indian cinema heritage foundation

Deepak Parashar

Artists
  • Born: 2 April 1952 (Pune)
  • Primary Cinema: Hindi
  • Parents: Vishvanath and Shobha Parashar
  • Spouse: Sarita Parashar
  • Children: Radhika Parashar
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Born in a Punjabi Hindu family in Pune, Deepak Parashar grew up in Delhi where he did his graduation from Delhi University. It was during his college days, that he accidentally landed up participating in a competition leading to his becoming Mr. Delhi. This led to his participation in the Mr. India competition in Bombay and he was crowned Mr. India in 1976.

This contest win opened doors in the field of modelling for the handsome young man and he became the face of many brands such as Vimal Suitings, and Super Bazaar (in Delhi). From modelling, it was not a surprise that Deepak Parashar aspired to become a hero in films as well. More so because he was related to Mohan Kumar, the legendary filmmaker. However, despite this connection, Deepak had to struggle initially. After a stint as an assistant director or location scout for directors such as Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani in films such as Bhumika (1977) and Ankur (1974), Deepak Parashar finally got his break when B.R. Chopra signed him for the revenge film Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980). Chopra also signed him for his classic Muslim social, Nikaah (1982). Some of his other films in this phase include Aap Toh Aise Na The (1980) and Sharaabi (1982).

In 1985, when he had gone to Dubai, Deepak was involved in a freakish boating accident which left him nearly bedridden for a while. This tragic accident was followed by another personal setback when his wife left him with their five-month-old daughter. Post his slow recovery, Deepak did try to resurrect his career but due to his choices, was soon relegated to only B-grade films such as Purani Haveli (1989), Shaitani Ilaaka (1990) and Hatyarin (1991). Not one to give up, Deepak Parashar also acted in many serials such as Aandhiyan, Chandrakanta (1993), and Swabhimaan (1995). In 2006, he had also appeared in the reality show Big Boss, in which he was a far cry from the handsome, suave man of the 1980s.

In 2016, Deepak Parashar was diagnosed with throat cancer but he soon recovered and became cancer-free.

Deepak Parashar’s life has been no less than a film itself – encompassing triumph, failure, setback, and glory.