Ashutosh Rana Birthday: From Struggles to Success, The Inspiring Journey of the Actor

Born on November 10, 1967, in Garhwara, Madhya Pradesh, Ashutosh Rana celebrates his 58th birthday today (2025). We consider his birthday special because he has left an indelible mark on Bollywood as the epitome of the villain—and that journey wasn't easy.

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 Early life and education

Born in Garhwara, Ashutosh spent his childhood there, where he played the role of 'Ravan' in the Ramlila. He received his bachelor's degree from Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar. He then pursued acting education and trained at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. During these early days, he struggled to find a place in the acting world—but he never gave up.

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Acting debut and year-over-year growth

Ashutosh began his career with the TV serial Swabhimaan. In the early 2000s, he gained recognition with his villainous role as Govind Pandit in the film Dushman (1998) – playing a cold-blooded psychopath. His specialty was that he played the villain's role with depth and character, not simplicity. This earned him numerous awards, including the Filmfare Best Violin Role.

 A special place and a memorable actor

• He created a distinct identity by playing negative roles in films.

• He has also worked in South Indian films, which include Telugu, Tamil and Marathi films.

• In 2021, he received the Filmfare OTT Award for his performance in the web-film.

Behind the creepiness of his characters was his hard work and dedication – which always impressed the audience.

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 Personal life and other aspects

Ashutosh married actress Renuka Shahane on 25 May 2001. He has two sons – Shauryaman and Satyendra.

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First meeting: A normal day, but it became memorable (Ashutosh Rana's love life)

This story began in 1998, when the two met through a common friend. At that time, Renuka Shahane was already a well-known actress in TV and films (let us remind you – everyone remembers her smile in “Hum Aapke Hain Koun”). Meanwhile, Ashutosh Rana was struggling at that time and had just started making a name for himself with “Dushman”. During their first meeting, Renuka's simplicity and laughter attracted Ashutosh, while Renuka liked Rana's calm and deep nature. Their conversation gradually progressed from friendship to an emotional connection.

Love started over the phone

Interestingly, their love story blossomed not face-to-face, but over the phone. Rana himself had said that he had a "relationship from a distance" before meeting Renuka - "We used to talk for hours... The sensitivity in her words captivated me." Gradually, these feelings transformed from friendship to love. They spent almost two years understanding each other and then decided to get married. On May 25, 2001, they married in a very simple and traditional way - no grand ceremony, no media spectacle. Only family and close friends were present. After marriage, their relationship grew stronger because both deeply respected each other's careers and thinking.

His acting journey began with Ramlila

Ashutosh Rana started his acting career as a child in Ramlila. He played the role of 'Ravan' at that time, and the audience was stunned to hear his dialogues. This role became the first step towards recognizing the performer hidden within him.

He was a student of NSD (National School of Drama) (Ashutosh Rana NSD photo)

Ashutosh Rana received his formal acting training from the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. There, he mastered every technique from stage acting to dialogue acting. His batchmates included many big actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan.

He considers his guru 'Dadaji' as the basis of his life

Rana ji is a great devotee of his guru, Shri Devprabhakar Shastri 'Dadaji'. He says, “Whatever I have in my life is due to the grace of my guru.” Even before starting the shooting of every new film, he pays obeisance to his guru by taking his name.

 Became an overnight star with the film 'Dushman' (Ashutosh Rana film Dushman)

His portrayal of "Govind Pandit" in the film "Dushman" (1998) terrified audiences. This role earned him the Filmfare Best Villain Award.
People said that no one had ever given such terrifying expressions.

 He is also a brilliant writer and poet (Ashutosh Rana books)

Very few people know that Ashutosh Rana is also a poet and writer. He has written two books –
“Maun Muskaan Ki Maar”
“Ramrajya”.
His language and thoughts reflect the depth of philosophy, spirituality, and life.

Writes a diary every morning (Ashutosh Rana's interesting fact)

Rana ji wakes up every morning and writes something or the other – sometimes a poem, sometimes a thought, sometimes a spiritual experience. He believes that “the pen is the voice of the soul.”

Not only in Bollywood, but he also earned a name in the South industry

Ashutosh Rana has worked not only in Hindi films but also in Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi films. His Telugu films “Venky” and “Leader” gave him recognition in the South as well.

Had come to meet Premananda Maharaj

Songs

Movie

He has also appeared in supporting roles in several films and web series, including Article 15, Mulk, and The Great Indian Murder. His upcoming projects include War 2 and Heer Express. He was last seen in the film Chawa.

FAQs

Q1. When and where was Ashutosh Rana born?

Ashutosh Rana was born on 10 November 1967 in Gadharwara, Madhya Pradesh.

Q2. What is the real name of Ashutosh Rana?

His full name is Ashutosh Rana Ramnath Sharma.

Q3.Which was Ashutosh Rana's first film?

His first film was “Dushman” (1998), in which he played a negative role, and for this, he received the Filmfare Best Villain Award.

Q4. Who is Ashutosh Rana's wife?

He is the husband of the renowned actress  Renuka Shahane. They married on May 25, 2001.

Q5. Has Ashutosh Rana worked only in Bollywood?

No, she has also worked in Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and Bhojpuri films.

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