Paresh Rawal, celebrated as Bollywood’s comedy king for iconic roles like Baburao in Hera Pheri (2000), was once a formidable villain, delivering chilling performances in the 1980s and 1990s. Born on May 30, 1955, in Mumbai, Rawal’s ability to shift from menacing antagonists to beloved comic characters showcases his unmatched versatility. With over 200 films, his early villainous roles in Naam, King Uncle, and Baazi laid the foundation for his later comedic triumphs, as noted in a June 3, 2025. Fans can revisit his diverse roles on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
In This Article:
The Villainous Era: Subtle Menace
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Bollywood villains were often loud and theatrical, but Rawal stood out with his understated intensity. In Naam (1986), he played the cold-blooded smuggler Rana, his chilling presence opposite Sanjay Dutt setting the tone for his villainous streak.
Transition to Comedy Stardom
Rawal’s shift to comedy began with Andaaz Apna Apna (1994), where his dual role as Teja and Shyam showcased his comedic flair. He credited director Rajkumar Santoshi for taking a chance on him when he was typecast as a villain, “I used to do some really terrible villain roles… Andaaz Apna Apna was a big deal.” This paved the way for his iconic Baburao in Hera Pheri, where his impeccable timing and dialogues like “Utha le re Baba” became cultural phenomena, per sources. His work with directors like Priyadarshan in Malamaal Weekly and Bhagam Bhag solidified his comedy crown.
Recent Controversy and Legacy
Rawal’s recent exit from Hera Pheri 3 in May 2025 sparked headlines, with Akshay Kumar’s production house filing a Rs 25 crore lawsuit, alleging unprofessional conduct. Rawal denied this, stating on X that he left before principal photography and returned his Rs 11 lakh signing fee, emphasizing “honesty and discipline” in his career. Despite the dispute, Himesh Reshammiya praised Rawal’s Hera Pheri contribution at a Mumbai concert, His dual legacy as a villain supreme and comedy king endures.
A Timeless Performer
From menacing villains to hilarious everymen, Paresh Rawal’s journey reflects his chameleon-like talent, his ability to evoke fear and laughter with equal finesse makes him a Bollywood legend, with his performances remaining a treasure for audiences worldwide.
-By Manoj H
