What is Paresh Rawal's Net Worth?
Paresh Rawal is an Indian actor, stage performer, and politician who has a net worth of $13 million.
One of the most versatile character actors in modern Indian cinema, Rawal has spent more than four decades moving effortlessly between villainous roles, serious drama, broad comedy, and political satire. He first became widely known for intense supporting and antagonistic performances in films such as "Naam," "Ram Lakhan," "Sir," and "Mohra," before demonstrating an entirely different side of his talent in comedies including "Andaz Apna Apna," "Hera Pheri," "Hungama," "Hulchul," "Garam Masala," "Phir Hera Pheri," and "Welcome." His performance as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in "Hera Pheri" became one of the most recognizable comic characters in Hindi cinema.
Rawal has also earned acclaim for dramatic projects including "Sardar," "Woh Chokri," "OMG – Oh My God!," "Sanju," and "Uri: The Surgical Strike." He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1994 and received the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2014. Beyond film and theater, Rawal represented Ahmedabad East in India's Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019 and later served as chairman of the National School of Drama Society.
Early Life
Paresh Rawal was born on May 30, 1955, in Bombay, now Mumbai, India. He attended Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics and became heavily involved in theater while still a student. The college's active drama culture proved especially important to his development, introducing him to a circle of writers and performers who would become prominent figures in Gujarati theater.
Rawal spent years working on the stage before becoming a major screen actor. Theater remained an important part of his career even after he became one of Hindi cinema's busiest performers.
Film Career
Rawal began appearing on screen in the early 1980s, including work in Gujarati cinema, before establishing himself in Hindi films. His role in Rahul Rawail's "Arjun" helped introduce him to a broader audience, while his performance as the villainous Rana in Mahesh Bhatt's "Naam" brought him significant attention.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Rawal became one of Bollywood's most dependable character actors. His films during this period included "Kabzaa," "Ram Lakhan," "Swarg," "King Uncle," "Damini," "Sir," and "Mohra." He was especially effective at playing corrupt businessmen, criminals, politicians, and other antagonists without reducing the characters to simple caricatures.
Rawal's dramatic range was highlighted by his portrayal of Indian independence leader Vallabhbhai Patel in Ketan Mehta's "Sardar." In 1994, he received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in "Woh Chokri" and "Sir."
By the end of the 1990s, Rawal had undergone one of the more successful transformations in Indian film history, shifting from a performer strongly associated with villains to one of the country's most popular comic actors. His role as the eccentric landlord Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the 2000 comedy "Hera Pheri," alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, became particularly iconic.
A long run of successful comedies followed, including "Awara Paagal Deewana," "Hungama," "Hulchul," "Garam Masala," "Phir Hera Pheri," "Bhagam Bhag," "Malamaal Weekly," and "Welcome." Rawal continued to alternate those films with more serious roles, demonstrating a longevity uncommon for supporting actors.
In 2012, he starred as atheist shopkeeper Kanji Lal Mehta in "OMG – Oh My God!," a satirical comedy-drama about religion and organized faith. He later appeared in major films including "Sanju" and "Uri: The Surgical Strike," as well as projects such as "Sharmaji Namkeen" and "The Storyteller."
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Theater
Despite his film success, Rawal has remained closely connected to the stage. His theatrical work includes productions in both Hindi and Gujarati, with plays such as "Kishan vs Kanhaiya" and "Dear Father" becoming particularly well known.
"Kishan vs Kanhaiya," in which Rawal played an atheist who takes God to court after an insurance dispute, provided the foundation for "OMG – Oh My God!" His stage career has allowed him to continue performing live even while maintaining an extensive film schedule.
Political Career
Rawal entered national electoral politics as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. In the 2014 Indian general election, he contested the Ahmedabad East constituency in Gujarat and won by more than 326,000 votes, becoming a member of the 16th Lok Sabha.
He served in Parliament from 2014 to 2019 and did not seek another term in the 2019 election. In 2020, India's Ministry of Culture appointed Rawal chairman of the National School of Drama Society for a four-year term. The appointment brought him back to an institution centered on the art form that launched his career.
Financial Disclosure
Rawal's entry into electoral politics produced a rare public look at his finances. As part of his 2014 Lok Sabha candidacy, he submitted the mandatory sworn financial affidavit required by India's Election Commission.
The filing declared total assets of approximately ₹79.52 crore, equal to about $13 million at 2014 exchange rates, for Rawal, his wife, and dependents. It also listed approximately ₹8.15 crore in liabilities, equal to about $1.3 million at the time. The vast majority of the assets were held in Rawal's name. His disclosed holdings included substantial bank deposits, insurance policies, investments, loans and advances, jewelry, commercial property, and residential real estate.
Rawal also reported personal taxable income of approximately ₹8.22 crore for the 2012-13 financial year, equivalent to about $1.5 million using the average exchange rate for that financial year. Because the affidavit was filed in 2014, the figures represent a historical snapshot rather than his present financial position.
Personal Life
Paresh Rawal met actress and future Miss India winner Swaroop Sampat through Mumbai's theater community. They married in 1987. Sampat later became known not only for acting but also for her work in education and teacher training.
The couple has two sons, Aditya and Aniruddh. Rawal and Sampat have both remained closely connected to theater, education, and the arts throughout their marriage.
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