Biography
| Real Name | Jitendra Kumar |
| Nick Name | Mungerilal |
| Date of Birth | 25 June 1957 (Tuesday) |
| Age | 67 Years Old (Till 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Actor, Music Composer, Singer |
Family
| Father | Not Known |
| Mother | Not Known |
| Brother | Not Known |
| Sister | Not Known |
| Wife | Poornima Kharga (An employee in NSD – Ex-wife, m.1988 – div.1996) |
| Kids | Son– Achal Yadav Daughter– None |
Physical Measurements
| Height | 5 feet 3 Inches (1.61 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements |
Education
| School | Laxmi Narayan Yadav Higher Secondary School, Ranjhi, Jabalpur |
| College | National School of Drama, New Delhi |
| Qualification | A Masters Degree in Theatre |
Career
| Debut | Film: Massey Sahib (1985) Kubi Matthu Iyala (1992, Kannada film) TV: Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne (1989) |
Money Factor
| Net Worth | Rs. 1 Crore |
| House | Not Known |
| Car |
Social Media
| click here |
Here is Raghubir Yadav, a skilled man of many parts in Hindi Cinema!
Raghubir Yadav was born on June 25, 1957, in Jabalpur city of India. Yadav grew up with roots in a humble household and fostered an interest performing arts during his lower primary school days. As soon as he arrived there, he got to know about the popular forms of local folk theatre which made him so keen on acting that after coming back home at a practical age for it i.e 85 decided choosing this field. Raghubir’s journey from Jabalpur to being among the most celebrated faces of Indian cinema, television and theatre is a story no less than an inspiration.
Theatre Beginnings
Yadav graduated from the renowned National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi before getting into acting full-time. He started his career in theatre after passing from the National School of Drama (NSD) and was part of NSD Repertory Company which helped him to groom himself as a theatre actor. It also ensured a wide variety of plays that he got to work on and portray his versatility as an actor. His strong roots in theatre helped Yadav to build the foundation of his acting career.
Film Career
Yadav made his film debut with the highly-acclaimed “Massey Sahib” in 1985. Elaborating on the same, his performance as Francis Massey was indeed an attention-grabbing act and even fetched him international recognition along with FIPRESCI Critics Award at Venice Film Festival. This debut serial performance marked Yadav as a strong actor.
Significant Films, Performances
“Salaam Bombay!” Directed by Mira Nair,The film, also starred Yadav in a pivotal role and helped him step into the limelight. (In 1988) A film on the lives of street children in Mumbai, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Bandit Queen (1994): Playing Madho in this biographical film based on the life of Phoolan Devi, Yadav displayed his versatility to take up difficult and intense roles.
Lagaan (2001): In this Ashutosh Gowariker directorial, Yadav played a farmer named Bhura. One of Yadav’s most memorable performances was in the feature film “Lagaan,” which was nominated for an Academy Award in the foreign-language category.
TONY KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images”Peepli Live” (2010)A satire on farmer suicides in India, Yadav was praised for his role as Budhia. A movie was appreciated by critic the way it showcase rural India and its social message.
Television Success
Wildly successful on the silver screen, Raghubir Yadav He was a popular face on television and made his debut as the lead in the 1990s sitcom “Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne”. The quirky daydreams of an average man struck a chord with the audience leading to it becoming a cult hit and recognised Yadav as A list face all over the country.
He portrayal of the title character in “Chacha Chaudhary”, (a popular comic book superhero played by him), was another major television success. Yadav’s pot bellied, old Chacha Chaudhary drew a universal appeal with his portrayal of the wise and witty character that was loved by all ages.
Music and Singing
One fine thing about Raghubir Yadav is besides being an actor,he a singer and music composer as well. He has sung for a bunch of songs in movies and theatres. The depth and realness of the projects he has touched have mainly been due to his musical contributions. At the same time, Yadav performs a role of all-rounder by excellently modulating his music skills with acting.
Awards and Recognitions
Raghubir Yadav has been recognized as an actor throughout his career by many awards. The most outstanding featuring and publish referencies were made by:
FIPRESCI Critics Award for Massey Sahib(in the role of: Debut Performance) from The Venice Film festival
Yadav has been awarded the National Film Awards for his exceptionals in Indian cinema.
Filmfare Awards: He has won many nominations and awards for his work in Bollywood films as well as television.
Recognition and Personal Life:
Raghubir Yadav’s talent was internationally recognized when he became the first Indian actor to receive the prestigious Silver Peacock Best Actor Award at the 1987 International Film Festival of India.
