On July 15, 2025, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Vijay Raaz, a talented Indian actor, director, and voice-over artist. He is known for his unique style and strong screen presence in Hindi films. His life story is inspiring. It shows how passion and hard work can lead to success. Vijay Raaz has worked in over 90 films. He has played funny, serious, and even villain roles with ease. His deep voice and natural acting make him special. This article tells the story of Vijay Raaz’s life, career, and achievements in simple words.
Early Life And Education
Vijay Raaz was born on June 5, 1963, in Delhi, India. Some sources say he was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, but he grew up in Delhi. He came from a simple middle-class family. His father’s name was Mr. Raaz, and his mother was Mrs. Raaz. Vijay had a sister named Vidhya Raaz, who sadly passed away when she was two years old. As a child, Vijay loved acting and drama. He often took part in school plays. His love for acting grew stronger with time.
Vijay went to a local school in Delhi. After school, he joined P.G.D.A.V. College at the University of Delhi. There, he became part of a drama group called The Players. This group helped him learn acting skills. He performed in many college plays. Later, he joined the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi. NSD is a famous place for learning acting. Vijay worked hard there. He earned Rs. 12,000 per month while training. His first play at NSD was called “Pagal Ghar.” He played the role of an inspector. This experience shaped his future.
Struggles And Early Career
Vijay Raaz faced tough times early in life. He moved to Mumbai to become an actor. Mumbai is the heart of Bollywood. But life there was not easy. Vijay had little money. Sometimes, he could not afford proper food. He and his friend, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, lived together. They often ate only tea and Parle-G biscuits. Vijay never called this a struggle. He believed these hardships were part of chasing his dream. His positive attitude kept him going.
Vijay’s first big break came because of a famous actor, Naseeruddin Shah. Naseeruddin saw Vijay perform at NSD. He liked Vijay’s talent. He recommended Vijay for a film called *Bhopal Express* in 1999. This was Vijay’s first movie. He played a small role, but it was a start. Naseeruddin also suggested Vijay to director Mira Nair for *Monsoon Wedding* (2001). In this film, Vijay played a funny character named P.K. Dubey. People loved his acting. This role made him famous. After *Monsoon Wedding*, Vijay got many offers to act in movies.
Vijay Raaz Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vijay Raaz |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi, India (Some sources mention Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) |
| Family | Father: Mr. Raaz Mother: Mrs. Raaz Sister: Vidhya Raaz (died at age 2) Wife: Krishna Raaz (actress) Daughter: Tanishka Raaz |
| Education | - P.G.D.A.V. College, University of Delhi - National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi |
| Early Life | - Grew up in a middle-class family - Interested in acting from a young age - Joined school plays and drama group The Players in college |
| Career Start | - First play: Pagal Ghar (played an inspector) - First film: Bhopal Express (1999, small role) |
| Breakthrough Role | P.K. Dubey in Monsoon Wedding (2001) |
| Famous Films | - Run (2004): “Kauwa Biryani” scene - Raghu Romeo (2004): First lead role - Delhi Belly (2011) - Dedh Ishqiya (2014) - Stree (2018) - Gully Boy (2019) - Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) |
| Other Work | - Directed Kya Dilli Kya Lahore (2014) - Voice-over artist for films and ads - Acted in Tamil (Kaaki Sattai) and Malayalam (Monsoon Mangoes) films |
| Recent Projects | - Gulabo Sitabo (2020) - Lootcase (2020) - Toofaan (2021) - Murder in Mahim (2024, series) - Chandu Champion (2024) - Kartam Bhugtam (2024) - JNU: Jahangir National University (2025) |
| Upcoming Projects | Son of Sardaar 2 |
| Total Films | Over 90 films |
| Awards & Recognition | - Known for natural acting and comic timing - Praised for versatility in various roles - Called a “sixer-hitting” actor by Juhi Chaturvedi |
| Personal Life | - Married to Krishna Raaz - Has a daughter, Tanishka - Follows Hinduism - Enjoys reading philosophy and spirituality |
| Challenges Faced | - Struggled financially in early days in Mumbai - Survived on tea and biscuits - Arrested in Dubai (2005) for marijuana possession (later overcame the issue) |
| Personality | - Shy and humble - Avoids media attention - Values peace over fame or fortune |
| Philosophy | - Believes hardships shape your journey - Emphasizes dedication and talent |
| Legacy | - Inspiration to aspiring actors - Renowned for naturalistic and expressive performances - Respected figure in Indian cinema |
Rise to Fame
*Monsoon Wedding* was a turning point. Vijay’s role as P.K. Dubey was full of humor and charm. Audiences noticed his natural acting. Directors started offering him more roles. In 2000, he acted in a film called *Jungle* by Ram Gopal Varma. It was a small role, but it added to his experience. Vijay also appeared in a cameo in *Flop Show*, a popular TV series by Jaspal Bhatti. These small steps helped him grow.
