Saurabh Shukla is a celebrated Indian actor, director, and screenwriter known for his powerful performances and contributions to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, Shukla has worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and even international films, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and respected figures in the industry.
He is best recognized for his roles in Satya (1998), Nayak (2001), Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), and Barfi! (2012), Jolly LLB (2013), and Raid (2018). His nuanced performances, coupled with his writing and direction, have made him an iconic name in Indian cinema.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saurabh Shukla |
| Date of Birth | 5 March 1963 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 62 years |
| Birthplace | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Screenwriter |
| Spouse | Barnali Ray Shukla (Filmmaker) |
| Children | 1 son, 1 daughter (names not public) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Residence | Andheri West, Mumbai |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 92 kg (181 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper (semi-bald) |
Saurabh Shukla was born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a family of musicians. His mother, Dr. Jogamaya Shukla, was India’s first female tabla player, while his father was a vocalist from the Agra Gharana. The family later moved to Delhi when Shukla was just two years old.
School/College: Graduated from S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, Delhi.
During his childhood, his parents encouraged him and his brother to watch at least four films a week, nurturing his passion for cinema.
Initially drawn to theatre, he joined the National School of Drama (NSD) Repertoire Company in 1991.
Shukla began his theatre career in the mid-1980s, performing in classics like Ghashiram Kotwal, Hayavadana, and Look Back in Anger. He also appeared on TV in Tehkikaat (1994) as Gopi, Vijay Anand’s sidekick.
His first major film role came in Shekhar Kapur’s cult classic Bandit Queen (1994), where he also worked alongside actress Seema Biswas. This project marked his entry into cinema.
In 1998, he co-wrote the script for Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya with Anurag Kashyap and portrayed the iconic role of Kallu Mama, a gangster. The film’s success established him as both an actor and a writer, winning the Star Screen Award for Best Screenplay.
Over the years, Shukla acted in critically acclaimed and commercial hits including:
Mohabbatein (2000)
Nayak (2001)
Yuva (2004)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Barfi! (2012) – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor
Jolly LLB (2013) – Won National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
Jolly LLB 2 (2017)
Raid (2018)
Chhalaang (2020)
Drishyam 2 (2022)
He also appeared internationally in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008) as Constable Srinivas.
National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor – Jolly LLB (2014)
Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor – Jolly LLB
Zee Cine Award for Best Screenplay – Calcutta Mail (2003, nomination)
Born into a family of musicians, with his mother being the first female tabla player in India.
Was a classmate of Seema Biswas at the National School of Drama.
Initially, I wanted to become a film director rather than an actor.
Appeared in more than 150 films across languages.
Loves reading, writing, and watching films in his leisure time.
Despite his serious roles, he is deeply passionate about comic theatre, including plays like 2 to Tango, 3 to Jive.
Bandit Queen (1994), Seema Biswas played the lead role of Phoolan Devi.
Satya (1998)
Mohabbatein (2000)
Nayak (2001)
Yuva (2004)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Barfi! (2012)
Jolly LLB (2013)
Kick (2014), PK (2014)
Raid (2018)
Chhalaang (2020)
Drishyam 2 (2022)
Raid 2 (2025, upcoming)
Jolly LLB 3 (2025, upcoming)
Confirmed in Jolly LLB 3: He returns as Justice Sunderlal Tripathi in the much-awaited Jolly LLB 3, joining Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. This iconic role had earlier earned him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Upcoming project Maalik: Shukla is playing Minister Shankar Singh in the political drama Maalik, showcasing his trademark intensity.
Web Series Presence: He was last seen in Bindiya Ke Bahubali (2025) on Amazon MX Player, expanding his digital footprint.
Having a business means you have a lot to check on. Keeping your financial records…
Veteran Indian actor Pankaj Dheer, widely celebrated for his legendary portrayal of Karan in B.R.…
Transitioning into a management role represents one of the most significant career shifts professionals experience.…
Generators are now part of core site literacy. Crews must know how to size, deploy,…
Mahieka Sharma, aged 24, is one of India’s most promising names in the fashion industry.…
Basic Information Name Varinder Singh Ghuman Nickname / Title He-Man of India Professions Actor, Professional…