Virendra Razdan (6 March 1951 – 13 June 2003) was an Indian actor. He is best known to international audiences for his portrayal of Maulana Azad, a leading figure of the Indian independence movement, in the 1982 biographical film Gandhi directed by Richard Attenborough.
Early life Virendra Razdan was born on 6 March 1951 to a middle class Brahmin family at Srinagar, Kashmir, India. His father Govind Razdan was a Sufi Musician. He aspired to become an actor and worked with few theatre groups in his teen age. He also served as Radio Jockey at Radio Kashmir during early 70’s. It was during 1972 at a mere age of 21 Years, he applied and was selected for a 3 Year Degree course into Acting and Theatre under the guidance of Dr. Ibrahim Alkazi at National School of Drama (NSD) & one year Diploma (Post Grad) course from FTII, Pune.
Acting career After graduating he was offered a role as a lecturer at NSD. It was during 1979-80 that Sir Richard Attenborough visited India in search of talented indian actors for his upcoming movie Gandhi. Attenborough visited NSD as it was the biggest premier Institute for acting and discovered Mr. Razdan along with a pool of talented theatre artists for his film.
Mr. Razdan was chosen for a role of Maulana Azad and that’s how his journey as an actor began. Gandhi was a big success and won 8 Academy Awards from 11 Nominations. His next project was B.R Chopra’s Mahabharat where he played Vidur which again was the biggest success story in indian Television History.
Death Razdan died in Mumbai on 13 June 2003, due to stomach cancer at the age of 52.
Filmography Films Year Title Role Notes1982 Gandhi Maulana Azad 1983 The Lost Ruby Chief Minister of King BBC Film Festival (Short Film)1984 Wasta 1985 Yaadon Ki Kasam Fake Landlord https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x17dii7 (3:42 onwards)1985 Doongar Ro Bhed https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266480 1986 Shart 1990 Jaan Lada Denge Inspector Gayakwad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igwwwcKosxc (1:02:42 Onwards)1990 Prakope 1992 Kal Ki Awaz Mr. Malhotra (Saptahik Aawaaz Reporter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyBUG3XeQQk (11:37 Onwards) 1993 Aaja Meri Jaan Mr. Agarwal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_JuGy3RmYU (10:04 Onwards) 1996 Zulm Hi Zulm Inspector https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5plXr6BrCo (2:48 Onwards)1998 Zanjeer: The Chain Kaka https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NitHmEVZg0Y&t=1422s (17:03 Onwards)2001 Bub Ratanlal (Vinod’s Uncle) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1262868 2008 Yaar Meri Zindagi Pujari (Flashback Story Narrator) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_izPflaWH60 (2:21 Onwards) Delayed Release.
Television Year Serial Role Notes 1985 Darpan 1985 Ek Kahaani 1986 Katha Sagar 1988 Mahabharat Mahatma Vidur 1988 Bharat Ek Khoj Many Characters 1991 Majdhaar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AnnEZXy4Io (Promo 0:10 Onwards) 1993 Dillagi Mr. Shrivastava 1993 Junoon Advocate Adhikari 1994 Aasmaan Se Aagey Mr. Raghuraj 1995 Vishwamitra Rishi Kanva 1995 Kanoon (TV series) Kanoon Narendra Khanna 1995 Saaye Deodar Ke Madhav (Hakeem) 1995 Zameen Farmer 1996 Aurat Mr. Rajendra Kumar (Advocate) 1996 Yug Raheem Chacha 1996 Ehsaas2 (Zameer) Inspector 1996 Parvarish 1997 Mahayodha 2000 Vishnu Puraan Maharishi Bhrigu 2000 Jap Tap Vrat Dev Vishvakarma 2002 Jab Apne Hue Paraye
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