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Rajpal Yadav

Rajpal Yadav 02
Rajpal Yadav 02 Image: Wikimedia Commons. Krupasindhu Muduli / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Rajpal Naurang Yadav (born 16 March 1971) is an Indian actor and producer who works primarily in Hindi cinema. He is best known for his comic performances in mainstream Bollywood films of the 2000s and 2010s, having received nominations at the Filmfare Awards and the Screen Awards. Alongside his comic roles, Yadav has also taken on negative characters and serious leading parts.

Key facts

Full name Rajpal Naurang Yadav
Born 16 March 1971
Occupation Actor, producer
Primary industry Hindi cinema
Breakthrough film Jungle (2000)
Notable directors Ram Gopal Varma, Priyadarshan

Career

Breakthrough

Yadav's breakthrough came with a negative role in Ram Gopal Varma's Jungle (2000). He subsequently became known for his slapstick comedy work in Hindi films through the 2000s.

Comic roles

Yadav featured in a series of commercially successful comedies, including Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Partner (2007), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Bhoothnath (2008), Krazzy 4 (2008), Krrish 3 (2013) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022).

He has worked extensively with director Priyadarshan, appearing in films such as Hungama (2003), Garam Masala (2005), Malamaal Weekly (2005), Chup Chup Ke (2006) and Bhagam Bhag (2006).

Leading and serious roles

In addition to comic supporting roles, Yadav has played the lead and taken on dramatic characters in films including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (2003), Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005), Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama (2008), Kushti (2010) and Ardh (2022).

Selected filmography

Year Film
2000 Jungle
2003 Ek Aur Ek Gyarah
2003 Hungama
2003 Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon
2004 Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
2005 Waqt: The Race Against Time
2005 Garam Masala
2005 Malamaal Weekly
2005 Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh
2006 Phir Hera Pheri
2006 Chup Chup Ke
2006 Bhagam Bhag
2007 Partner
2007 Bhool Bhulaiyaa
2008 Bhoothnath
2008 Krazzy 4
2008 Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama
2010 Kushti
2013 Krrish 3
2022 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
2022 Ardh

Significance

Yadav is regarded as one of the prominent comic actors of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 2000s, with his collaborations with Priyadarshan and his appearances in popular ensemble comedies contributing to his recognition. He has also demonstrated range by taking up leading and serious roles, and has received nominations at major Indian film awards including Filmfare and the Screen Awards.

References