Raj Babbar

Biography

Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh) is an acclaimed Indian actor and politician known for his extensive work in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, as well as his long and influential political career. Born into a Punjabi family settled in Tundla, Firozabad, after Partition, he completed his schooling at Mufid-E-Aam Inter College, Agra, and later graduated from Agra College. He is also an alumnus of the National School of Drama (Class of 1975), where he trained in Method Acting and performed in street theatre before moving to Mumbai.

Film Career

Raj Babbar made his entry into films opposite Reena Roy and quickly gained attention for his powerful screen presence. His breakthrough came with the controversial and critically acclaimed Insaf Ka Tarazu (1980), in which his chilling portrayal of a rapist earned him strong recognition as a compelling antagonist.

During the 1980s and 1990s, he became a regular face in films produced by the B. R. Chopra banner, appearing in notable titles such as Nikaah and Aaj Ki Awaaz. He went on to establish himself as a versatile actor, excelling in both villainous and character roles in films like Saazish (1988), Aankhen (1993), Andaz (1994), Barsaat (1995), Ziddi (1997), Daag: The Fire (1999), Indian (2001), and many others.

Contribution to Punjabi Cinema

Raj Babbar also left a lasting mark on Punjabi cinema. He delivered outstanding performances in critically acclaimed, realistic films such as Chann Pardesi (1980), Marhi Da Deeva (1989), and Long Da Lishkara (1986), which played a pioneering role in shaping serious Punjabi filmmaking. He was part of several successful commercial Punjabi films as well, including Aasra Pyar Da (1983), Mahaul Theek Hai (1999), Shaheed Uddham Singh (2000), Yaaran Naal Baharan (2005), Ek Jind Ek Jaan (2006), Apni Boli Apna Des (2009), and Tera Mera Ki Rishta (2009).

Political Career

Raj Babbar entered politics in 1989 with the Janata Dal under V. P. Singh. He later joined the Samajwadi Party, representing it in the Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 1999 and in the Lok Sabha after being elected in 2004.

Following his suspension from the Samajwadi Party in 2006, he joined the Indian National Congress in 2008 and won the 2009 Lok Sabha election, defeating Dimple Yadav. He later contested elections from Ghaziabad (2014) and Fatehpur Sikri (2019), though he lost both contests.

He served as the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) and was known for his outspoken public statements, some of which stirred political controversy, including remarks on food affordability and comparisons of Narendra Modi to Adolf Hitler, for which he later expressed regret.

Personal Life

Raj Babbar was first married to Nadira Zaheer, daughter of the prominent theatre figure Sajjad Zaheer. They have two children—Arya Babbar and Juhi Babbar. He later married actress Smita Patil, with whom he had a son, Prateik Babbar. He has two younger brothers, Kishan and the late Vinod, along with four younger sisters. His niece Kajri Babbar is an emerging filmmaker.

Production Work

Together with his brother Kishan, Raj Babbar founded Babbar Films Pvt. Ltd. The production house released two feature films—Karm Yodha (1992) and Kash Aap Hamare Hote (2003)—as well as the historical television series Maharaja Ranjit Singh (2010).