Learn about the renowned Indian actor and producer, Girija Shankar, best known for his iconic portrayal of Dhritrashtra in the epic television series “Mahabharat.” This comprehensive biography delves into his life, career, and personal details.
Wiki/Biography
Girija Shankar was born in 1960 (age 59 as of 2019) in Patiala, Punjab. His childhood dream was to join the air force. He even attempted the entrance exam but was unfortunately underage. He graduated from Punjabi University, Patiala. He then aimed to attend the National School of Drama in Delhi, but personal reasons prevented his enrollment. He subsequently began his acting training at an acting institute in Patiala. There, he met Harpal Tivana, with whom he collaborated on theater productions for about five years. Later, he moved to Delhi and subsequently Mumbai to further pursue his theater career. In Mumbai, he shared the stage with many prominent actors.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
While details about his parents remain limited, we know Girija Shankar is married to Malvinder Shankar, a writer.
Career
Girija Shankar’s acting journey began in 1988 with his memorable role as Dhritrashtra in the television series “Mahabharat.” This role brought him widespread recognition and opened doors to numerous roles in Hindi, Punjabi, and Tamil films. Some notable films include “Daata” (1989), “Maut Ki Sazaa” (1991), “Kal Ki Awaaz” (1992), “Mr. Azad” (1994), “Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai” (2002), “Khwaab” (2004), and “Baghi” (2006).
His talents extended beyond Bollywood. He also appeared in several Hollywood films. In 2006, he made his directorial debut with the English film “Banana Brothers,” a story about two young men pursuing their dreams in San Francisco. He’s also graced popular television shows like “Buniyaad” and “Charchit”.
Favourite Things
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
| Actress | Hema Malini |
| Travel Destinations | Los Angeles, New York |
| Colour | White |
Facts/Trivia
As of 2020, Girija Shankar resided in America with his family. In an interview, he revealed his unfamiliarity with the character of Dhritrashtra before taking on the role in “Mahabharat.” To accurately portray the blind Dhritrashtra, he spent several days observing and learning from students at blind schools.
