Basic Details

Saurabh Shukla is a celebrated Indian actor, director, and screenwriter, renowned for his versatile performances in both mainstream and independent cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, he has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry

Physical Stats and More

Biography

Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh Shukla moved to Delhi at the age of two. Raised in a musically inclined family, with his mother being India’s first female tabla player and his father a classical vocalist, Shukla was exposed to the arts from an early age. He pursued his education at S.G.T.B. Khalsa College in Delhi, where he developed a passion for theatre. His early involvement in stage productions laid the foundation for a prolific career in acting and filmmaking.

Relationships & More

Career

Early Life and Theatre Beginnings

Born on March 5, 1963, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh Shukla was raised in a culturally rich environment. His mother, Jogamaya Shukla, was India’s first female tabla player, and his father, Shatrughan Shukla, was a vocalist from the Agra Gharana. The family relocated to Delhi when he was two years old. Shukla pursued his education at S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, Delhi, and embarked on his professional journey in 1984 with theatre. He became actively involved in serious theatre by 1986, performing in plays such as A View From The Bridge, Look Back in Anger, Ghashiram Kotwal, and Hayavadana. In 1991, he joined the NSD Repertoire Company, the professional wing of the National School of Drama, as an actor.

Breakthrough in Cinema

Shukla’s cinematic journey commenced with a role in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994). However, his breakthrough came with Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998), where he portrayed the memorable character Kallu Mama and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Anurag Kashyap. The film’s critical acclaim established him as a formidable talent in the industry.

Notable Filmography

Saurabh Shukla’s versatility is evident in his diverse roles across genres:

• Satya (1998) – Kallu Mama
  
  
• Nayak: The Real Hero (2001) – Pandurang
  
  
• Yuva (2004) – Gopal
  
  
• Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) – Batuk Maharaj
  
  
• Barfi! (2012) – Sudhanshu Dutta
  
  
• Jolly LLB (2013) – Justice Sunderlal Tripathi (National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor)
  
  
• PK (2014) – Tapasvi Maharaj
  
  
• Jolly LLB 2 (2017) – Justice Sunderlal Tripathi
  
  
• Raid (2018) – Rameshwar Singh aka Tauji
  
  
• Drishyam 2 (2022) – Murad Ali

Contributions as a Writer and Director

Beyond acting, Shukla has made significant contributions as a writer and director. He co-wrote the screenplay for Satya (1998) and penned scripts for films like Calcutta Mail (2003) and Mithya (2008). As a director, he helmed projects such as Mudda – The Issue (2003), Chehraa (2005), and Pappu Can’t Dance Saala (2011).

Television and Web Series

Shukla’s television work includes roles in series like Tehkikaat (1994) and Mulla Nasiruddin. In the digital space, he appeared in web series such as Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (2022) on Netflix and Pop Kaun? (2023) on Disney+ Hotstar.

Awards and Recognition

Saurabh Shukla’s portrayal of Justice Sunderlal Tripathi in Jolly LLB earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also received the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for the same role.

Saurabh Shukla’s enduring presence in Indian cinema, marked by his compelling performances and creative contributions, continues to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike.

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Other Details

Contributions Beyond Work

Beyond his acting career, Saurabh Shukla has contributed to Indian cinema as a screenwriter and director. His work often reflects a deep understanding of human emotions and societal issues. While specific philanthropic activities are not widely publicized, his commitment to meaningful storytelling has had a significant impact on audiences and aspiring artists alike.​

The Legacy of Saurabh Shukla

Saurabh Shukla’s journey from theatre stages to the silver screen exemplifies dedication and versatility. His contributions have enriched Indian cinema, offering audiences a blend of entertainment and thought-provoking narratives. As an actor, writer, and director, his legacy continues to inspire and influence the next generation of storytellers.

Other Facts:

• Education: Graduated from S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, Delhi
• Married Life:  Married to Barnali Ray Shukla, a writer and filmmaker
• Interesting Facts:
  • Saurabh Shukla was born on March 5, 1963, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in music. His father, Shatrughan Shukla, was a vocalist from the Agra Gharana, and his mother, Jogamaya Shukla, holds the distinction of being India’s first female tabla player. Despite this rich musical heritage, Shukla chose to pursue a different artistic path.
    
    
  • After moving to Delhi at the age of two, Shukla developed a passion for theatre. He began serious theatre work in 1986, performing in plays like A View From The Bridge and Ghashiram Kotwal. In 1991, he joined the National School of Drama’s Repertoire Company, marking a significant step in his acting career.
    
    
  • Shukla’s transition to cinema was marked by his role in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994), where he portrayed Kailash. This opportunity arose while he was working on the Doordarshan crime drama Tehkikaat, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
    
    
  • Beyond acting, Shukla co-wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film Satya (1998) alongside Anurag Kashyap. Their collaboration earned them the Star Screen Award for Best Screenplay, highlighting Shukla’s multifaceted talent in the film industry.
    
    
  • In recognition of his outstanding performance in Jolly LLB (2013), Shukla received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of Justice Tripathi was both memorable and critically acclaimed.
    
    
  • Shukla’s talent transcended borders with his role as Constable Srinivas in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), bringing him international acclaim.
    
    
  • Despite his success in films, Shukla remains deeply connected to theatre. He returned to the stage with plays like 2 To Tango, 3 To Jive and Barff, expressing that working on a play feels like a vacation for him.
    
    
  • Shukla is known for his love of reading and writing. He often indulges in literature during his free time, which complements his skills as a screenwriter and director.