Parikshat Sahni
Parikshat Sahni is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Parikshat Sahni began their career in 1979. With 30 credits to their name, Parikshat Sahni remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 40+ years, Parikshat Sahni's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Kaala Patthar (7.5)
View film →Iconic Roles
In Custody
Played a supporting role in this Merchant Ivory production about the decline of Urdu poetry.
Umrao Jaan
Portrayed a nobleman in this musical drama about a courtesan.
Mahabharat
Played the maternal uncle of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the iconic television series.
Defining Moments
Film Debut
Made his acting debut in the film 'Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani'.
Television Breakthrough
Gained widespread recognition for his role as Shalya in the television epic 'Mahabharat'.
National Award
Won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Shaheed-E-Mohabbat Boota Singh'.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →

Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Parikshat Sahni is the son of veteran actor and filmmaker Balraj Sahni.
He studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
He made his film debut in the 1967 film 'Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani'.
He has worked extensively in television, notably in the popular serial 'Mahabharat' (1988) as Shalya.
He is also a published author, having written an autobiography titled 'The Non-Conformist: Memories of My Father Balraj Sahni'.
Photos
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Legacy & Influence
Parikshat Sahni is a respected character actor in Indian cinema, known for his steady presence and versatility across a career spanning several decades. The son of veteran actor Balraj Sahni, he entered the industry with a legacy to uphold and carved his own niche through reliable performances. His career trajectory shows a shift from early work in Punjabi cinema and supporting roles in Hindi films to more prominent character parts in later years. A significant contribution was his role in the acclaimed art film 'In Custody' (1993), directed by Ismail Merchant, where he played a pivotal part in an adaptation of Anita Desai's novel, showcasing his ability in serious, literary cinema. He also appeared in notable films like 'Umrao Jaan' (2006). Beyond Hindi cinema, Sahni has been active in Punjabi films and television, including a long-running role in the popular TV series 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,' which endeared him to a new generation of audiences. His work is characterized by a natural, understated acting style, often portraying dignified or authoritative figures. While not always in the limelight, his consistent output and dedication to his craft have made him a familiar and dependable figure in the industry, contributing to the depth and range of character acting in Indian cinema.