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Rajesh Sharma

Rajesh Sharma is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Rajesh Sharma began their career in 2010 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 16 years. With over 90 credits to their name, Rajesh Sharma remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 10+ years, Rajesh Sharma's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.

Born
Age
45
90+Known Credits
5.1Avg Rating
veteranCareer Phase

Biography

Rajesh Sharma is an Indian actor primarily working in Hindi (Bollywood) and Bengali cinema, best known for character and supporting roles in mainstream Hindi films. He portrayed Keshav Banerjee, MS Dhoni's first cricket coach, in the 2016 biographical drama MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and played a pivotal supporting role in the 2013 heist thriller Special 26 directed by Neeraj Pandey. A graduate of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, he is known for grounded, naturalistic portrayals across genres — from political thriller (The Tashkent Files, 2019) to coming-of-age drama (B.A. Pass, 2013) and romantic comedy (Shuddh Desi Romance, 2013). His prolific output across two decades includes over 50 films, cementing his reputation as one of Hindi cinema's most reliable character actors.

Career Milestones

1996

Film debut in Maachis

2005

Bollywood comeback after Bengali theatre work

2013

Screen Awards nomination for Best Actor in Comic Role

2013

Major mainstream recognition with back-to-back prominent roles

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2020

Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Short Film

Iconic Roles

Joginder2013

Special 26

A CBI officer duped by conmen posing as government officials; one of Rajesh Sharma's most celebrated supporting roles that showcased his ability to blend comedy with drama.

Mausa ji2013

Shuddh Desi Romance

The bride's uncle whose disapproval and traditional outlook drives key tension in the film; a memorable comedic-dramatic character widely noted by critics.

Keshav Banerjee2016

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

Dhoni's school cricket coach who first recognizes his talent; a brief but emotionally resonant role that earned widespread praise for its authenticity.

Omkar Kashyap2019

The Tashkent Files

A political operative entangled in the mystery surrounding Lal Bahadur Shastri's death; a tightly written supporting role in a critically discussed investigative drama.

Defining Moments

2013

Joginder's involvement in the elaborate fake CBI raid heist sequences — operating as part of Akshay Kumar's con team with deadpan conviction

One of his early mainstream breakout ensemble roles in a critically and commercially successful thriller, cementing his reputation as a reliable character actor

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2013

Mausa Ji's flustered, comic-yet-warm presence throughout the chaotic wedding arrangements — grounding the film's romantic confusion with earthy small-town authenticity

Showcased his comic timing and natural ease in familial character roles; the performance drew attention to his ability to make peripheral characters feel fully lived-in

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2016

Keshav Banerjee's tearful pride watching Dhoni lift the 2011 World Cup trophy — a silent, emotionally loaded moment that conveys a coach's lifetime of belief vindicated without a single word of dialogue

Widely cited as one of the most poignant supporting performances in the film; Sharma conveyed years of mentorship and sacrifice in a wordless reaction shot that resonated deeply with audiences

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2016

Discovering teenage Dhoni as a football goalkeeper and convincing him to switch to wicket-keeping, delivering the pivotal pitch that sets the entire story in motion

The scene establishes the mentor-protégé bond at the heart of the biopic and is frequently referenced as Sharma's most memorable character-building moment

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2019

Omkar Kashyap's conspiracy-driven confrontations that gradually reveal layers of political complicity in the mystery surrounding Lal Bahadur Shastri's death

A darker, more morally complex role that demonstrated his range beyond comedy and warmth, earning notice in a film that sparked significant public debate

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The Numbers

Rajesh Sharma by the Numbers

Total Films0
Back-to-back Watch0 days+ 0h
Hit Ratio0%
Yrs Active0
Versatility0/10
Repeat Directors0
Biggest CollaborationManoj Joshi4 films together

If you watched every Rajesh Sharma film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 6 days and 0h. Most-paired with Manoj Joshi — 4 films together.

Collaboration Network

Collaboration Network

The Constellation

Top 10 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Rajesh Sharma.

Rajesh Sharmanfilms togetherSee full filmography →

Career Analytics

Genre Breakdown

Drama
27%
Comedy
26%
Thriller
15%
Action
11%
Horror
8%
Romance
6%
Mystery
3%
Crime
2%

Language Distribution

Hindi
92%
Hindi
6%
Hindi
2%

Films by Decade

33
2010s
29
2020s

Top Co-Actors

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Rajesh Sharma has worked most frequently with Raj Kumar Gupta (3 films), Neeraj Pandey (2 films), Anees Bazmee (2 films), Vishal Mishra (2 films), and Manoj Joshi (4 films).

Did You Know?

1

Rajesh Sharma is a prolific character actor in Hindi cinema, known for his strong supporting roles.

2

He made his film debut in 2003 with 'Chameli'.

3

He frequently collaborates with director Neeraj Pandey, appearing in films like 'Special 26' and 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story'.

4

He has a background in theatre and is an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD).

5

He often portrays authoritative figures like police officers, coaches, or government officials.

Legacy & Influence

Rajesh Sharma, born in 1971, has carved a distinct and indispensable niche in Indian cinema as one of its most reliable and versatile character actors. His career trajectory is a testament to the power of consistent, nuanced performances that elevate every project he is part of. Emerging prominently in the 2010s, Sharma became a familiar face in both mainstream Hindi cinema and impactful regional films, particularly in Bengali cinema where he has a strong presence. His contribution lies in his exceptional ability to embody a vast range of characters—from authoritative figures and compassionate mentors to comedic sidekicks and complex antagonists—with effortless authenticity and depth. He possesses a unique talent for making even smaller roles memorable, often providing the crucial emotional or narrative anchor in a film. A prime example is his portrayal of Dhoni's coach in the blockbuster biopic 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' (2016), where his grounded performance added significant gravitas and heart to the narrative. Similarly, in critically acclaimed films like 'Special 26' (2013), his presence complemented the ensemble cast perfectly. Sharma's filmography showcases a deliberate choice of scripts that often have social or historical substance, as seen in 'The Tashkent Files' (2019) and 'Ajmer 92' (2023). Beyond Bollywood, his work in Bengali cinema has earned him great respect, demonstrating his linguistic and cultural versatility. His impact is measured not in lead roles, but in the cumulative strength and credibility he brings to the Indian cinematic landscape. He represents the backbone of the industry—the skilled actor who ensures every scene, and thus every film, is richer and more believable. For aspiring actors, his career is a masterclass in building a respected and enduring presence through professionalism, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the craft.

Frequently Asked Questions