Raghubir Yadav, one of the greatest actors in cinema, TV, and theatre, is known for his multifaceted personality. He has been working as a writer, actor, music composer, singer, and set designer for the past four decades and has featured in three Oscar-nominated films: “Salam Bombay,” “Lagaan,” and “Water.”
Early Life
Raghubir Yadav was born on June 25, 1957, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a family of farmers. He started his educational journey at the school his grandfather had established. In his village, he was active in local Ram Leela and also learned local folk. He then joined Laxmi Narayan Yadav Higher Secondary School, Ranjhi, Jabalpur. Reportedly, he ran away from home at the age of 15 and joined a Parsi Theatre Company, where he learned Urdu and Hindi.
Yadav’s association with the Parsi Theatre Company from 1967 to 1973 laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He travelled extensively with the company, performing in over 70 plays and approximately 2500 shows across the villages, towns, and cities of India. This experience enriched him with a deep understanding of India’s cultural diversity and the power of live performance.
Training and Theatre Career
In the mid-70s, he worked at the Rangoli Puppet Theatre in Lucknow, where he engaged with glove puppets, a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore different forms of storytelling.
In Lucknow, he heard about the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, and decided to go there. He joined NSD in 1977, where he continued to work until 1986. Yadav refined his acting skills and also came into contact with many big names, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Manoj Bajpeyi, and Vijay Raaz.
While at NSD, Ibrahim Alkazi sent Yadav and ten other students to FTII to understand film acting. While the rest moved to Mumbai, he returned to Delhi and joined the NSD repertory theatre, where Yadav acted in about 40 plays, showcasing his prowess in over 2000 shows.
One of Yadav’s most famous works was Habib Tanvir‘s “Agra Bazar,” based on the 18th-century Urdu poet Nazir Akbarabadi. It is an iconic play that beautifully blends folk theatre with contemporary issues. ‘Agra Bazar’ saw Yadav deliver a powerful performance. He also played the titular character in “Charandas Chor,” also by Habib Tanvir. Some of his other plays include “Ghasiram Kotwal,” “Karmawali,” “Rakt Kalyan” by Girish Karnad, and many more.
Raghubir Yadav In Films
Yadav’s film debut came in 1985 with Pradip Krishen’s “Massey Sahib.” In the film he played the titular role, earning him international acclaim and setting the stage for a remarkable career. The film also earned him the Silver Peacock for Best Actor at the 11th International Film Festival of India.
His next film was Meera Nair’s “Salaam Bombay! (1988),” where his portrayal of ‘Chillum’ is still remembered for its raw intensity. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
He then appeared in acclaimed films like “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989), Disha (1990), Kasba (1991), Electric Moon (1992), Aasman Se Gira (1992), and Dharavi (1992). In 1992, he appeared in Shyam Benegal‘s “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda,” based on the novel of Dharamvir Bharti. He played the role of the narrator of the story, who was the friend of the protagonist, “Manik Mulla.”
Over the years, he has appeared in acclaimed films like Rudaali (1993), Maya Memsaab (1993), Bandit Queen (1994), 1942: A Love Story (1994), Dushmani (1995), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Damu (1996), Saaz (1997), Rui Ka Bhoj (1997), Dil Se (1998), Shaheed-E-Mohabbat (1999), Samar (1999), Tarkieb (2000), and Bawandar (2000).
In 2001, he was cast as Bhura in “Lagaan,” his second film, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Raghubir Yadav In TV
Yadav made his TV debut with the cult series “Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne,” followed by the equally iconic “Mullah Nasruddin.” Some of his other TV shows include Arjun Pandit (1992), Amravati Ki Kathayein (1994), Nazarana (1997), Gubbare (1999), Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal (1999), Azaan… The Awakening Call (2010), Virgin Goat (2011), and many more. He also played the iconic Chacha Chaudhari in the adaptation of the legendary comic series created by cartoonist Pran.
Other Work
In 2005, he appeared in Deepa Mehta’s “Water,” starring Seema Biswas. Lisa Ray, John Abraham, and Manorama were nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. He then appeared in films like Firaaq (2008), Dilli 6 (2009), Peepli Live (2010), Gandhi To Hitler (2011), Piku (2015), Newton (2017), Sui Dhaaga (2018), Ghoomketu (2020), Jamun (2021), Jaggu Ki Lalten (2022), Kathal (2023), and Yaatris (2023).
Yadav is also a very good singer and sang songs like Don’t Take Tension Sab Tanatan Hai (Ata Pata Lapata), Bhaagan Ke Rekhan Ki (Issaq), Ghar Jaanam, Ghar Janam (Asman Se Gira), Chal Tu Apna Kaam Kar (Newton), Billoo Bhayankar (Billu), Homework (Darna Mna hai), Oh Darling Yeh Hai India (Oh Darling Yeh Hai India), Mehngai Daayan (Peepli Live), and many more.
One of his most famous works is the MP tourism ad – MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Ggajab Hai, which he composed and sang. He also gave voice to many ads such as Pepsi, Britannia, Parle, Vim, Coke, Midday, Bagh Bakari Chai, Crack Cream, Kotak Mahindra, Maggie Mania, and many more.
Recently, he starred in web series like Panchayat, Ray, Kaun Banegi Shikharwati, The Great Indian Murder, and The Railway Men.
Personal Life
Yadav married Purnima Kharga, an NSD employee in 1988. The couple have a son Achal, who works as a music composer. In 1996 he filed for divorce in Jabalpur. After that he started living with his Goregaon, Mumbai-based girlfriend Roshni Achreja, with whom he has a son, Abir. Achreja was also an actress and appeared in Zed TV’s popular show “Banegi Apni Baat.”
Raghubir Yadav on IMDB
