Vijay Raaz, born on June 5, 1963, is an Indian actor, film director, and narrator primarily known for his appearances in Hindi cinema. He made his debut in the film “Bhopal Express” in 1999 and has since featured in more than 90 movies. His breakthrough moment arrived when he portrayed the character of Dubeyji in the acclaimed film “Monsoon Wedding” in 2001.

Raaz gained fame for his comedic roles in “Run” (2004) and “Dhamaal” (2007) and is especially recognized for his gangster portrayals in “Delhi Belly” (2011) and “Dedh Ishqiya” (2014). His versatile acting can also be seen in movies like “Stree” (2018), “Gully Boy” (2019), “Lootcase” (2020), and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022) by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In 2014, he ventured into directing with “Kya Dilli Kya Lahore.” Additionally, his distinctive deep voice has found its place in voice-over work for both films and commercials.

Early Life and Background:

Vijay Raaz, born on June 5, 1963, hails from Delhi. While pursuing his education at P.G.D.A.V. College, University of Delhi, he actively participated in the college’s dramatic society. Driven by his passion for acting, he decided to pursue a career in the film industry and made the move to Mumbai. His initial breakthrough came with a significant role in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Jungle.”

Raaz also made a cameo appearance in the popular series “Flop Show,” featured in its first episode by Jaspal Bhatti. His talent was recognized by Naseeruddin Shah, who had seen him perform at the NSD (National School of Drama). Shah recommended him to Mahesh Mathai for “Bhopal Express” and to Mira Nair for “Monsoon Wedding,” which proved to be a turning point in his career. Following the success of “Monsoon Wedding,” Raaz’s career took off, and he began receiving numerous roles.

He made his debut as a leading actor in the mainstream film “Raghu Romeo,” a box-office hit where he portrayed the life of a bewildered lower-class Indian. Raaz gained acclaim for his comedic performance in the 2004 film “Run” and delivered a memorable portrayal of a ruthless gangster in “Delhi Belly” in 2011. His distinctive deep voice has also been utilized for voice-over work in various films and commercials.

Career:

Vijay Raaz is an Indian actor known for his versatile roles in Hindi films. His career in the entertainment industry has spanned several decades and includes a wide range of performances in various genres. Raaz’s journey in the world of cinema can be summarized as follows:

Early Roles and Recognition:

Vijay Raaz made his film debut in 1999 with “Bhopal Express.” However, it was his role as Dubeyji in the critically acclaimed film “Monsoon Wedding” (2001) that brought him widespread recognition and marked a significant turning point in his career.

Comic Timing:

Raaz showcased his impeccable comic timing in movies like “Run” (2004) and “Dhamaal” (2007). His performances in these comedy films earned him a reputation as a skilled comedic actor.

Versatility:

Beyond comedy, Vijay Raaz displayed his versatility by taking on diverse roles. He portrayed gangster characters in films like “Delhi Belly” (2011) and “Dedh Ishqiya” (2014), showcasing his ability to excel in intense and dramatic roles.

Notable Projects:

Raaz’s filmography includes notable projects such as “Stree” (2018), “Gully Boy” (2019), “Lootcase” (2020), and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022), where he continued to impress with his acting skills.

Directorial Debut:

In 2014, Vijay Raaz took a step behind the camera and made his directorial debut with the film “Kya Dilli Kya Lahore.”

Voice-Over Work:

His distinctive and gruff baritone voice has been utilized in voice-over work, including films and commercials, further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.

Throughout his career, Vijay Raaz has been celebrated for his contributions to Indian cinema, earning a dedicated fan base and respect from both audiences and fellow actors. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and intense roles has solidified his status as a versatile and accomplished actor in the Indian film industry.

Movies:

Please note that this table includes some of Vijay Raaz’s prominent films, but he has appeared in numerous other movies throughout his career, often in character roles that have contributed to his reputation as a versatile actor.

Awards and Nominations:

Here are some notable awards and recognitions for Vijay Raaz:

Zee Cine Awards:

1. Nominated for Best Actor in a Comic Role for “Run” (2005).

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles:

1. Winner of the Grand Jury Award for Best Actor for “Raghu Romeo” (2004).

Screen Awards:

1. Nominated for Best Actor in a Comic Role for “Run” (2005).

Stardust Awards:

1. Nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy or Romance for “Run” (2005).

International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards:

1. Nominated for Best Performance in a Comic Role for “Run” (2005).

Filmfare Awards:

1. Nominated for Best Performance in a Comic Role for “Run” (2005).

National Film Awards:

1. Received critical acclaim for his role in “Raghu Romeo” (2003) and “Monsoon Wedding” (2001).

While Vijay Raaz may not have won many mainstream awards, his unique style of comedy and versatile acting have made him a respected and sought-after actor in the Indian film industry.