Gajendra Singh Chauhan known professionally as Gajendra Chauhan, is a former television actor known for his work on Indian television, especially his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the historical television series Mahabharat (1988–90). He has also had significant roles in a few B movies, and a larger number of cameo appearances in other films. In 2015, he was appointed chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), which sparked controversy and opposition by FTII students, leading to his resignation in October 2017. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts from 2021 to 2025.

Early life and family Gajendra was born on 10 October 1956, in Delhi to a Rajput family. He did a diploma in radiography from AIIMS New Delhi, before he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. There he studied acting in the school run by Roshan Taneja, who had previously taught at FTII.

Chauhan is married to Bollywood choreographer Habiba Rehman. They have a son, Shamsher Singh Chauhan.

Acting career Chauhan's acting career spans over 35 years, and by his own count, he has worked in 600 television series and almost 150 movies during that period. His first break as an actor was in television series Paying Guest in 1983, and he went on to act in shows such as Rajni, Air Hostess and Adalat. The first acting part in a film that he did was in Main Chup Nahi Rahoongi in 1986. In reviews of his film career, Times of India and Firstpost wrote that he had played significant roles only in a few "C-grade" movies, with most of his other roles being cameo appearances, a few of which were in mainstream movie.

Mahabharat

Chauhan was initially offered to play the role of Lord Krishna in the television series, and shot for two episodes of the series in this role. However filming for the first series was delayed, and Chauhan moved south to take on new work. Upon his return, Chauhan had put on weight and was considered unsuitable for the role of Krishna. He was later offered the role of Yudhishthira, which went on to being the role he has become better known by.

Administration and politics Chauhan has also been involved in the administration of Cinema and Television Artists Association for 20 years, and served as its president for a year. In 2004 Chauhan entered politics, and became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for which he has worked as the national convener for culture.

Controversies On 9 June 2015, Chauhan was appointed as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). His appointment proved to be controversial amid allegations by students that it was a blatant attempt to "saffronize the institute". A section of left-wing students association, including All India Students Association (AISA) (the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation) continue to agitate. Chauhan requested the students to give him a year to prove himself, and insisted that he would be better than the previous chairpersons.

Among those who have supported Chauhan's appointment as FTII chairman are BJP supporters and politicians including Mukesh Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Hema Malini, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Paintal. Many more including FTII alumni and former teachers, actors, film technicians, filmmakers, journalists and political leaders have opposed his appointment, prominent among whom include Rishi Kapoor, Resul Pookutty, Amol Palekar, Soumitra Chatterjee,Arvind Kejriwal and Rana Ayyub.

Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 1985 Main Chup Nahi Rahungi Lallu Ram Sub Inspector 1986Jungle Love 1989 Khuli Khidki Avinash Awara Zindagi Ajeeb Itefaq Singer Guest role 1991 Vasna Dancer Joshi Jungle Ki Rani Naagmani 1992 Jungle Ka Beta Jawani Janeman Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare Shibu1993AakankshaVinod Pandey Mulaquat BalrajKhoon Ka Sindoor Minister Ashwini Kumar 1994 Watan Jai Maa Vaishno Devi Pathreela Raasta Janam Se Pehle Vaade Iraade Mohini Gandharv Sone Ki Sita Aao Pyaar Karen Suraj 1995 Hum Sab Chor Hain Police Commissioner Kaala Sach Reshma 1996 Himmatvar Inspector Patil 1997 Uff! Yeh Mohabbat Umang Usgaonkar Vishwavidhaata Mukesh Mathur Dharma Karma Police Inspector Police Station Bhayaanak Panja 1999 International Khiladi Rahul's Father Inteqam Aurat Ka Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet Arjun Singh Dil Ka Sauda 2000 Billa No. 786 Virendra Singh (Pinky's dad) Aaj Ka Ravan ACP Rathod Tapish SaamriMechanic Mamaiah (Telugu) Yeh Hai Prem Janjaal 2001 Rupa Rani Ramkali Gumnam Hai Koi Vinod Kumar Tripathi Arjun Devaa Virendra Choudhry 2002 Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge Ex-Armyman Devar JiBhojpuri film 2003 Andaaz Mr. Sahay Parwana Ganesh fest dancer/singer Baghban Car salesman 2004 Pati Ho To Aisa 2005 Dhadkanein Ravi Malhotra Barsaat Arav's Father 2006 Mere Jeevan Saathi 2010 Isi Life Mein Nareshchand 2011 Elaan 2012 Nakshatra Sharma 2013 Mahabharat Aur Barbareek Yudhisthra 2014 Kahin Hai Mera Pyar Priya's father 2016 1920: London Tantrik Baba 2018 Ik Onkar Chief Minister 2019 Maa Purnagiri Gunwali Dulhaniya Mr. Rathore2022 Sher Gujjar Narayan; Ravinder's father Antaryatri Mahapurush- The Walking God Mallappa Ji2024695

Television Year Serial Role Channel Notes 1986 Bahadur Shah Zafar Tatya Tope (Episode 8 & Episode 9) DD National 1989–1990 Mahabharat Maharaj Yudhishthir 1993 Kanoon Chandra Saxena DD Metro 14 episodes 1994–2001 Zee Horror Show 1994 Saaya 11 Episodes/1995 Aatma 4 Episodes/1996 Jaal 6 Episodes/1998 Junoon 3 Episodes/ 1999 Vapsi 2 Episodes/Murti 3 Episodes/2000 Raat 2 Episodes. Zee TV 1997 Ghar Jamai Sidhu Singh Special Appearance only in Episode no 20 Om Namah Shivay Daksha Prajapati/Maharaj Karthaveeryarjun 2000 Shree Ganesh Parvat Raj Himalay 2000 Noorjahan DD National 2001 Aane Wala Pal DD Metro Dushman Jaane Anjaane Prannath Vashisht DD National 2002 Ramayan Dasharath Zee TV 2005–2006 Sarkarr:Rishton Ki Ankahi Kahani 2007 Meri Doli Tere Angana Mahendra 2007–2008 Raavan Maharaj Dasharath 2008–2009 Naaginn Naagdev2012 Shobha Somnath Ki Kya Hua Tera Vaada Mr. Chopra Sony Entertainment Television 2013 Adaalat Colonel Desai & Justice Sharma 2017 Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman Sumant 2018 Danga The Riot Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

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