In 2004, Vijay got his first lead role in *Raghu Romeo*. This movie was a hit. Vijay played a simple, confused man from a poor background. People praised his acting. The same year, he acted in *Run* with Abhishek Bachchan. His role as Ganesh was very funny. His “Kauwa Biryani” scene became very popular. Fans still remember it today. Vijay’s comic timing was perfect. He made people laugh with his unique style.
Versatility In Acting
Vijay Raaz is not just a comedian. He can play many types of roles. In *Delhi Belly* (2011), he played a dangerous gangster named Shyam. His serious acting scared and impressed audiences. In *Dedh Ishqiya* (2014), he again played a tough character. These roles showed he could do more than comedy. Vijay also acted in *Stree* (2018), a horror-comedy film. He played a funny yet mysterious man. In *Gully Boy* (2019), he had a small but powerful role. His acting added depth to the story.
In 2022, Vijay surprised everyone in *Gangubai Kathiawadi*. He played a transgender character named Razia Bai. This role was very different. People loved his bold performance. The film was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It was a big hit. Vijay’s ability to play such unique roles makes him special. He has also acted in Tamil and Malayalam films like *Kaaki Sattai* (2015) and *Monsoon Mangoes* (2015). This shows he can work in different languages.
Directing And Voice-Over Work
Vijay Raaz is not only an actor. In 2014, he directed a film called *Kya Dilli Kya Lahore*. He also acted in it as Rehmat Ali. The movie was about friendship between an Indian and a Pakistani soldier. It got good reviews. Vijay proved he could direct too. His deep, rough voice is another talent. He has done voice-overs for films and advertisements. His voice is unique. It grabs attention. This work has added to his fame and income.
Personal Life
Vijay Raaz is married to Krishna Raaz. She is also an actress. She has worked in films like *Gabbar is Back* and *Dekh Bhai Dekh*. The couple has a daughter named Tanishka Raaz. Vijay keeps his family life private. He does not share much about his personal life. He follows Hinduism and is proud of his Indian roots. Vijay loves reading books on philosophy and spirituality. These hobbies keep him calm and grounded.
In 2005, Vijay faced a tough moment. He was arrested in Dubai for having 25 grams of marijuana. This news shocked his fans. But Vijay moved past this incident. He focused on his career and rebuilt his image. His hard work and talent helped him stay strong.
Recent Work And Achievements
Vijay Raaz continues to shine in Bollywood. In 2020, he acted in films like *Gulabo Sitabo* and *Lootcase*. In 2021, he was part of *Toofaan*. In 2024, he appeared in *Murder in Mahim*, a thriller series. He also acted in *Chandu Champion*, a sports drama with Kartik Aaryan. In 2025, he is part of *JNU: Jahangir National University*. This film is about a student’s life. Vijay’s role is important. His recent film *Kartam Bhugtam* explores karma and astrology. Fans loved his acting in it.
Vijay has worked in over 90 films. He has done comedy, drama, and action roles. His performances are always fresh. He does not rehearse much. He acts naturally on set. This makes his work stand out. Directors like working with him. They say he is shy but very talented. Writer Juhi Chaturvedi once said Vijay is like a cricket player. On set, he hits “sixers” with his acting. This means he surprises everyone with his skills.
Personality And Philosophy
Vijay Raaz is a simple man. He does not like talking about himself. He avoids interviews. He once told a journalist he prefers sleeping over giving interviews. Vijay believes success is not about money or fame. For him, success is about peace of mind. He says life’s hardships are not struggles. They are part of chasing dreams. This thinking makes him different. He stays humble despite his fame.
Vijay’s journey inspires many. He had no big connections in Bollywood. Yet, he made a name for himself. His story shows that talent and hard work matter. He faced tough times but never gave up. Today, he is a respected actor. Young actors look up to him. His fans love his unique voice and acting style.
Legacy And Future
Vijay Raaz is a gem of Indian cinema. His work in films like *Monsoon Wedding*, *Run*, and *Gangubai Kathiawadi* will always be remembered. He brings life to every character. Whether it’s a funny role or a serious one, Vijay shines. His directorial work and voice-overs add to his talent. In the future, fans hope to see more of him. He is part of upcoming films like *Son of Sardaar 2*. His career is still growing.
Vijay’s life teaches us to follow our dreams. He started with small roles. He faced hardships. But he never stopped. His story is about hope and hard work. Vijay Raaz is a true example of talent winning over challenges. His fans eagerly wait for his next project. He continues to make Indian cinema proud.