Amar Upadhyay
Upadhyay in 2013
Born (1976-08-01) 1 August 1976 (age 47)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
OccupationActor
Years active1993–present
SpouseHetal Upadhyay
Children2

Amar Upadhyay (born 1 August 1976) is an Indian actor who is best known for his work in Hindi Television.[1][2] He started his career with modelling and he is best known for his collaborations with Ekta Kapoor in the television shows namely Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–2002), Kalash (2000–2002), Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2005), Kkusum (2005) and Molkki (2020–2022).[3] In 2011, he participated in Bigg Boss and emergeed as a finalist.

His other television shows include Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993–1994), Viraasat (2006–2007), Chand Ke Paar Chalo (2008–2009), Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (2015–2017), Ek Deewaana Tha (2017–2018), Ishqbaaaz (2019) and Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho (2022–2023). Apart from television shows, he has appeared in many films like Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge! (1998), Dhund: The Fog (2003), LOC Kargil (2003), 13B (2009), It's My Life (2020), Kaagaz (2021) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022).

Early life

Amar Upadhyay was born on 1 August 1976 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat into a Gujarati family.[4][5] He grew up in the Malad suburb of Mumbai,[6] and studied chemical engineering in college.[7] After graduation, he attended the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.[citation needed]

Career

In 1993, some of his photographs appeared in Stardust magazine, which led to Jaya Bachchan offering him the TV series Dekh Bhai Dekh.[8] This was followed by numerous TV series like Arzoo, Suhana Safar, Tulsi and Aruna Irani's Mehndi Tere Naam Ki.

Eventually, he became famous in 2000 with the mega TV daily soap, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000). In fact, when his character Mihir 'died' in 2001, it was followed by protest marches, the TV channel's head office was flooded with phone-calls and letters, eventually his character came back to life, and he is still recounted amongst TV superstars.[9][10]

After his success in television, he ventured into film with Dahshat 2003, followed by a big launch, Dhund – The Fog (2003),[11] along with Aditi Govitrikar, directed by Sham Ramsay, and later he appeared in J.P. Dutta's war movie, LOC Kargil (2003). He also had a role in R Madhavan starrer 13B (2009). He also appeared in some bhojpuri films like Dharam Veer (2008), Hum Bahubali (2008), Tu Babuaa Hamaar (2008), E Rishta Anmol Baa (2009).[12] Unfortunately, his film career did not turn out as expected.[13]

Subsequently, he returned to television after a two-year hiatus, playing a key role in the serial Chand Ke Paar Chalo (2009) on NDTV Imagine.[14][15] Then he appeared in many television serials mostly playing recurring or negative roles namely in Doli Saja Ke (2009), Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai (2009), Police Files (2012), Ek Thhi Naayka (2013) and Savdhaan India (2013).[citation needed] In October 2011 he joined the fifth season of the reality TV series Bigg Boss and finished in fifth place.[16][17][18]

In 2015, he entered Star Plus's popular long-running series Saath Nibhaana Saathiya as the parallel lead role of Dharam Suryavanshi opposite Tanya Sharma. He played the character till the ending of the show in 2017. For his portrayal of Dharam Suryavanshi, he won the Gold Award for best supporting actor.[19] He also starred in Sony Entertainment Television show Ek Deewaana Tha (2017–18) as Rajan Bedi, the antagonist. His performance in the show was highly praised.

In November 2020, Amar reunited with his Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi producers Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor for a television show titled Molkki.[20] He plays the main lead Virendra Pratapsingh in Molkki which is telecast on Colors TV.[21][22] In 2021, he appeared in the Satish Kaushik directorial Kaagaz, which stars Pankaj Tripathi in the lead. He played the role of Vidhayak Jaganpal Singh, the main antagonist. The film was released on Zee5 and produced by Salman Khan.[23][24][25]

Amar also made a small appearance in the Abhishek Bachchan starrer Bob Biswas (2021), which was directed by Sujoy Ghosh's daughter Diya Ghosh in her directorial debut.[26][27] It was released on Zee5.[28] He was also seen in Anees Bazmee directorial Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu in lead.[29]

He was also set to appear as a lead in Nima Denzongpa, but his entry was later scrapped due to show going off-air.[30][31]

In 2022, he portrayed Rama in Dangal channel television show Jai Hanuman - Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo.[32] Later that year, he announced his television show Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho, as an actor and a producer.[33] The show aired on Shemaroo Umang. From November 2023 to January 2024, he played the role of Ganga Thakur / Ganga Prasad in Colors TV's serial Doree

Personal life

He has been married to Hetal Upadhyay, who is an engineer.[34] They have a son Aryaman and a daughter Chenab.[35][36]

He is also a black belt holder in Taekwondo.[37]

