Swaroop Sampat, a celebrated Indian actress and model, achieved fame after winning the Miss India title in 1979. This post delves into her life, career, and contributions beyond the entertainment world.

Biography/Wiki

Born on November 3, 1958, in Gujarat, Swaroop Sampat’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. She graduated from Elphinstone College in Mumbai and later earned a Ph.D. in Education and Drama from the University of Worcester, England in 2006. Her passion for acting blossomed early, leading her to the limelight after her Miss India victory.

Beyond acting and modeling, Swaroop is a prolific writer and dedicated educationist. Her notable role as “Renu” in the television serial “Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi” solidified her place in the hearts of Indian audiences. Her career spans Bollywood films, television serials, and theatre performances.

Physical Appearance

Standing at approximately 5’5″ and weighing around 55 kg, Swaroop possesses striking black eyes and hair. She’s consistently maintained a traditional yet elegant image, captivating audiences in diverse roles.

Family, Caste & Husband

Hailing from a Gujarati Hindu family, Swaroop’s father, Bachu Sampat, was a renowned Gujarati theatre artist, and her mother a surgical oncologist. She is married to the acclaimed Indian actor Paresh Rawal.

Their relationship began in 1970 during their college years. After a 17-year courtship, they wed in 1987 at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Mumbai. The couple has two sons: Aniruddh Rawal, an assistant director who also worked with Naseeruddin Shah, and Aditya Rawal, a screenplay writer and theatre graduate from the London International School of Performing Arts.

Career

Swaroop’s acting journey began during her college days with Gujarati theatre productions. Winning Miss India in 1979 opened doors to the Hindi film industry. Her Bollywood debut was in “Nakhuda” (1981), followed by roles in films like “Sawaal,” “Himmatwala,” “Lorie,” and “Karishma.”

Her television debut in the popular comedy series “Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi” brought her widespread recognition. She also appeared in notable shows such as “Yeh Duniya Gazab Ki,” “All The Best,” and “Shanti.” Her film career continued with roles in “Saathiya” (2002), “Ki and Ka” (2016), and “Uri: The Surgical Strike” (2018).

Swaroop’s talents extend beyond acting. She has directed and acted in numerous Marathi and Gujarati plays alongside Paresh Rawal. She’s also appeared in several commercials and modeling assignments. In 2018, she starred in the web series “The Great Indian Dysfunctional Family.” Notably, she’s dedicated herself to training disabled children in acting and advocating for better education for children in rural areas.

Her commitment to education led her to author “Learning Disabilities in a Nutshell: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia,” a valuable resource for children with learning disabilities, teachers, and parents. She serves on the board of “Save the Children India” and has actively championed children’s education, including working with the Gujarat Council for Educational Research and Training.

Favourite Things

Her favorite Bollywood stars are Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading and spending time with children.

Facts

• Initially hesitant, she entered the Miss India contest at her father’s encouragement.
• Reports suggest she chose “Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi” over another popular television serial.
• Narendra Modi famously called her “Gujarat’s Master Ji.”
• Her wedding ceremony, “Satphere,” uniquely took place under large trees instead of a traditional mandap.

Both her sons have pursued careers in the arts. Aniruddh worked as an assistant director on “Sultan” and collaborated with Naseeruddin Shah. Aditya appeared in “Ferrari Ki Sawaari” and created the documentary, “Drama-in-Education: Taking Gandhi Out of the Textbook.”

Swaroop’s passion for assisting children with special needs fueled her pursuit of a doctorate in education. She’s a follower of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Key Milestones in Swaroop Sampat’s Career