Deepak Parashar

Deepak Parashar, an acclaimed Indian actor and former model, was born on April 2, 1952, in Pune, India, to Shobha and Vishvanath Parashar. Growing up in Delhi as part of a Punjabi Hindu family, he pursued his education at Delhi University, where he completed his graduation. His journey into the limelight began quite unexpectedly during his college years when he participated in a personality contest and was crowned Mr. Delhi. This victory paved the way for his entry into the national circuit, and in 1976, he achieved significant fame as the winner of the first-ever "Mr. India" (then known as India Prince) pageant. His striking looks and towering 6'2" physique quickly made him one of the most sought-after models in the country, famously becoming the face of Vimal Suitings and appearing in thousands of fashion shows.

Before transitioning into full-time acting, Parashar gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience in the film industry by serving as an assistant director and location scout for legendary filmmakers like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani on critically acclaimed projects such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), and Bhumika (1977). His maternal uncle, the filmmaker Mohan Kumar, also provided a familial connection to the industry, though Parashar initially carved his own path through modeling. He finally made his mainstream acting debut in 1980 under the banner of B.R. Chopra in the revenge drama Insaaf Ka Tarazu, where his performance alongside Zeenat Aman garnered significant attention. This was followed by his career-defining role in the classic Muslim social Nikaah (1982), which remains his most successful commercial film to date.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Parashar was a prominent leading man, appearing in major hits such as Sharaabi (1984) alongside Amitabh Bachchan and the star-studded Tawaif (1985). However, a near-fatal boating accident in Dubai in 1987 significantly impacted his career trajectory, leading to a long period of recovery and physical setbacks. During this time, he also faced personal challenges, including the end of his marriage to Sarita, with whom he has a daughter named Radhika. As he returned to the screen, his roles transitioned into more character-driven and supporting parts, and he became a recurring figure in the horror genre through the Ramsay Brothers' productions, including Purani Haveli (1989) and Shaitani Ilaaka (1990).

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Parashar found a second wave of success on television, becoming a popular face in Indian soap operas. He portrayed iconic characters such as Mahendra Malhotra in the long-running Doordarshan series Swabhimaan (1995) and Chetan Garewal in Kahiin To Hoga (2003–2007). He also donned royal attire as a Mughal emperor in the costume drama Chandramukhi. In 2006, he gained renewed national visibility as a contestant on the inaugural season of the reality show Bigg Boss, where he was known for his candid and straightforward personality. Over the years, he has continued to work across various platforms, including a return to mainstream films with Champion (2000) and Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke (2004).

As of late 2025 and early 2026, Deepak Parashar remains active in the entertainment and digital space. He recently took on the role of Inspector Rakesh Maria in the streaming series First Copy, a production exploring the 1990s film piracy world in Mumbai, which premiered on Amazon MX Player. Additionally, he has expanded his reach into literature with the 2024 publication of his book, Life—The Spiritual Essence, which reflects on his personal journey and philosophy. He continues to engage with his legacy through interviews and public appearances, maintaining a professional presence on social media where he shares insights into his long and diverse career in Indian cinema and television.