Gajendra Chauhan
| Gajendra Chauhan | |
|---|---|
 Gajendra Chauhan in 2010 | |
| Born |
10 October 1956 Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Gajendra Singh Chauhan |
| Occupation | |
| Years active | 1984-present |
Gajendra Singh Chauhan (born 10 October 1956), known professionally as Gajendra Chauhan, is an Indian television and film actor, best known for his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the historical television series, Mahabharat (1988–90). In 2015, he was appointed as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Early life
Chauhan was born in Delhi, on 14 October 1956.[1] He did a diploma in radiography from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) before he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting.[2] There he studied acting in the school run by Roshan Taneja, who had previously taught at FTII.[3]
Acting career
Chauhan's acting career spans 34 years, and by his own count, he has worked in 600 television series and almost 150 movies during that period.[4][5] His first break as an actor was in television series Paying Guest in 1983, and he went on to act in shows such as Rajni, Air Hostess and Adalat.[6] The first acting part in a film that he did was in Main Chup Nahi Rahoongi in 1986.[3] In reviews of his film career, Times of India and Firstpost wrote that he had played significant roles only in a few "C-grade" movies, with most of his other roles being cameo appearances, a few of which were in mainstream movie.[7][8]
Mahabharat
Chauhan was initially offered to play the role of Lord Krishna in the television series, and shot for two episodes of the series in this role.[9] However filming for the first series was delayed, and Chauhan moved south to take on new work.[9] Upon his return, Chauhan had put on weight and was considered unsuitable for the role of Krishna. He was later offered the role of Yudhishthira, which went on to being the role he has become better known by.[9]
Administration and politics
Chauhan has also been involved in the administration of Cinema and Television Artists Association for 20 years, and served as its president for a year.[4][10] In 2004 Chauhan entered politics,[5] and became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for which he has worked as the national convener for culture.[4][11]
Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India
On 9 June 2015, Chauhan was appointed as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).[12] His appointment proved to be controversial amid allegations by students that it was a blatant attempt to "saffronize the institute".[12] A section of left-wing students association, including All India Students Association (AISA) (the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation) continue to agitate.[13] Chauhan requested the students to give him a year to prove himself, and insisted that he would be better than the previous chairpersons.[14]
Among those who have supported Chauhan's appointment as FTII chairman are BJP supporters and politicians including Mukesh Khanna,[15]Shatrughan Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Hema Malini, Raza Murad, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Paintal.[10][16][17] Many more including FTII alumni and former teachers, actors, film technicians, filmmakers and political leaders have opposed his appointment, prominent among whom include Ranbir Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anupam Kher, Piyush Mishra, Anand Patwardhan, Kiran Rao, Jahnu Barua, Salman Khan, Rishi Kapoor,[18][19][20] Resul Pookutty,[21] Rajkummar Rao, Amol Palekar,[22] Soumitra Chatterjee,[23] Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal.[24]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Main Chup Nahi Rahungi | |
| Lallu Ram | Sub Inspector | |
| 1986 | Jungle Love | |
| 1989 | Khuli Khidki | Avinash |
| Awara Zindagi | ||
| 1991 | Vasna | |
| Dancer | Joshi | |
| Jungle Ki Rani | ||
| Naagmani | ||
| 1992 | Jungle Ka Beta | |
| Jawani Janeman | ||
| Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare | Shibu | |
| 1993 | Mulaquat | Balraj |
| 1994 | Watan | |
| Jai Maa Vaishno Devi | ||
| Pathreela Raasta | ||
| Janam Se Pehle | ||
| Vaade Iraade | ||
| Mohini | Gandharv | |
| Sone Ki Sita | ||
| Aao Pyaar Karen | Suraj | |
| 1995 | Hum Sab Chor Hain | Police Commissioner |
| Kaala Sach | ||
| Reshma | ||
| 1996 | Himmatvar | Inspector Patil |
| 1997 | Uff! Yeh Mohabbat | Umang Usgaonkar |
| Vishwavidhaata | Mukesh Mathur | |
| Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat | Pratap - Prosecutting attorney | |
| Dharma Karma | Police Inspector | |
| Police Station | ||
| 1999 | International Khiladi | Rahul's Father |
| Inteqam Aurat Ka | ||
| Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet | Arjun Singh | |
| Dil Ka Sauda | ||
| 2000 | Billa No. 786 | Virendra Singh (Pinky's dad) |
| Aaj Ka Ravan | ACP Rathod | |
| Tapish | ||
| Saamri | ||
| Yeh Hai Prem Janjaal | ||
| 2001 | Rupa Rani Ramkali | |
| Gumnam Hai Koi | Vinod Kumar Tripathi | |
| Arjun Devaa | Virendra Choudhry | |
| 2002 | Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge | Ex-Armyman |
| 2003 | Andaaz | Mr. Sahay |
| Parwana | Ganesh fest dancer/singer | |
| Baghban | Car salesman | |
| 2004 | Pati Ho To Aisa | |
| 2005 | Dhadkanein | Ravi Malhotra |
| Barsaat | Arav's Father | |
| 2006 | Mere Jeevan Saathi | |
| 2007 | Meri Doli Tere Angana | Mahendra |
| 2010 | Isi Life Mein | Nareshchand |
| 2012 | Nakshatra | Sharma |
| 2014 | Kahin Hai Mera Pyar | Priya's father |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Sarrkkar: Risshton Ki Ankahi Kahani | ||||
| 1988 | Mahabharat | Yudhishthira | 94 episodes between 2 October 1988 – 24 June 1990 | ||
| 1994 | The Zee Horror Show | ||||
| 2000 | Noor Jahan | ||||
| 2001 | Aane Wala Pal | Ramayan(2001-2002) TV Series | Dasharath | ||
| 2006 | Raavan | Maharaj Dasharath (King of Ayodhya) | |||
| 2008-2009 | Naaginn | Naagdev | |||
| 2012 | Shobha Somnath Ki | ||||
| 2012 | Kya Hua Tera Vaada | Mr. Chopra | |||
| 2013 | Adaalat | Colonel Desai | |||
| 2017 | Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman | Sumant |
References
External links
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