# Suresh Oberoi

Suresh Oberoi (born 17 December 1946) is an Indian actor and politician who appeared in Hindi films. He is a recipient of the 1987 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He started his career in radio shows, modelling and later moving to Bollywood, making him a popular character actor in the 1980s and much of the 1990s. He is the father of actor Vivek Oberoi.

## Early life

Oberoi was born to Anand Sarup Oberoi and Kartar Devi on 17 December 1946 in Quetta, then Baluchistan Province of British Raj (currently Balochistan, Pakistan). Within a year due to fall of British Raj, the family along with four brothers and sisters moved to India, and later relocated to Hyderabad where his family established a chain of medical stores. Oberoi was active in sports. He was a tennis and swimming champion, later winning the President's Award as a Boy Scout. After his father's death when he was just out of high school, Oberoi, along with his brother, continued running his pharmacy chain. He is fluent in Punjabi (his mother tongue), Pashto, Hindustani, English, Telugu and Tamil languages.

## Career

In the early 1970s, due to his interest in acting and a good voice, he gained entry into radio shows and stage plays, prompting him to attend the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.

### Modelling and radio shows

In his early Mumbai years, his prior radio show experience and his well received voice kept him going and his contacts with advertising agencies led to him being picked up as a model for Charminar cigarettes and Lifebuoy soaps, making him one of the leading models by late 1970s.

### Bollywood

In late 1977 he made his debut with Jeevan Mukt. He did lead roles in films like Ek Baar Phir in 1980, but the film was not commercially successful. Later he was part of the radio program Mukaddar Ka Sikandar. Then he accepted character roles in Kartavya, Ek Baar Kaho, Surraksha and Khanjar between 1979 and 80, which were commercially successful.
He gained recognition nationally for his supporting role as a Police Inspector Sharma in the 1980 film Phir Wahi Raat, starring Rajesh Khanna in the lead and directed by Danny Denzongpa, which was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It also laid the foundation for him being cast as a police inspector in many of his future films.
In 1981, then he got opportunity to do Laawaris, which fetched him a nomination for Filmfare Best Actor in Supporting Role. Some of his performances, as small supporting roles which made a huge impact, came in films like Namak Halal, Kaamchor and Vidhata. After these small roles, he received offer to star in lead role in B. R. Chopra's Mazdoor, co-starring with Dilip Kumar. His best performance as character actor came in Awaaz, a 1984 film directed by Shakti Samanta and starring Rajesh Khanna in the lead, where he played Police Inspector Amit Gupta. He received another nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Ghar Ek Mandir.
Since 1984, he regularly kept getting good character roles in films like Ek Nai Paheli, Kanoon Kya Karega, Sharabi, Aitbaar, Bepanaah and Jawab. He received National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Mirch Masala in 1985. His performances in films like Palay Khan, Dacait, the Telugu film Marana Mrudangam, Tezaab, Do Qaidi, Parinda, Mujrim, Aaj Ka Arjun, Pyar Ka Devta, Tirangaa, Anari, Vijaypath, Masoom, Raja Hindustani, Soldier, Safari, Gadar Ek Prem Katha, Lajja, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya and 23 March 1931 Shaheed were appreciated by the audience.
Thereafter, till the early 2000s, he appeared on average in four to five films per year. He has made over 135 films. He recited a few couplets in the song "Dil Mein Phir Aaj Teri" with Anuradha Paudwal for the film Yaadon Ka Mausam (1990).
In 2004, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party as a primary member.

### Television

Oberoi has acted in the television shows Dhadkan and Kashmeer and hosted the second season of the talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai which was made popular by Farooque Shaikh.

## Personal life
### Family

Suresh Oberoi married Yashodara, eight years his junior, in Madras on 1 August 1974. The couple has a son, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, born in 1976 and a daughter Meghna Oberoi born a few years later. His wife Yashodara is, as he says in a 2002 interview with Times of India, "from a Punjabi business family who had lived in the south."
His brother Krishan Oberoi's son Akshay Oberoi is also a Bollywood actor.

### Religion

Suresh Oberoi's father belonged to the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reformist organization, while his mother was a Nanakpanthi, and he considers himself to be religious, having written a spiritual book, Pilgrim of Life.

### Poetry

In addition to acting and singing, he writes "romantic and philosophical poetry".

### World Psychiatric Association

Together with the motivational speaker BK Sister Shivani Verma, Oberoi is a goodwill ambassador of the World Psychiatric Association.

