Overview
Maniesh Paul is an Indian television and film actor, host, and stage performer, widely known in the Hindi entertainment industry as one of the most prolific live event hosts. He has anchored numerous awards ceremonies, reality shows, and stage events, and has also worked as an actor in Hindi cinema. Paul also runs a popular podcast under his own name, featuring interviews with personalities from the Indian film and entertainment industry.
Key facts
| Full name | Maniesh Paul |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 August 1981, New Delhi, India |
| Education | Delhi University |
| Occupation | Actor, television host, anchor, podcaster |
| Languages of work | Hindi, English |
| Years active | Since the early 2000s |
| Notable show | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (host) |
| Notable film | Mickey Virus (2013); Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022) |
| Podcast | The Maniesh Paul Podcast |
Background
Maniesh Paul was born and brought up in Delhi. He pursued higher education at Delhi University and developed an early interest in performing arts, participating in stage and college events. He began his career as a radio jockey and television presenter before moving on to host larger televised properties.
Television career
Paul started out hosting children's programmes and music-based shows on Indian television. He gained wider recognition as a host on entertainment channels, where his improvisational style and command over Hindi and English made him a frequent choice for live events.
He has hosted multiple seasons of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Colors TV, the singing reality show Indian Idol Junior, and several seasons of Mad in India. He has also presented major film award ceremonies, including events organised by leading Indian film magazines and broadcasters, and has anchored music concerts in India and abroad.
Selected hosting credits
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa – Colors TV
- Indian Idol Junior – Sony Entertainment Television
- Mad in India – Star Plus
- Movers and Shakers related comedy and chat formats
- Live award shows including IIFA-associated stage segments
Film career
Paul made his Hindi film debut in a leading role with Mickey Virus (2013), a comedy thriller revolving around an ethical hacker. He returned to films with a supporting role in Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022), directed by Raj Mehta and produced by Dharma Productions, alongside Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Kiara Advani. The performance was widely noted within the industry and earned him recognition at film awards ceremonies.
Podcast
The Maniesh Paul Podcast is a long-form video interview series in which Paul speaks with actors, filmmakers, musicians, and other personalities from Indian entertainment. The show is distributed across digital platforms including YouTube and audio streaming services.
Live events and stage shows
Paul is regarded as one of the busiest stage hosts in the Hindi entertainment circuit, anchoring corporate events, weddings of public figures, and international concert tours featuring Hindi film artistes. His on-stage style typically combines comic timing with audience interaction in Hindi and Hindustani.
Personal life
Maniesh Paul is married to Sanyukta Paul, and the couple has two children. The family is based in Mumbai.
Significance
Paul represents a generation of Indian television personalities who transitioned from regional radio and presenting work in Delhi to mainstream Hindi television and films. His career illustrates the increasing convergence of hosting, acting, and digital content creation in the Indian entertainment industry, where established anchors have moved into film roles and self-produced podcast formats.
Related topics
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
- Indian Idol Junior
- Jugjugg Jeeyo
- Mickey Virus
- Dharma Productions
- Hindi Television
- Indian Podcasting
References
- Profiles and filmography listings on major Indian film databases.
- Coverage in Indian entertainment publications regarding his television hosting and film roles.
- Official channels of The Maniesh Paul Podcast.