Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay, a renowned Indian stage and film actor, has had a prolific career spanning over four decades, with a vast array of roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema since the late 1970s. His impressive repertoire includes appearances in over 70 films, solidifying his position as a versatile and accomplished actor in the Indian film industry.
One of his most notable roles is arguably in the multi-award-winning film Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001),directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, for which he received a nomination from the International Indian Film Academy for his performance in a comic role. Additionally, he has also appeared in other critically acclaimed films such as Swades (2004) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008),both also directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay's earlier work is also worth mentioning, with notable roles in Raj Kapoor's blockbuster final film Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985),the cult horror film Veerana (1988),in which he plays a priest, and the massively acclaimed film Bandit Queen (1994). Furthermore, he has also made appearances in popular TV series such as Mahabharat (1988).
Before embarking on his acting career, Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay pursued higher education, graduating with a Master's degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from the T.D Degree College in 1970-71.