In his personal life, Yadav married Purnima, an NSD employee, in 1988. The marriage faced turmoil, and they separated in 1996 after he filed for divorce. Post-separation, he started living with his girlfriend, Roshni Achreja, in Goregaon, Mumbai. Roshni, known for her role as “Ritu” in Zee TV’s popular show of the 1990s, ‘Banegi Apni Baat,’ became a household name.
Yadav’s relationship with his ex-wife, Poornima Kharga, also drew attention. He described her as a Nepalese national without an Indian passport and alleged that she was a tippler who danced for men at the Press Club.
Career Highlights:
Raghubir Yadav’s rise to fame was marked by his titular role in Prakash Jha’s cult comedy ‘Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne’ in 1989, which aired on Doordarshan TV. This role cemented his place in the Indian entertainment industry.
In 2001, he became a favorite among children with his portrayal of “Chacha Chaudhary” in the TV series based on the popular Indian comic book character. His character’s wisdom and wit left a lasting impression on viewers.
In 2010, Yadav showcased his musical talent by composing and singing the MP tourism ad commercial “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai.”
Achievements and Legacy:
Throughout his career, Raghubir Yadav has acted in more than 70 plays and performed in over 2500 shows. His versatility and dedication have earned him a loyal fan base. A staunch supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he remains actively involved in social causes.
Interestingly, if he hadn’t pursued acting, Yadav believes he would have followed in his family’s footsteps to become a farmer. His contribution to Indian cinema is remarkable, with eight of his films becoming India’s official entry for the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film category, including ‘Salaam Bombay,’ ‘Rudaali,’ ‘Lagaan,’ ‘1947 Earth,’ ‘Bandit Queen,’ ‘Peepli Live,’ ‘Water,’ and ‘Newton.’
Raghubir Yadav’s journey from a small village to the international stage is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for acting.
Raghubir Yadav (Pradhan Ji) On The Panchayat Effect
Almost four decades after his first film, and many more since his debut on stage, veteran actor Raghubir Yadav finds his career reaching new heights with his role in the acclaimed series “Panchayat.” The show, which has captivated audiences with its portrayal of life in a small Uttar Pradesh village, has given Yadav unprecedented recognition as “Pradhan ji.”
“As if what I have done in the past is forgotten. I am Pradhan ji,” Yadav, one of the most prominent faces of the parallel cinema and theatre movement, told PTI. Despite a career spanning decades across various mediums, it is this role that has struck a chord with the masses.
The series, now in its third season, revolves around the everyday struggles of village life. Yadav’s portrayal of the well-meaning but often befuddled village head has endeared him to viewers, leading to widespread adulation. “Everywhere I go, people call me Pradhan ji. Right now, I am shooting in Varanasi and people are wondering what is Pradhan ji doing amongst us,” he said during a phone interview.
At 66, Yadav acknowledges the enormous success of the show but remains cautious about letting it affect his performance. “I will take it in only after there are no more seasons left. Right now, I just worry about the quality of the show. I don’t want to be too happy or sad,” he said.
Yadav’s connection to the characters in “Panchayat” is deeply personal. “The characters shown in the series were the kind of people I grew up with or met during my Parsi theatre days. There was a simplicity and ease to life that is still inherent in our villages. That’s what the series has managed to translate without much artifice,” he said.
Yadav’s journey began in the village of Ranjhi in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district, a place without a school but rich in melody. He would sing film songs at local functions and perform bhajans at his grandfather’s temple, dreaming of a career in music. This dream led him to a Parsi theatre company, where he earned ₹2.50 daily and gained invaluable experience.
From there, Yadav’s path took him to Delhi’s National School of Drama (NSD), where he honed his craft for 13 years. “Since childhood, I don’t get too happy or sad about things. What people call a struggle, I believe is just motivation to work hard,” he said.
At NSD, under the direction of Ebrahim Alkazi, Yadav chose to learn everything, diving into stagecraft. This experience has deeply informed his acting, giving him an innate understanding of space and movement on stage.
Off-screen, Yadav finds solace in craftsmanship. “I have a small workshop at home and when I am not doing anything, I craft little things like flutes and stuff. I also sometimes pick up the broom and clean the house or get into the kitchen. I find it therapeutic,” he said.
Reflecting on his enduring career, Yadav sees acting as a never-ending journey of learning. “The field of arts and culture is like an ocean. You can never have enough. If I am honest, I feel one lifetime is too short for it. There is so much to do for everyone. I feel I should learn the best I can and maybe I can excel in my next life because one life is not enough,” he said.
Yadav’s impressive filmography includes acclaimed films like “Salaam Bombay!”, “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda”, “Dharavi”, “Maya Memsaab”, “Bandit Queen”, “Saaz”, and commercial hits like “Dil Se..”, “Lagaan”, “Dilli 6”, “Peepli Live”, “Piku”, “Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar”, and the recent “Kathal”.