### Politics

He is a member of Bharatiya Janta Party since 2004.

## Filmography
### Films

| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1977 | Jeevan Mukt | | |
| 1978 | Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastan | | |
| 1979 | Surakshaa | Captain Kapoor | |
| 1979 | Kartavya | Forest Officer | |
| 1979 | Kala Patthar | Navy Officer | |
| 1980 | Pyaara Dushman | | |
| 1980 | Phir Wohi Raat | Police Inspector | |
| 1980 | Morcha | | |
| 1980 | Khanjar | Captain Usman | |
| 1980 | Ek Baar Phir | Mahender Kumar | |
| 1980 | Ek Baar Kaho | | |
| 1981 | Shradhanjali | Laxmi Narayan | |
| 1981 | Saajan Ki Saheli | Suresh Oberoi | |
| 1981 | Raksha | Dr. Sinha | |
| 1981 | Naari | | |
| 1981 | Main Aur Mera Haathi | Teja | |
| 1981 | Lawaaris | Ram Singh | Nominated 1982 Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award |
| 1981 | Haqdaar | | |
| 1982 | Vidhaata | Inspector Pratap Singh | |
| 1982 | Tumhare Bina | Robin Dutt | |
| 1982 | Teri Meri Kahani | Ajay Verma | TV film |
| 1982 | Taqdeer Ka Badshah | | |
| 1982 | Patthar Ki Lakeer | | |
| 1982 | Namak Halaal | Bhim Singh | |
| 1982 | Kaamchor | Suresh | |
| 1982 | Johny I Love You | Suraj Singh | |
| 1982 | Aagman | | |
| 1983 | Ek Din Bahu Ka | Deepak | |
| 1983 | Rishta Kagaz Ka | Dr. Ravi Kaul | |
| 1983 | Mazdoor | Hiralal Sinha | |
| 1983 | Jeena Hai Pyar Mein | | |
| 1983 | Hero | | |
| 1983 | Ghungroo | Suraj | |
| 1983 | Coolie | Vicky Puri | |
| 1984 | Zindagi Jeene Ke Liye | | |
| 1984 | Sharaabi | Abdul | |
| 1984 | Mujhe Shakti Do | | |
| 1984 | Kanoon Kya Karega | Lawyer, Advocate Gautam Mehra | |
| 1984 | Grahasthi | Captain Deepak Verma | |
| 1984 | Ghar Ek Mandir | | Nominated Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award |
| 1984 | Gangvaa | Inspector | |
| 1984 | Ek Nai Paheli | Avinash | |
| 1984 | Ek Din Bahu Ka | | |
| 1984 | Awaaz | Inspector Amit Gupta | |
| 1984 | Aagaman | | |
| 1985 | Surkhiyaan | Shera | |
| 1985 | Ramkali | Inspector Dilip Singh | |
| 1985 | Raahi Badal Gaye | Dr. Mehra | |
| 1985 | Phul Debi | Bikram Malla | Bengali movie |
| 1985 | Mirch Masala | Mukhi | Won 1987 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor 1988 Bengal Film Journalists' Association – Best Supporting Actor Award |
| 1985 | Kahani Phoolvati Ki | | |
| 1985 | Jawaab | Inspector J. S. Sharma | |
| 1985 | Grahasthi | | |
| 1985 | Ek Daku Shaher Mein | Rakesh Pratap Singh | |
| 1985 | Dekha Pyar Tumhara | Inspector Ranjeet Mullick | |
| 1985 | Bepanah | Truck Driver | |
| 1985 | Aitbaar | Sagar | |
| 1986 | Zindagani | Sudarshan | Special Appearance |
| 1986 | Triveni | | |
| 1986 | Swarthi | | |
| 1986 | Panchvati | | |
| 1986 | Palay Khan | Dr. Ramkrishna Sinha | |
| 1986 | Mazloom | Vijay Singh | |
| 1986 | Main Balwan | Anil, Tony's Father | |
| 1986 | Jwala | Dr. Dev Dutt | |
| 1986 | Dilwaala | Madanlal Sharma | |
| 1986 | Bhai Ka Dushman Bhai | | |
| 1986 | Amma | | |
| 1986 | Aag Aur Shola | Aarti's mamaji | |
| 1987 | Wahem | | |
| 1987 | Thikana | Police Inspector Ranbir Singh | |
| 1987 | Tera Karam Mera Dharam | | |
| 1987 | Saat Saal Baad | Deepak Khanna | |