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Notes
1998 Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge! Ajay / Devdas
2000 Dahshat Vicky
2001 Censor
2003 Dhund: The Fog Sameer
Jodi Kya Banayi Wah Wah Ramji Vishal
LOC Kargil Captain Vijayanth Thapar
2008 Dharam Veer Veer Bhojpuri film
Hum Bahubali
Tu Babuaa Hamaar
2009 E Rishta Anmol Baa
13B Mohan Tamil Film
2012 Overtime
Naagin Bani Suhagan
2016 Music Meri Jaan Judge
2017 Aav Taru Kari Nakhu Dushyant Gujarati film
2020 It's My Life Shekhar Sharma
2021 Kaagaz Vidhayak Jaganpal Singh
Jayanti Vikas Kukreja Marathi film
Bob Biswas Saubhik Das
2022 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Uday Thakur

Television

Year Serial Role Notes
1993–1994 Dekh Bhai Dekh Sahil Diwan
1994 Rajani Rajani's Brother-In-Law
1998 Saturday Suspense Sohail (Episode 78) Episodic role
1999 Aahat Vishal Episode 174 & Episode 175
2000 Rishtey Rajan Episode 125
2000–2002 Mehndi Tere Naam Ki Akshat Lead Role
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Mihir Virani
Kalash Ram
2001 Kaun Banega Crorepati Guest Along with Smriti Irani
2003–2004 Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand Dev Malik
2003; 2005 Rohit Sharma
2004–2005 Saathiya – Pyar Ka Naya Ehsaas Kshitij Singhania
2005 Kasautii Zindagii Kay Advocate Mahesh Bajaj
Kkusum Dr. Abhinav Gautam
2006 CID – Murder In The Safety Vault Inspector Rishi Episodic role
2006–2007 Viraasat Kunal Kharbanda
2007 CID – Return Of The Clown Harry (Episode 478) Episodic role
2008–2009 Chand Ke Paar Chalo Arjun Oberoi
2009 Dhoop Mein Thandi Chaav...Maa Shekhar
Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke Samar
Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai Advocate Dhananjay Singhania Cameo
2011–2012 Bigg Boss 5 Contestant 4th Runner up
2012 Crime Files - Producer[38]
2012 Police Files Host[39]
Sabse Bade Ladaiya Alha
2013 Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki Contestant
Ek Thhi Naayka Mukesh Mehta Episodic role; Episode 5 & Episode 6
Savdhaan India Host
2015–2017 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya Dharam Suryavanshi
2017–2018 Ek Deewaana Tha Rajan Bedi
2019 Singardaan Mr. Gupta Ullu original series
2019 Ishqbaaaz Sahil Chaturvedi
2020–2022 Molkki Veerendra Pratapsingh
2021 Bigg Boss 14 Guest
Namak Issk Ka Veerendra Pratapsingh For Holi Celebration
Sirf Tum For New Year Celebration
2022 Jai Hanuman – Sankatmochan Naam Tiharo Rama
2022–2023 Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho Karan Pratapsingh Also producer
2023 Scoop Sumeet Netflix series
Bigg Boss 17 Ganga Thakur / Ganga Prasad To promote his show Doree
2023–2024 Doree [40]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Show Award Work Result Ref(s)
2001 Indian Television Academy Awards Best Actor Popular Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Won [41]
2002 Nominated [42]
Indian Telly Awards Best Television Personality Won [43]
Kalakar Awards Best Actor Popular Won [44]
2018 Gold Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Saath Nibhaana Saathiya Won [45]
2021 International Iconic Awards Most Bankable Star of the Year Molkki Won [46]
Most Popular Face of Indian Television (Male) Nominated