His television work has been equally notable, from “Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne” to “Chacha Chowdhary”. Throughout his career, Yadav has maintained a commitment to quality over quantity, often turning down lucrative but subpar roles to stay true to his craft.
Now, as theatre returns to normalcy post-pandemic, Yadav is planning three stage shows in Delhi, including “Piano”, “Sanam Doob Gaye”, and an adaptation of Fanishwar Nath Renu’s “Maare Gaye Gulfam”. “Because I belong to the Parsi theatre, I have brought those elements in it. I have adapted it in my own way,” he said.
Raghubir Yadav’s journey, marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire. As “Pradhan ji” in “Panchayat”, he has once again proven his ability to connect with audiences, reinforcing his status as a cherished figure in Indian cinema and theatre.
Controversies
Although Raghubir Yadav has been relatively free of major controversies, he did go through a highly publicised legal battle with his wife Poornima. It was a high-profile legal battle, rife with accusations and counterclaims. But Yadav has always been low key about his personal life and was last seen flaunting in public with the gorgeous Kulkarni.
Continued Relevance
In an industry where one seldom sees longevity, Raghubir Yadav has managed not only to stay relevant but active even after decades in the game. He was last seen in web series and movies that strike a chord with present-day crowds. Yadav’s willingness to ride the crest and trough of new styles while not abandoning his original sound has kept him relevant with a youthful audience.
Future Prospects
In conclusion, Raghubir Yadav is a one of kinds talent that continues to dazzle the audience in his unique style. View his industry experience and multifaceted skills as columns which add to the various capabilities he brings into any project. The legacy of Yadav, then, will continue to live on and his work as a pioneering actor and artist – one who moulded the Indian entertainment industry in its nascent days into what it is today – resonates with generations to come.
Conclusion
The staggering scope of Raghubir Yadav’s talent and commitment is clear from his journey, which began in the nondescript town of Jabalpur before he conquered Indian cinema and television. Yadav, who had a career spanning over multiple decades has made his mark in entertainment capital. Over the years he has become a household name through his performances, be it on stage or in film and television.
Raghubir Yadav: With his acting, singing and music composition skills as precious gems of the crown spells versatility in its true sense. He is considered to be one of the most popular entertainers in India because his performance brought life to characters with a realistic and genuine depth. Raghubir Yadav will be remembered for years to come and people of different generations would get fascinate by his work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raghubir Yadav
1. Does Raghubir Yadav smoke?
- Not Known.
2. Does Raghubir Yadav drink alcohol?
- Not Known.
3. What is Raghubir Yadav’s background?
- Raghubir Yadav was born into a modest family of farmers. He developed an interest in acting since his childhood.
4. How did Raghubir Yadav start his acting career?
- After failing in the 11th standard, he ran away from home and joined a Parsi theatre in 1967. He worked there until 1973 and later worked at the Rangoli Puppet Theatre in Lucknow from 1973-1974. He refined his acting skills at the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi from 1977 to 1986.
5. What is Raghubir Yadav’s notable early work?
- He rose to fame with his titular character in Prakash Jha’s cult comedy ‘Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne’ in 1989.
6. Has Raghubir Yadav received any prestigious awards?
- Yes, he is the first Indian actor to receive the prestigious Silver Peacock Best Actor Award at the 1987 International Film Festival of India.
7. What is known about Raghubir Yadav’s personal life?
- He got married to Purnima, an NSD employee, in 1988. They separated in 1996 after he filed for divorce. He later started living with his girlfriend, Roshni Achreja, who became known for her role in Zee TV’s ‘Banegi Apni Baat.’
8. What was Raghubir Yadav’s role in children’s television?
- In 2001, he became a favorite among kids with his role as “Chacha Chaudhary” in a TV series based on the popular Indian comic book character.
9. Has Raghubir Yadav contributed to any advertisements?
- Yes, in 2010, he composed and sang the MP tourism ad commercial “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai.”
10. How many plays and shows has Raghubir Yadav done?
- He has acted in more than 70 plays and performed in over 2500 shows.
11. What are some of Raghubir Yadav’s notable film contributions?
- Eight of his films have become India’s official entry for the Oscars for the Best Foreign Language Film category, including ‘Salaam Bombay,’ ‘Rudaali,’ ‘Lagaan,’ ‘1947 Earth,’ ‘Bandit Queen,’ ‘Peepli Live,’ ‘Water,’ and ‘Newton.’
12. Which political party does Raghubir Yadav support?
- He is a loyal supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
13. What would Raghubir Yadav have been if he wasn’t an actor?
- If he wasn’t an actor, he would have been a farmer.