Basic Details

Born June 25, 1957 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Raghubir Yadav entered the arts early. Fleeing home at age 15, he joined traveling Parsi theatre, performing in makeshift tents across India. Later, he trained at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi and was part of its repertory for a decade. His unwavering passion and early struggles with toil and transient stages shaped the intensity and authenticity he brings to every role. This biography delves into his colorful career, personal life, and enduring contributions.

Physical Stats and More

Biography

Raghubir’s formative years—traveling with Parsi Theatre (1967–1973) and mastering glove puppetry in Lucknow—laid a cornerstone for his theatrical excellence. Enrolling at NSD in 1977, he refined not just acting but also music, costume, mask-making, and set design during over 2,000 repertory shows. His debut film, Massey Sahib (1985), won him two Best Actor awards, including the prestigious Silver Peacock at IFFI. From powerful roles in Salaam Bombay!, Lagaan, to accolades for Peepli Live and Panchayat, his journey has been studded with unforgettable milestones.

Relationships & More

Career

Theatre Foundation & Screen Debut

• Began acting at 15, performing in over 70 plays and 2,500 theatre shows, including Parsi Theatre and Rangoli Puppet Theatre, before joining the NSD Repertory.

• Made his film debut in Massey Sahib (1985), earning the Silver Peacock Best Actor award at IFFI and international acclaim.
  
  

Landmark Films & Recognitions

• Turned heads as “Chillum” in the Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay! (1988), solidifying his reputation.

• Featured in major Indian awards contenders: Lagaan (2001), Water (2005), and more.
  
• Continued praised performances in Firaaq (2008), Peepli Live (2010), Newton (2017), Piku (2015), and Pagglait (2021).
  
  

Television & Web Contributions

• Rose to fame with Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne (1989), followed by roles in Chacha Chaudhary, Mullah Nasruddin, and Arjun Pandit.

• Achieved OTT success as Pradhan in Panchayat (Prime Video, 2020–present), earning widespread acclaim and fan love.
  
• Appeared in popular series like Ray, The Great Indian Murder, and The Railway Men
  
  

Music & Voice Work

• A skilled composer and singer, he has contributed to film scores (Rudaali, Dilli 6) and iconic advertising jingles like “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai”.

• Performed title tracks for Chacha Chaudhary and contributed to Coke Studio’s Lamh Tera.

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Other Details

Contributions Beyond Work

Raghubir’s influence extends deeper than his on-screen roles. A champion of theatre arts, rural stories, and realistic portrayal, he remains grounded in simplicity. He supports the Aam Aadmi Party and advocates authentic storytelling over commercial allure.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Raghubir Yadav

From a small-town dropout to a national treasure, Raghubir Yadav’s biography is a testament to relentless passion and integrity. His relentless pursuit of character truth has enriched Indian arts in cinema, theatre, and digital media. With a net worth of ₹40 Crore and a legacy that transcends fame, he’s a living legend. Share your favorite Raghubir Yadav performance below—let’s celebrate the soul he brings to every role!

Other Facts:

• He fled home at 15 after flunking 11th grade, joining Parsi theatre at ₹2.50/day.
  
  
• In Delhi’s NSD days, he mastered costume design, makeup, and character embodiment through relentless practice.
  
  
• Known for depth-over-commercialism: “Acting is a dangerous word…one must capture a character’s soul”.
  
  
• He’s appeared in eight Oscar-nominated films—rare for any Indian actor.