| 1987 | Naam O Nishan | Zorawar 'Zavar' | |
| 1987 | Itihaas | Kalicharan | |
| 1987 | Insaaf | Mr. Agnihotri | |
| 1987 | Dil Tujh Ko Diya | Ashok A. Sahni | |
| 1987 | Dacait | Amritlal Yadav | |
| 1987 | Kaal Chakra | Police Inspector Abhay Kamble | |
| 1988 | Tezaab | Inspector Gagan Singh | |
| 1988 | Shoorveer | Dr. S. Malhotra | |
| 1988 | Aakhri Muqabla | | |
| 1988 | Mulzim | Ranjit Kumar | |
| 1988 | Mohabbat Ke Dushman | Abu Bhai, Special Appearance | |
| 1988 | Marana Mrudangam | Vasant Dada | Telugu film |
| 1988 | Bharatamlo Bala Chandrudu | | Telugu film |
| 1988 | Khoon Baha Ganga Mein | | |
| 1988 | Kaal Chakra | | |
| 1988 | Dharam Yudh | Kundan | |
| 1988 | Bhai Ka Dushman Bhai | | |
| 1989 | Tujhe Nahin Chhodunga | | |
| 1989 | Rakhwala | Ranjeet | |
| 1989 | Parinda | Abdul Khan | |
| 1989 | Mujrim | Police Inspector Gokhale | |
| 1989 | Manika, une vie plus tard | Rajit Sharma | French film |
| 1989 | Kasam Suhag Ki | Inspector Dildaar Dawood | |
| 1989 | Do Qaidi | Inspector Amar Sinha | |
| 1989 | Daata | Ramzan Khan | |
| 1989 | Apna Desh Paraye Log | | |
| 1989 | Andhergardi | | |
| 1989 | Aakhri Muqabla | Bajranj | |
| 1990 | Sailaab | Police Inspector Ranjit Kapoor | |
| 1990 | Panchavati | | |
| 1990 | Kali Ganga | | |
| 1990 | Halaat | | |
| 1990 | C.I.D. | Major Brijmohan Verma | |
| 1990 | Aaj Ka Arjun | Mohan | |
| 1991 | Sadhu Sant | | |
| 1991 | Pucca Badmash | Salim Dandewala | |
| 1991 | Pyar Ka Devta | Inspector Arun | |
| 1991 | Numbri Aadmi | ACP Vijay Pratap | |
| 1991 | Kasam Kali Ki | | |
| 1991 | Jeene Ki Sazaa | Dr. Santosh | |
| 1991 | Jaan Ki Kasam | Kumar | |
| 1991 | Iraada | | |
| 1991 | Inspector Dhanush | Com. Avinash | |
| 1991 | Fateh | Major Anand | |
| 1991 | Deshwasi | Pratap Singh | |
| 1991 | Dastoor | | |
| 1992 | Abhi Abhi | Vishwanath | |
| 1992 | Zindagi Ek Juaa | CBI Officer Suresh Chandra Bhatnagar | |
| 1992 | Tirangaa | Rudrapratap Chouhan | |
| 1992 | Kis Mein Kitna Hai Dum | Shamsher Singh | |
| 1992 | Indira | | |
| 1992 | Dil Ka Kya Kasoor | Rajesh Saxena | |
| 1992 | Apradhi | Satyaprakash V. Nath | |
| 1992 | Abhi Abhi | | |
| 1993 | Santaan | Judge Sahab | |
| 1993 | Pratimurti | | |
| 1993 | Pardesi | | |
| 1993 | Khoon Ka Sindoor | | |
| 1993 | Gardish | Inspector Saini | |
| 1993 | Game | Inspector Pawar | |
| 1993 | Dhartiputra | | |
| 1993 | Bhookamp | | |
| 1993 | Anari | Bhai Raja Vikram Singh (Nandini's eldest brother) | |
| 1993 | Aasoo Bane Angaarey | | |
| 1994 | Vijaypath | Inspector Rajesh Saxena | |
| 1994 | Suhaag | Rai Bahadur | |
| 1994 | Kranti Kshetra | | |
| 1994 | Gopi Kishan | Rajeshwar Choudhary | |
| 1994 | Dilbar | DCP Sridhar Atmaram Verma | |
| 1995 | Suraksha | | |
| 1995 | Raghuveer | Ravi Varma, Commando | |
| 1995 | Meri Mohabbat Mera Naseeba | | |
| 1995 | Kismat | ACP Anand | |
| 1995 | Jai Vikranta | Raja | |
| 1995 | Diya Aur Toofan | Dr. Vijay Mehra | |
| 1995 | Dilbar | DCP Sridhar Atmaram Verma | |
| 1995 | Anokhi Chal | | |
| 1996 | Raja Hindustani | Bakshrath Sehgal | |
| 1996 | Masoom | Vikram Singh | |
| 1996 | Jaan | Vishambar | |
| 1996 | Himmat | Blind lottery seller | |
