# Harish Patel

Harish Patel (Hindi: हरीश पटेल; born 5 July 1953) is an Indian character actor. He has appeared in a variety of Hindi films, but in recent years has begun to appear in American projects like reimagination of Four Weddings and a Funeral on Hulu. His latest project is the MCU film Eternals. Although mainly associated with the stage, he has appeared in Indian and British films and television shows.

## Early life and background

Patel was born in Mumbai, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), India. He began performing at the age of seven, when he played male and female roles in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

## Acting career

He made his film debut in Mandi directed by Shyam Benegal in 1983. From 1994 to 2008, Patel worked with the Indian theatre director Satyadev Dubey. In 1995, he joined the Indian National Theatre and appeared in the play Neela Kamra. His repertoire has included classical and modern Indian plays as well as plays by Western writers, e.g., Pinter's The Caretaker, Sartre's No Exit, Camus' Cross Purpose, Ionesco's The Lesson, and Mrozek's Vatzlav.
In the spring of 2007, Patel took the lead role of Eeshwar Dutt in Rafta, Rafta..., a comedy written by Ayub Khan-Din and directed by Nicholas Hytner at the National Theatre in London to critical acclaim and sellout audiences.
His credits include The Buddha of Suburbia, China Gate, Mr India and Run Fatboy Run. In 2009 he appeared in Coronation Street playing the role of Umed, Dev Alahan's uncle. Patel also appeared in Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress and Billionaire Boy, the television film adaptations of children's books by David Walliams. He plays shopkeeper Raj in all the films, although they are set in different places.
His acting career has taken him all over India, and he has performed in the United Kingdom and abroad, in the United States and Dubai among other countries. Patel is a life member of the Cine & TV Artists Association of India.
He is well known for his catchphrase "gayee bhains paanee mein" (the buffalo entered the water), in the movie Mr. India. Additionally, he garnered international recognition after starring in Marvel Studios' Eternals as Karun. When interviewed regarding the film, Harish admitted to never watching a Marvel film before or even seeing Angelina Jolie or Salma Hayek films before.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1967 | Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti | Child Actor in classroom | Uncredited role |
| 1983 | Mandi | Policeman | |
| 1984 | Utsav | Maitrey | |
| 1985 | Vivek | | |
| 1985 | Aghaat | Laxman / Chotelai brother | |
| 1985 | Maa Kasam | | |
| 1986 | Mirch Masala | Pandit / The priest | |
| 1987 | Dacait | Tolaram | |
| 1987 | Mr. India | Roopchand | Cameo appearance |
| 1987 | Susman | Venkatesh, the secretary | |
| 1988 | Rihaee | Narrator / Raojibhai (Mailman) | |
| 1988 | Qatil | Havaldar Hamid Rashid Khan | |
| 1989 | Billoo Badshah | Tikamdas Kundandas Mirchandani | |
| 1989 | Maine Pyar Kiya | Rahim chacha | |
| 1990 | Ek Number Ka Chor | Policeman | |
| 1990 | Police Public | CBI Assistant Ravi | |
| 1990 | Pratibandh | Katkar | Credited as Hrsh Patel |
| 1990 | Thanedaar | Hawaldar Bechare | |
| 1991 | Ramgarh Ke Sholay | Inspector Himmat Singh | |
