Adil Hussain is an Indian actor known for his work across Hindi, Assamese, English, Tamil, Malayalam and international cinema. Trained in theatre, he has built a reputation as a versatile character actor in films that include Life of Pi (2012), English Vinglish (2012), Mukti Bhawan (2016) and Hotel Salvation, alongside extensive work on stage and in independent regional cinema.
| Name | Adil Hussain |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Origin | Assam, India (family heritage traced to Iraq) |
| Occupation | Actor (film, television, theatre) |
| Languages of work | Hindi, Assamese, English, Tamil, Malayalam, Norwegian, among others |
| Training | National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi; further training in physical theatre |
Adil Hussain hails from Assam in north-eastern India. He began performing in his youth through stand-up comedy and stage productions in the region before moving to formal theatre training. He studied at the National School of Drama in New Delhi, and later trained in international physical-theatre traditions, which shaped his approach to acting.
Hussain worked extensively in theatre before establishing himself in cinema. He has performed in productions in India and abroad, collaborating with directors and theatre groups across multiple languages and traditions.
His mainstream visibility grew with supporting roles in Hindi films such as Ishqiya (2010), English Vinglish (2012), where he played the husband of the lead character, and Agent Vinod (2012). He played the adult Pi's father, Santosh Patel, in Ang Lee's Life of Pi (2012). He has also acted in Assamese-language films, contributing to regional cinema from the north-east.
Hussain has appeared in a number of festival-circuit and independent films, including Mukti Bhawan / Hotel Salvation (directed by Shubhashish Bhutiani), which received recognition at international film festivals. He has worked in Norwegian, British and other international productions, becoming one of the few Indian actors with a sustained presence in cross-border art-house cinema.
He has featured in Indian web series and streaming productions, taking on roles in political and social dramas, which extended his work to long-form digital storytelling.
Adil Hussain has received the National Film Award for Best Actor (shared) for his performance in Mukti Bhawan and Maj Rati Keteki, recognising his work in both Hindi and Assamese cinema. His performances have been noted at Indian and international film festivals, and he is regarded as a significant figure in contemporary Indian acting for bridging mainstream, independent and regional cinema.
Hussain's career illustrates the growing space for trained character actors in Indian cinema beyond the star system. His movement between Bollywood productions, regional Assamese films, international art cinema and theatre has made him a reference point for actors seeking work across linguistic and national boundaries.