| 1996 | Ajay | Raja Brijraj Singh | |
| 1997 | Suraj | Police commissioner Ramakant | |
| 1997 | Prithvi | Dhanraj | |
| 1997 | Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhutha♧ | IG Suryakant Verma | |
| 1997 | Lahu Ke Do Rang | Dharma Shikari | |
| 1998 | Surviving Sabu | Sadru | Short film |
| 1998 | Soldier | Pratap Singh | |
| 1998 | Puraido: Unmei no toki | Justice, Dr. Radhabinod Pal | Hindi/English/Japanese film made in Japan |
| 1998 | Khote Sikkey | Pukhraj Mahadevan | |
| 1998 | Aakrosh: Cyclone Of Anger | Mahendra Pratap Gujral/Suraj Singh | |
| 1998 | 2001: Do Hazaar Ek | Mr. Amirchand | |
| 1999 | Sautela | | |
| 1999 | Safari | Mr. Ajit Aggarwal, Anjali's father | |
| 2000 | Khauff | Mr. Singhania | |
| 2001 | Shirdi Sai Baba | | |
| 2001 | Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya | Mr. Jaiswal, Ria's Father | |
| 2001 | Moksha: Salvation | Mr. Sehgal, Vikram's father | |
| 2001 | Lajja | Raghuveer's father | |
| 2001 | Kaala Mandir | | |
| 2001 | Hum Ho Gaye Aapke | Mr. Oberoi, Rishi's father | |
| 2001 | Gadar: Ek Prem Katha | Tara Singh's Taaya Kulwant Singh | |
| 2001 | Dal: The Gang | Bhaktavar Singh/Major Balwant Sahni | |
| 2001 | Asoka | | Narrator |
| 2002 | Raat Ke Saudagar | | |
| 2002 | Deewangee | Mr. Bhullar, Public Prosecutor | |
| 2002 | 23rd March 1931: Shaheed | Gaoler Chaddha | |
| 2003 | Yeh Dil | | |
| 2003 | Talaash: The Hunt Begins... | Babu, Arjun's Father | |
| 2005 | Socha Na Tha | Nirmal Oberoi | |
| 2009 | World Cupp 2011 | Coach | |
| 2009 | Karma Aur Holi | Shekhar | |
| 2013 | Attahasa | Rajkumar | Kannada Film |
| 2019 | Kabir Singh | Rajdheer Singh | |
| 2019 | Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi | Peshwa Bajirao II | |
| 2019 | PM Narendra Modi | Guruji | Narrator |
| 2023 | Sangharsh 2 | Narrator | Bhojpuri film starring Khesari Lal Yadav |
| 2023 | Animal | Rajdheer Dodamal Singh (Dadaji) | |

### Dubbing roles
#### Live action films

| Film title | Actor | Character | Dub Language | Original Language | Original Year release | Dub Year release | Notes |
| The Mummy | Arnold Vosloo | Imhotep | Hindi | English Arabic Ancient Egyptian | 1999 | 1999 | |
| The Mummy Returns | Arnold Vosloo | Imhotep | Hindi | English Arabic Ancient Egyptian | 2001 | 2001 | |

#### Animated films

| Film title | Original voice | Character | Dub Language | Original Language | Original Year Release | Dub Year Release | Notes |
| The Lion King | James Earl Jones | Mufasa | Hindi | English | 1994 | 1995 | |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Film | Category | Result |
| 1982 | Filmfare Awards | Lawaris | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| 1985 | Filmfare Awards | Ghar Ek Mandir | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| 1987 | National Film Awards | Mirch Masala | Best Supporting Actor | Won |
| 1988 | Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards | Mirch Masala | Best Supporting Actor (Hindi) | Won |
* Champions of Change Award in 2019, for his work in culture. The award was conferred by Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi on 20 January 2020.