| 1991 | Izzat | Sultan | |
| 1991 | First Love Letter | Bahadur Singh | |
| 1991 | Great Target | | |
| 1991 | Aag Laga Do Sawan Ko | | |
| 1992 | Shola Aur Shabnam | Velji / Kali's Brother-in-law | |
| 1992 | Panaah | Lala Ranchod | |
| 1992 | Sarphira | Cop | |
| 1992 | Bol Radha Bol | Narag | |
| 1993 | Aankhen | Monto (Hired Principal / Hired Father / Hired Thief) | |
| 1993 | Gurudev | Inspector (secret informer) | |
| 1993 | Sainik | Guddi's father | |
| 1993 | 15th August | Secretary to Nagpal (Prem Chopra) | |
| 1993 | Bedardi | Baburam | |
| 1993 | Chahoonga Main Tujhe | | |
| 1993 | Main Phir Aaoongi | | |
| 1994 | Andaz | Home Minister | Uncredited role |
| 1994 | Jai Kishen | Putarmal | |
| 1994 | Mohra | Kranti Kumar | |
| 1994 | Fauj | Anokhe Lal | |
| 1994 | Andaz Apna Apna | Sevaram | |
| 1994 | Mr. Azaad | Havaldar Khare | Uncredited role |
| 1994 | Ikke Pe Ikka | Bajrangi | |
| 1994 | Paramaatma | Munshi | |
| 1994 | Yuhi Kabhi | Kapoor | |
| 1995 | Aaj Ka Maseeha | | |
| 1995 | God and Gun | Man at Railway Crossing | |
| 1995 | Ravan Raaj: A True Story | Shilpa's Father | |
| 1995 | Taaqat | | |
| 1995 | Barsaat | Damru 'Danny' | |
| 1995 | Akele Hum Akele Tum | Amarji | |
| 1995 | Ab Insaf Hoga | Bansi | |
| 1995 | Vartmaan | | |
| 1996 | Halo | | |
| 1996 | Rajkumar | | |
| 1996 | Tu Chor Main Sipahi | Home Minister | |
| 1996 | Mafia | Kalyanji Bhai Matke | |
| 1996 | Loafer | Pandit | |
| 1996 | Bhishma | Havaldar Ramdas | |
| 1996 | Dil Tera Diwana | Laxminarayan | |
| 1996 | Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love | Doctor Mani | |
| 1996 | Rangbaaz | | |
| 1996 | Ghatak: Lethal | Katya's Brother-In-Law | |
| 1996 | Rakshak | Rokde | |
| 1996 | Ram Aur Shyam | Money Lender | |
| 1996 | Angaara | Dhaniram Koilewala | |
| 1997 | Aar Ya Paar | Gupta | |
| 1997 | Ziddi | | |
| 1997 | Sanam | Balwant Sinha | |
| 1997 | My Son the Fanatic | Fizzy | |
| 1997 | Do Ankhen Barah Hath | Keshav Bapu Darwaza | |
| 1997 | Tarazu | Appa Rao's attorney | |
| 1997 | Gupt: The Hidden Truth | Phoolchand | |
| 1997 | Udaan | DCP Rawat | Uncredited role |
| 1997 | Loha | Salim Chikna | |
| 1997 | Aflatoon | Police Commissioner | |
| 1997 | Mrityudand | MLA Durga Pandey | |
| 1997 | Suraj | Charandas | |
| 1998 | Purani Kabar | | |
| 1998 | Vinashak - Destroyer | Convict | |
| 1998 | Salaakhen | Bhutaneshwar | |
| 1998 | Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai | Mr. Sinha (Komal's uncle) | |
| 1998 | Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha | Rahul & Sanjana's Boss | |
| 1998 | Maut | | |
| 1998 | Main Solah Baras Ki | Mofatlal | |
| 1998 | Gunda | Ibu Hatela | |
| 1998 | Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate | Dr. Narmada Prasad | |
| 1998 | China Gate | Devrug villager | |
| 1999 | Daag: The Fire | Bihari | |
| 1999 | Kaala Samrajya | | |
| 1999 | Benaam | Bankhelal | |
| 1999 | Maa Kasam | | |
| 1999 | Dillagi | | |
| 2000 | Baaghi Aurat | | |
| 2000 | Mela | Chandulal Popatlal | |
| 2000 | Badal | Daya Shanker | |
| 2000 | Krodh | Rambhau | |
| 2000 | Sabse Bada Be-Imaan | | |
| 2000 | Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke | Sharan Grewal | |
| 2000 | Billa No. 786 | | |
| 2001 | Shola Aur Barood | | |
| 2001 | Maut Ka Khel | | |