References

  1. ^ Mona (8 August 2021). "I enjoy road trips says actor Amar Upadhyay". Tribune India. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  2. ^ S Farah Rizvi (25 November 2020). "I had to learn and unlearn a lot to carve a niche for myself". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. ^ Hasti Doshi (5 October 2020). "Doing a show with Ekta Kapoor again feels like I am back home:- Amar Upadhyay". Times of India.
  4. ^ Mishra, Abhimanyu (6 February 2017). "If we make good films, we can bring back the golden era of Gujarati films". The Times of India. Ahmedabad. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  5. ^ "Fans pay tribute to Amar Upadhyay on his 45th birthday in a noble way". The Times of India. 1 August 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  6. ^ "A sneak peek into Amar Upadhyay's home". Hindustan Times. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  7. ^ PTI (20 February 2003). "Aditi and Amar chat". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  8. ^ "Amar Upadhyay On Working With Jaya Bachchan In Dekh Bhai Dekh: "She Used To Always Treat Us With Respect & I Saw Her As My Mother"". Koimoi. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  9. ^ Sahu, Deepika (21 August 2007). "Who's the biggest superstar on TV?". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  10. ^ "Dead man walking: Amar Upadhyay". The Times of India. 13 July 2001. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011.
  11. ^ "Mystery in the mist: 'Dhund – The Fog', a musical murder mystery." The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 February 2003. Archived from the original on 14 November 2003.
  12. ^ "Amar Upadhyay Debuts In Gujarati Cinema". Garavi Gujarat. Garavi Gujarat Publications. Retrieved 27 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ "इस फिल्‍म से गुजराती सिने जगत में उतरेंगे अमर उपाध्याय, जानिये, कैसे मिली फिल्‍म?". FilmKafe. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  14. ^ "Playing safe with Amar Upadhyay". Rediff.com Movies. 15 March 2002.
  15. ^ Pereira, Priyanka (9 December 2008). "Part Deux". The Indian Express. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  16. ^ "Amar Upadhyay Bigg Boss Season 5". biggboss.in.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Cops in Bigg Boss for Amar Upadhyay?". Hindustan Times. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  18. ^ IBN Live (27 February 2015). "Amar Upadhyay:- The ladies man of Bigg Boss". News18. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  19. ^ "Amar Upadhyay: So what if I am romancing someone much younger than me? - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  20. ^ Bhatnagar, Akash (5 October 2020). "Ekta Kapoor and Amar 'Mihir' Upadhyay team up to spread awareness about the age-old practice of Molkki brides". Mumbai Mirror.
  21. ^ Choudhary, Sagarika (13 November 2020). "Priyal Mahajan to romance Amar Upadhyay who is twice her age in upcoming social drama Molkki". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  22. ^ "Filmography". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 11 April 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  23. ^ IANS (10 October 2018). "Satish Kaushik's next directorial titled 'Kaagaz'". Business Standard India. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  24. ^ Mankad, Himesh (4 January 2019). "Salman Khan to produce Satish Kaushik's directorial Kagaz". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  25. ^ "Salman Khan lends his voice for the first time for a pensive poem in Pankaj Tripathi starrer Kaagaz; WATCH". PINKVILLA. 9 January 2021. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  26. ^ Manisha Suthar (12 March 2020). "Amar Upadhyay and Tina Desai in Abhishek Bachchan starrer Bob Biswas". IWM Buzz. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  27. ^ "Abhishek Bachchan transforms into cold-blooded killer Bob Biswas in new teaser: 'Nazar aap par hai'". The Indian Express. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  28. ^ "'Bob Biswas' movie review: Abhishek Bachchan is excellent in this crime drama filled with emotions, suspense". DNA India. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  29. ^ Priyanka Pasupuleti (23 October 2021). "Amar Upadhyay on sharing screen with Tabu". Telangana Today.
  30. ^ "Molkki actor Amar Upadhyay to enter Surabhi Das show Nima Denzongpa". Pinkvilla. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  31. ^ Tiwari, Vijaya (17 July 2022). "Exclusive - Amar Upadhyay's entry in Nima Denzongpa scrapped; actor confirms the news". Times of India. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  32. ^ "Amar Upadhyay fulfills his dream of playing Lord Ram onscreen". Bollywood Hungama. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  33. ^ Doshi, Hasti (28 November 2022). "Exclusive! Amar Upadhyay on turning TV producer and why the title of his first TV show has the word 'Kyunki' in it". The Times of India.
  34. ^ IANS (18 February 2020). "Actor Amar Upadhyay and his wife Hetal Upadhyay at the wedding reception of Celebrity manager Riku Rakesh Nath's daughter Dakshina Nath in Mumbai on Feb 17, 2020". Bollywood Pub. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  35. ^ Rawal, Sugandha (22 November 2021). "Amar Upadhyay doesn't want to be a Godfather, wants his son to make his own way in the industry". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  36. ^ "मिलिए, 'क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी' के मिहिर वीरानी यानी अमर उपाध्याय की डार्लिंग बेटी चेनाब से" [Meet Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actor Amar Upadhyay's daughter Chenab Upadhyay]. Navbharat Times. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  37. ^ "Amar Upadhyay: Amar of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a Black belt in taekwondo. Amar was keen that his children Aryaman and Chenab learn selfdefence techniques and in the process, learnt martial arts. His son Aryaman is a black belt while daughter Chenab is a red belt in taekwondo". The Times of India. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  38. ^ "All for the big bucks - Amar Upadhyay". The Tribune. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  39. ^ "Amar Upadhyay to host crime show 'Police Files'". News 18. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  40. ^ Maheshwari, Neha (5 September 2023). "Exclusive! Sudhaa Chandran, Amar Upadhyay and Toral Rasputra to feature in Kinnari and Jay Mehtaa's show". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  41. ^ "The Indian Television Academy Awards 2001". GR8 Mag. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  42. ^ "The Indian Television Academy Awards 2002". IMDb. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  43. ^ "The Indian Telly Awards". Rediff. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  44. ^ "Our Past Awardees" (PDF). kalakarawards.co.in. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  45. ^ "Lions Gold Awards 2018 complete list of winners". Sify. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  46. ^ Muskaan Batra (21 July 2021). "International Iconic Awards 2021". Buzz, The Silly Tv. Retrieved 24 August 2021.

External links

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Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role
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