# Rajesh Vivek

Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay (31 January 1949 – 14 January 2016) was an Indian actor, mainly a Comedian. He is best known to Hindi film audiences for his role as the astrologer Guran in Lagaan (2001) and as the postmaster Nivaran in Swades (2004). He had also played role of Vyasa, author of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, in the popular Indian series Mahabharat. He made his mark as a villain in the beginning with films like Veerana (1988) and Joshilaay (1989), often playing the role of a henchman, and later took to portraying comedic and supporting characters. His other credits include Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, What's Your Raashee? and Bunty Aur Babli. Rajesh is also noted for his roles in the historic TV series Bharat Ek Khoj and in the TV Serial Aghori. He was hired for an ad series of Cadbury 5 Star as the father of the two sons Ramesh and Suresh (Portrayed by Rana Pratap Sengar and Goldie Duggal respectively), starting from the ad titled "Pitaji ki Patloon".

## Biography

Vivek was born on 31 January 1949 in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. He obtained his Master of Arts degree in Ancient history & Archaeology from T. D. Degree College, Jaunpur, and trained at the National School of Drama in acting. Filmmaker Shyam Benegal first introduced him in films with his film Junoon (1978).
Rajesh died on 14 January 2016 at the age of 66 due to a massive heart attack while shooting for a film at Hyderabad.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1978 | Junoon | | |
| 1982 | Gandhi | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | |
| 1983 | Kalka (1983 film) | Mine Manager | |
| 1985 | Ram Teri Ganga Maili | | |
| 1986 | Janbaaz | | |
| 1988 | Veerana | Baba (sorcerer) | |
| 1988 | The Perfect Murder | Zero Police | |
| 1988 | The Deceivers | Priest | |
| 1989 | Joshilaay | Shaitan Yogi Daku | |
| 1989 | Nishane Bazi | | |
| 1989 | Tridev | Raaghav | |
| 1990 | Hatim Tai | Departed | |
| 1990 | Kafan | | |
| 1991 | Ganga Jamuna Ki Lalkar | | |
| 1991 | Khatra | Jackson | |
| 1991 | Vishkanya | | |
| 1992 | Nagin Aur Lootere | | |
| 1992 | Vishwatma | | |
| 1992 | Parasmani | | |
| 1993 | Phoolan Hasina Ramkali | | |
| 1993 | Maya Memsaab | | |
| 1994 | Bandit Queen | Mustaquim | |
| 1995 | Karan Arjun | | |
| 1997 | Loha | Thakur Vikraal 'Mahakaal' | |
| 1998 | Pardesi Babu | | |
| 1999 | Munnibai | | |
| 1999 | Kachche Dhaage | | |
| 2000 | Daku Ramkali | | |
| 2001 | Lagaan | Guran | |
| 2003 | Dil Ka Rishta | | |
| 2003 | Dangerous Night | | |
| 2004 | Asambhav | Pandit | |
| 2004 | Hatya: The Murder | | |
| 2004 | Swades | Nivaran | |
| 2004 | Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo | | |
| 2005 | Vaada | Inspector Khan | |
| 2005 | Bunty Aur Babli | Guru Ghantal Baba | |
| 2007 | Nanhe Jaisalmer | Dhurjan Singh | |
| 2008 | Bhole Shankar | Panditji | |
| 2008 | God Tussi Great Ho | Ghanshu | |
| 2008 | Jodhaa Akbar | Chughtai Khan | |
| 2009 | What's Your Raashee? | Bhautesh Joshi | |
| 2010 | Do Dooni Chaar | | |
| 2010 | Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey | Shiraz-ul-haq | |
| 2011 | Mumbai Mast Kalandar | | |
| 2012 | Agneepath | Bakshi | |
| 2012 | Son of Sardar | Mamaji | |
| 2014 | Dishkiyaoon | Gujjar | |
| 2015 | Yevade Subramanyam | Pemba | Telugu film |
| 2016 | Nagarahavu | | Kannada film |

### Television

| Year | Show | Role | Channel |
| 1988 | Bharat Ek Khoj | Ep 21 - Bhakt, Ep 32- Akbar Played role of Shiekh Mubarak. | DD National |
| 1988 | Mahabharat | Ved Vyas | DD National |
| 1990 | The Sword of Tipu Sultan | | DD National |
| 1995 | Aahat Season 1 (1995-2001) | Episode 12 to 14 Explosion | Sony Entertainment Television |
| 1996 | Aghori | | |
| 1997 | Shiv Mahapuran | Tarakaksha | |
| 2005 | Honi Anhoni | Anchor | |
| 2011 | Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev | Yalkoti | Life OK |