| 2001 | Zubeidaa | Nandlal Seth | |
| 2001 | Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat | Hassubhai | |
| 2001 | Master | Superintendent of Police Roshan Lal | |
| 2002 | Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein | | |
| 2002 | Ghaav: The Wound | Mamaji (Jog's maternal uncle) | |
| 2003 | Lady James Bond | | |
| 2003 | Love at Times Square | Natvar | |
| 2003 | Khanjar | Pammi's maternal uncle | |
| 2003 | Calcutta Mail | | |
| 2003 | Bokshu – The Myth | | |
| 2004 | Mein Bikaaoo: On Sale | | |
| 2004 | Pati Ho To Aisa | | |
| 2004 | Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum | | |
| 2004 | Hatya | Chedulal | |
| 2004 | Mirchi: It's Hot | Ilyas Khan | |
| 2004 | Nevermind Nirvana | Dr. Arjun Mehta | |
| 2005 | Chicken Tikka Masala | Harishbhai Patel | |
| 2005 | Pyaar Mein Twist | Raj Loc | |
| 2006 | Quarter Life Crisis | Neil's Doctor | |
| 2006 | Vidhyaarthi: The Power of Students | Teacher Sharma | |
| 2007 | Khallas: The Beginning of End | Chhota Shetty | |
| 2007 | Run Fatboy Run | Mr. Goshdashtidar | |
| 2010 | Nevermind Nirvana | Dr. Arjun Mattoo | TV Movie |
| 2011 | My Freakin' Family | Pradip | TV Movie |
| 2009 | Today's Special | Hakim | |
| 2012 | All in Good Time | Eeshwar | |
| 2012 | Keith Lemon: The Film | Kushvinder | |
| 2012 | Mr Stink | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2013 | Jadoo | Raja Chandana | |
| 2013 | Gangsta Granny | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2014 | The Boy in the Dress | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2016 | Billionaire Boy | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2017 | Lies We Tell | Haji | |
| 2017 | Ratburger | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2018 | Grandpa's Great Escape | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2018 | The Midnight Gang | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2021 | Eternals | Karun Patel | |
| 2022 | Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! | Raj | TV Movie |
| 2023 | Companion | Amit Oza | |
| 2024 | A Nice Indian Boy | Archit Gavaskar | |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1986 | Malgudi Days | Gopinath / Photographer | 2 episodes |
| 1986 | Hum Hindustani | | |
| 1986 | Katha Sagar | | |
| 1987 | Chunni | Ghasita Ram | |
| 1987–1988 | Aa Bail Muje Maar | | |
| 1988 | Wagle Ki Duniya | Joshi | Episode: "Landlord" |
| 1988–1989 | Mahanagar | | |
| 1988–1989 | Bharat Ek Khoj | Lala Makhanlal, Todarmal, Buddhist Monk, Draha, Nai | 5 episodes |
| 1990–1991 | Agar Aisa Ho To | | |
| 1992 | Talaash | | |
| 1993 | The Buddha of Suburbia | Changez | Mini-series, 3 episodes |
| 1994–1995 | Tajurbe | | |
| 1994–2000 | Zara Hatke Zara Bachke | | |
| 2000 | Noorjahan | | |
| 2009 | The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency | Mr. Patel | 3 episodes |
| 2009 | Coronation Street | Umed Alahan | 42 episodes |
| 2014 | Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India | M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar | Mini-series; episode: "Independent India: Righting Fundamental Wrongs with Fundamental Rights" |
| 2014 | The Driver | Amjad | 3 episodes |
| 2014 | Mapp & Lucia | Guru | Episode: "Episode #1.2" |
| 2019 | Four Weddings and a Funeral | Haroon Khan | Main role, mini-series |