Renowned for sculpting cinematic landmarks such as ‘Lagaan’, ‘Swades’, and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, Ashutosh Gowariker remains a celebrated figure in the Indian film fraternity. However, before stepping behind the camera, Gowariker had embarked on his odyssey in the silver screen landscape as an actor back in 1984. On the auspicious occasion of his birthday, we revisit the multitude of roles that paved his initial journey in the entertainment industry.
The genesis of Gowariker’s foray into the acting profession was marked by his role in Ketan Mehta’s ‘Holi’, a coming-of-age drama film that also introduced audiences to the talents of Aamir Khan, Om Puri, and Naseeruddin Shah, among others. In this film, Gowariker portrayed the character of Ranjeet Prakash, an ally to Khan’s protagonist, Madan Sharma – a tale of college life imbued with the vibrancy and complexities of youth.
Branching out into the digital streaming realm, Gowariker’s versatility as an actor was apparent through his recent portrayal of Lt. Governor Zibran Qadri in the Netflix original series ‘Kaala Paani’ (2023). The narrative unfurls amidst the scenic yet tumultuous backdrop of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where an enigmatic disease incites a frantic scramble for survival. The storytelling intertwines with themes of love, loss, and despair, expertly captured by the ensemble cast.
One of Gowariker’s notable performances came in the Marathi film ‘Ventilator’ (2016), where he embodied the role of a celebrated Bollywood director. The film, boasting an extensive cast of over 100 actors, revolves around the emotionally charged saga of the Kamerkar family, as they grapple with the patriarch’s declining health during the festive rites of Ganesh Chaturthi.
For television aficionados, Gowariker graced the screen as Sr Inspector Virendra in the initial years of the highly acclaimed show ‘CID’, between 1998 and 1999. Featuring in memorable episodes such as “The Case of the Thief Within – I” and culminating with “The Case of Missing Fugitive – II”, his character left an indelible mark before being scripted out of the series.
Gowariker also featured alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 1994 film ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, playing the loyal companion Imran Bilal to Khan’s Sunil Bakshi. The movie, under Kundan Shah’s deft direction, assembled a stellar cast and remains a cherished romantic comedy in Indian cinema.
The horror genre witnessed Gowariker’s craft in ‘Woh’ (1998), a television thriller comprising 52 episodes that aired on Zee TV. The show, which drew inspiration from Stephen King’s ‘It’, saw Gowariker in a vital role alongside the actor Lilliput.
Transitioning from acting, Gowariker embarked on his directorial voyage with ‘Pehla Nasha’ in 1993, followed by ‘Baazi’. However, it was the dawn of the 2000s that marked a renaissance in his career. He donned the director’s hat for ‘Lagaan’ in 2001, an epic sports drama starring Aamir Khan that received illustrious recognition and an Academy Award nomination under the Best Feature Film category.
Following ‘Lagaan’, Gowariker helmed ‘Swades’ with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Though not an immediate box office success, ‘Swades’ has since been hailed as a modern classic, praised for its poignant narrative and exploration of societal themes. The storyline originated from two episodes of the series ‘Vaapsi’ on Zee TV’s ‘Yule Love Stories’ (1994–95), in which Gowariker himself depicted the central character, Mohan Bhargav.
His subsequent triumph arrived with ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, a historical epic romance featuring the talents of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, which cemented his reputation as a sophisticated storyteller.
Ashutosh Gowariker’s journey exemplifies a seamless transition from actor to an auteur of considerable repute, carving a niche through his cinematic offerings. On his birthday, we celebrate his diverse contributions to Indian cinema, embodying the realms of craft and passion.
