Randeep Hooda

20 Aug, 1976 | Daseya, Rohtak District, Haryana

Actor/Director/Producer

Biography

Randeep Hooda, born on August 20, 1976, in Rohtak, Haryana, is a highly versatile Indian actor, director, and producer known for his intense performances and method acting in Hindi cinema. Renowned for undergoing extreme physical and emotional transformations for his roles, Hooda has carved a unique space in the industry with his commitment to realistic storytelling and complex characters. Early Life and Education Randeep Hooda was born into a Jat family to Dr. Ranbir Hooda, a surgeon, and Asha Hooda, a social worker and politician. He studied at the Motilal Nehru School of Sports in Sonipat, where he actively participated in swimming and equestrian sports. He later moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he completed a postgraduate degree in marketing and human resource management. During his time abroad, he supported himself by working various part-time jobs, including as a taxi driver, waiter, and car wash attendant. Acting Career Hooda made his film debut with Monsoon Wedding, directed by Mira Nair, which received international acclaim. To refine his craft, he joined Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group Motley, dedicating several years to stage acting before returning to films. He gained mainstream recognition with Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and went on to deliver critically acclaimed performances in films like Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Highway, and Sarbjit, the latter showcasing his dedication through a dramatic physical transformation. Expanding his global reach, he appeared alongside Chris Hemsworth in the Netflix action film Extraction. He has also been part of notable streaming projects like CAT and Inspector Avinash . Directorial Debut In 2024, Randeep Hooda made his directorial debut with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biographical drama based on the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Hooda not only directed but also starred in the lead role, portraying Savarkar’s ideological journey and imprisonment, earning recognition for the film’s ambitious storytelling. Personal Life Randeep Hooda married actor and entrepreneur Lin Laishram on November 29, 2023, in a traditional Meitei ceremony held in Imphal, Manipur. Beyond acting, he is known for his passion for horses, wildlife conservation, and outdoor sports, reflecting his grounded and adventurous personality.