Actor, writer, producer, director, and equestrian, Randeep Hooda, a name synonymous with versatility in Indian cinema, has carved a niche for himself with his intense performances and dedication to his craft. Some of his standout performances came in films like Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and also Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster, Ungli, Rang Rasiya, Highway, and Sarbjit (2016).
Early Life and Career
Randeep Hooda was born on August 20, 1976, in Rohtak, Haryana. His father, Dr. Ranbir Hooda, is a medical surgeon, and his mother, Asha Hooda, is a social worker. Despite the constant travel, Hooda’s formative years were grounded in his family’s values and cultural heritage.
Hooda’s education played a significant role in shaping his future. He attended the Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, Haryana, where he excelled in swimming and equestrian sports, earning national-level medals. He also went to Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram in New Delhi. His passion for the arts was ignited during his school years, where he actively participated in theatre productions.
After completing his schooling, Hooda’s quest for knowledge took him to Melbourne, Australia, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business management and human resource management. Upon returning to India, Hooda started modelling and also started his journey into the world of theatre in Delhi, which was the catalyst for his acting career. His talent caught the eye of director Mira Nair, who cast him in his debut film, “Monsoon Wedding” (2001). Although it was a small role, it was a significant stepping stone for Hooda.
Randeep Hooda In Films
Randeep Hooda’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of a gangster in “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai” (2010). He continued to do theatre after his debut and learn the tricks of the trade from the likes of Naseeruddin Shah through his workshops and his association with Shah’s theatre group, “Motley Theatre Troupe.” Some of the notable plays he was part of are “Kali Shalwar Aur Kuchchh Kahaniyan (based on the works of Manto),” “To Teach His Own,” “Arms and the Man,” and “A Walk in the Woods.”
In 2005, Ram Gopal Verma gave him a lead role in his gangster thriller “D,” which turned out to be his breakthrough film. Hooda then starred in films like Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), Risk (2007), Ru Ba Ru (2008), Karma Aur Holi (2009), and Love Khichdi (2009).
His performance garnered critical acclaim and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. He continued to deliver powerful performances in films like “Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011),” “Jannat 2 (2012),” “Cocktail (2012),” “Jism 2 (2012),” “Heroine (2012),” “Murder 3 (2013),” “Bombay Talkies (2013),” “Kick (2014),” “Rang Rasiya (2014),” “Ungli (2014),” and “Highway (2014).”
The Performer
One of his life’s standout performances came in “Sarabjit (2016),” where he played Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national locked in a Pakistani jail on the charges of being a spy. Hooda lost 18 kg to prepare for the role.
Some of his other notable films include “Laal Rang (2016),” “Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016),” “Sultan (2016),” “Baaghi 2 (2018),” and “Love Aaj Kal (2020).” He made his international debut with Chris Hemsworth’s action-thriller “Extraction (2020).”
Hooda then acted in films like “Radhe (2021),” “Sergeant (20210),” “Tera Kya Hoga Lovely (2024),” and “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (2024).” He made his OTT debut with Netflix series CAT (2022). In 2025 he acted in Action thriller “Jaat,” along side Sunny Deol.
Personal Life
November 2023, Randeep Hooda married Manipuri actress and model Lin Laishram in a traditional ceremony, celebrating their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Randeep Hooda on IMDB
