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Girija Shankar is an Indian actor and producer. He is best known for playing the role of ‘Dhritrashtra’ in the Indian epic television series “Mahabharat.”
Wiki/Biography
Girija Shankar was born in 1960 (age 59 years; as in 2019) in Patiala, Punjab. Shankar wanted to join airforce since childhood. He even appeared for the entrance test, however, could not qualify it because of his age (underage). He did his graduation from Punjabi University, Patiala and went to Delhi, to get himself enrolled in the National School of Drama. Girija cleared the auditions for admission, but could not join the institute due to some personal reasons. Thereafter, he started learning acting from an acting institute in Patiala. During that period, he met Harpal Tivana, with whom he did theatre for around 5 years. Subsequently, he moved to Delhi, and then, Mumbai to practice theatre. In Mumbai, he did theatre with many prominent faces of the acting world.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Not much is known about his parents. Girija Shankar is married to Malvinder Shankar, who is a writer.
Career
Girija Shankar started his acting career in 1988 by playing the role of ‘Dhritrashtra’ in the Indian epic TV series “Mahabharat.” His portrayel of the role in the series earned him huge popularity and bagged him roles in many Hindi, Punjabi, and Tamil films including “Daata’ (1989), “Maut Ki Sazaa” (1991), Kal Ki Awaaz (1992), Mr. Azad (1994), Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai (2002), Khwaab (2004), and Baghi (2006).
Girija has also featured in several Hollywood films. In 2006, he made his debut as a director with the English film “Banana Brothers.” The film tells the tale about two young men who went to San Francisco with a dream to earn big and to lead high life and they ultimately succeeds in it after facing many difficulties and obstacles. He has also featured in popular TV serials like Buniyaad and Charchit.
Favourite Things
- Travel Destinations: Los Angeles, New York
Facts/Trivia
- Girija Shankar is living in America with his family (as in 2020).
- Shankar shared in an interview that he was not aware of the character of Dhritrashtra until he began acting for the role in Mahabharat.
- Since Dhritrashtra had lost his vision, Shankar went to blind schools for several days to get into his role.