Birth Date:05 June 1963
About Me
Vijay Raaz Biography: Career, Iconic Roles, Filmography, and Unknown Facts!
Vijay Raaz is one of Indian cinema’s most versatile, under-the-radar screen icons. Renowned for his deadpan comedic delivery, sharp timing, and intense dramatic versatility, he has carved a distinct niche in Hindi cinema.
Whether stealing scenes in iconic comedies (Run, Dhamaal, Delhi Belly) or delivering grounded, powerful performances in hard-hitting dramas (Gully Boy, Gangubai Kathiawadi), Vijay Raaz remains a masterclass actor who elevates every frame he occupies.
Quick Profile: Vijay Raaz
Detail Information
Full Name: Vijay Raaz
Date of Birth: June 5, 1963
Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Education: Graduate from Kirori Mal College (University of Delhi)
Theatre Background: Dramatic Arts Society (Kirori Mal) & National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory
Film Debut: Bhopal Express (1999)
Directorial Debut: Kya Dilli Kya Lahore (2014)
Signature Style: Deadpan comedy, pitch-perfect voice modulation, intense dramatic realism
Early Life & Theatre Roots
Born and raised in Delhi, Vijay Raaz discovered his passion for acting during his college days at Kirori Mal College, Delhi University. He was an active member of its renowned theatre society, The Players.
Driven by a passion for the craft, he joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory Company in New Delhi. He spent years honing his acting skills in classic plays before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in mainstream Indian cinema.
Cinematic Journey & Major Milestones
1. Breakthrough & The "Kauwa Biryani" Fame
Vijay Raaz was noticed by filmmaker Mahesh Mathai and casting directors while performing in theatre, leading to small roles in films like Bhopal Express (1999) and Jungle (2000). His talent gained wider recognition in Mira Nair’s internationally acclaimed film Monsoon Wedding (2001), where his performance as PK Dubey earned critical praise.
His big commercial breakthrough arrived with the comedy-drama Run (2004). His iconic "Kauwa Biryani" monologue and comedic misadventures in Mumbai became pop culture legend, securing his place in Bollywood comedy history.
2. The Comedy Powerhouse (2000s–2010s)
Throughout the 2000s, Raaz became a director's favorite for quirky, eccentric characters:
• Dhamaal (2007): Played the unforgettable emergency plane controller ("Dev Kumar 'DK' Malik") with perfect deadpan hilarity.
• Welcome (2007): Played the fake director giving hilarious instructions to Majnu Bhai.
• Delhi Belly (2011): Portrayed the ruthless, diamond-smuggling gangster Somayajulu, showing his talent for dark comedy.
3. Transition to Intense Dramatic Roles
In recent years, Vijay Raaz shifted toward complex dramatic roles, surprising critics and audiences alike:
• Gully Boy (2019): Delivered a hauntingly realistic performance as Aftab Shakir Ahmed, Murad's (Ranveer Singh) strict and traditional father.
• Sherni (2021): Portrayed a dedicated, quiet zoologist alongside Vidya Balan.
• Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022): Received widespread acclaim for playing Raziabai, a trans madam in Kamathipura, opposite Alia Bhatt.
• Chandu Champion (2024): Portrayed the firm yet encouraging boxing coach Tiger Ali.
Selected Filmography
Year Title Language / Platform Character / Role Key Highlights
1999 Bhopal Express Hindi Badru Feature Film Debut
2001 Monsoon Wedding English / Hindi P.K. Dubey International Breakout Role
2004 Run Hindi Ganesh Iconic "Kauwa Biryani" comedy role
2007 Dhamaal Hindi Dev Kumar "D.K." Malik Fan-favorite comedic cameo
2007 Welcome Hindi Fake Director Memorable comedy scene
2011 Delhi Belly Hindi Somayajulu Dark Comedy Gangster
2014 Kya Dilli Kya Lahore Hindi Rehmat Ali Directorial Debut & Lead Actor
2018 Stree Hindi Shastri Horror-Comedy supporting role
2019 Gully Boy Hindi Aftab Shakir Ahmed Nominated for Best Supporting Actor
2022 Gangubai Kathiawadi Hindi Raziabai Critically acclaimed performance
2024 Chandu Champion Hindi Tiger Ali Sports Drama
2024 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Hindi Raja Sahib Horror-Comedy Blockbuster
2026 Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Hindi Dharamveer Singh Romantic Comedy
Interesting & Lesser-Known Facts
• Naseeruddin Shah’s Recommendation: It was veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah who spotted Vijay Raaz’s talent at the NSD Repertory and recommended him to director Mahesh Mathai for Bhopal Express and Mira Nair for Monsoon Wedding.
• Voice-Over Icon: Beyond live-action acting, Vijay Raaz possesses a deep, distinctive voice. He has served as the narrator for major films like Bala, 102 Not Out, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, and web series like Maamla Legal Hai.
• Directorial Debut on Indo-Pak Relations: In 2014, Raaz stepped behind the camera to direct Kya Dilli Kya Lahore, a cross-border war drama that tackled the emotional aftershocks of Partition with sensitivity.
• A Master of Unscripted Improv: Directors frequently allow Raaz to improvise his lines, as many of his iconic comedic reactions and pauses are unscripted moments created on set.
Vijay Raaz's films' availability: You can watch Vijay Raaz's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
