Gulshan Grover is an Indian actor, producer, and entrepreneur known for playing iconic villainous roles in Bollywood. He has acted in over 400 films across multiple languages, including Hollywood and international cinema.
Early Life & Education
- Born: 21 September 1955 in Delhi, India.
- Education:
- Completed schooling at Delhi’s Government School.
- Graduated from Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University.
- While in college, he developed an interest in acting and joined theatre groups before moving to Mumbai to pursue films.
Film Career
Early Struggles & Breakthrough (1970s-80s)
- Initially trained at the Actors’ Studio in Mumbai, where he was classmates with Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, and Mazhar Khan.
- Got small roles in films like Hum Paanch (1980) and Rocky (1981).
- His first major break came in Sadma (1983), where he played a villainous role.
Rise to Fame as Bollywood’s “Bad Man” (1980s-90s)
- Villain Era: He became Bollywood’s most feared villain in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Some of his biggest films as an antagonist include:
- Ram Lakhan (1989) – As Kesariya Vilayati
- Saudagar (1991) – As Chhote Thakur
- Mohra (1994) – As Jindal
- Hera Pheri (2000) – As Kabira
- He popularized stylish villains with strong dialogues, comic undertones, and unique get-ups.
- Gulshan Grover nickname “Bad Man” came from his role in the 1989 film Ram Lakhan, and he later embraced it as his signature.
International & Hollywood Career
- Among the first Bollywood actors to enter Hollywood.
- Worked in international films like:
- Jungle Book (1994)
- The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo (1997)
- Blind Ambition (2008)
- Prisoners of the Sun (2013)
- Shared screen space with Hollywood stars like Christina Ricci, Bruce Willis, and Ben Kingsley.
Other Ventures & Achievements
- Producer & Entrepreneur: Involved in film production and mentoring young actors.
- Awards & Recognition:
- Best Actor in a Negative Role nominations multiple times.
- Recognized for his contribution to Indian and international cinema.
Personal Life & Legacy
- Married once but later divorced; has a son.
- Continues to act in films and web series.
- Impact: Inspired many Bollywood villains like Sonu Sood and Prakash Raj.
