India (1987) – child artist
  • Mast (1999) – lead debut
  • Kasoor (2001)
  • Awara Paagal Deewana (2002)
  • Hungama (2003), directed by Priyadarshan
  • Masti (2004), directed by Indra Kumar
  • Kya Kool Hain Hum (2005)
  • 1920 (2008), directed by Vikram Bhatt
  • Grand Masti (2013) and Great Grand Masti (2016) – sequels in the Masti comedy franchise
  • Welcome Back (2015)

Personal life

Shivdasani married Nin Dusanj in 2014. The couple has a daughter.

Significance

Shivdasani is associated with a generation of Hindi-film leading men who emerged at the turn of the 2000s. He has been particularly identified with the adult-comedy genre through the Masti series, while also taking on horror and thriller roles such as 1920, which became a notable entry in Bollywood horror.

References