Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay (31 January 1949 – 14 January 2016) was an Indian actor, mainly a Comedian. He is best known to Hindi film audiences for his role as the astrologer Guran in Lagaan (2001) and as the postmaster Nivaran in Swades (2004). He had also played role of Vyasa, author of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, in the popular Indian series Mahabharat. He made his mark as a villain in the beginning with films like Veerana (1988) and Joshilaay (1989), often playing the role of a henchman, and later took to portraying comedic and supporting characters. His other credits include Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, What's Your Raashee? and Bunty Aur Babli. Rajesh is also noted for his roles in the historic TV series Bharat Ek Khoj and in the TV Serial Aghori. He was hired for an ad series of Cadbury 5 Star as the father of the two sons Ramesh and Suresh (Portrayed by Rana Pratap Sengar and Goldie Duggal respectively), starting from the ad titled "Pitaji ki Patloon".

Rajesh Vivek
Born
Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay

(1949-01-31)31 January 1949
Died14 January 2016(2016-01-14) (aged 66)
Years active1977–2016
SpouseGayatri Vivek Upadhyay

Biography

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Vivek was born on 31 January 1949 in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh.[1] He obtained his Master of Arts degree in Ancient history & Archaeology from T. D. Degree College, Jaunpur, and trained at the National School of Drama in acting. Filmmaker Shyam Benegal first introduced him in films with his film Junoon (1978).[2]

Rajesh died on 14 January 2016 at the age of 66 due to a massive heart attack while shooting for a film at Hyderabad.[3][4][2]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Film Role Notes
1978 Junoon
1982 Gandhi Dr. Rajendra Prasad
1983 Kalka (1983 film) Mine Manager
1985 Ram Teri Ganga Maili
1986 Janbaaz
1988 Veerana Baba (sorcerer)
The Perfect Murder Zero Police
The Deceivers Priest
1989 Joshilaay Shaitan Yogi Daku
Nishane Bazi
Tridev Raaghav
1990 Hatim Tai Departed
Kafan
1991 Ganga Jamuna Ki Lalkar
Vishkanya
1992 Nagin Aur Lootere
Vishwatma
Parasmani
1993 Phoolan Hasina Ramkali
Maya Memsaab
1994 Bandit Queen Mustaquim
1995 Karan Arjun
1997 Loha Thakur Vikraal 'Mahakaal'
1998 Pardesi Babu
1999 Munnibai
Kachche Dhaage
2000 Daku Ramkali
2001 Lagaan Guran
2003 Dil Ka Rishta
Dangerous Night
2004 Asambhav Pandit
Hatya: The Murder
Swades Nivaran
Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo
2005 Vaada Inspector Khan
Bunty Aur Babli Guru Ghantal Baba
2007 Nanhe Jaisalmer Dhurjan Singh
2008 Bhole Shankar Panditji
God Tussi Great Ho Ghanshu
Jodhaa Akbar Chughtai Khan
2009 What's Your Raashee? Bhautesh Joshi
2010 Do Dooni Chaar
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey Shiraz-ul-haq
2011 Mumbai Mast Kalandar
2012 Agneepath Bakshi
Son of Sardar Mamaji
2014

Dishkiyaoon

Gujjar
2015 Yevade Subramanyam Pemba Telugu film
2016 Nagarahavu Kannada film

Television

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Year Show Role Channel Notes
1988 Bharat Ek Khoj Ep 21 - Bhakt, Ep 32-

Akbar Played role of Shiekh Mubarak.

DD National
Mahabharat Ved Vyas
1990 The Sword of Tipu Sultan
1995 Aahat Season 1 (1995-2001) Episode 12 to 14 Explosion Sony Entertainment Television
1996 Aghori
1997 Shiv Mahapuran Tarakaksha
2005 Honi Anhoni Anchor
2011 Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev Yalkoti Life OK

References

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  1. ^ Harris M. Lentz III (11 August 2017). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2016 (Illustrated ed.). McFarland, 2017. p. 409. ISBN 9781476629124. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  2. ^ a b Prashar, Chandni (15 January 2016). "Rajesh Vivek, Astrologer Guran From Lagaan, Dies of Heart Attack". NDTV. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  3. ^ Shaikh, Mohammed Uzair (14 January 2016). "Rajesh Vivek dies after suffering heart attack; Lagaan actor passes away at 66 years of age". india.com. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  4. ^ IANS (14 January 2016). "Guran of 'Lagaan', actor Rajesh Vivek dead". business-standard.com. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
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