Nitish Bharadwaj

Last Updated: April 27, 2024

Nitish Bharadwaj, born on June 2, 1963, is a versatile Indian personality renowned for his contributions to television, film, politics, and literature. Graduating as a veterinarian from Mumbai Veterinary College, Bharadwaj initially pursued a career in veterinary surgery. However, his passion for the arts led him to transition into the world of entertainment.

Before gracing the screens, Bharadwaj honed his craft in Marathi theatre under the tutelage of stalwarts like Sudha Karmarkar and Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar. His foray into Hindi theatre was catalyzed by Ravi Baswani, propelling Bharadwaj into national prominence. Collaborating with luminaries such as Dinesh Thakur, Bharadwaj showcased his acting prowess, earning acclaim in productions like “Chakravyuh.”

In 1988, Bharadwaj secured his breakthrough role as Lord Krishna in B. R. Chopra’s iconic television series “Mahabharat,” catapulting him to stardom at the age of 23. His portrayal of Lord Krishna resonated deeply with audiences, cementing his status as a household name. Subsequently, he essayed various roles, including Lord Vishnu in “Vishnu Puran” and Lord Rama in “Ramayan,” further solidifying his place in the pantheon of Indian television.

Venturing into filmmaking, Bharadwaj starred in and directed Marathi movies like “Pitruroon,” based on a novella by Sudha Murthy. The film garnered critical acclaim and earned Bharadwaj accolades, including the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Director in 2013. Additionally, he made notable appearances in Bollywood films like “Mohenjo Daro” and “Kedarnath,” showcasing his versatility on the silver screen.

Bharadwaj’s tryst with politics saw him elected as a Member of Parliament from Jamshedpur constituency in 1996, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite his political stint, Bharadwaj’s passion for the arts remained undiminished, prompting his eventual retirement from active politics to focus on his film career.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Bharadwaj is a seasoned writer, having penned screenplays and directed philosophical TV series like “Gita Rahasya” and “Apraadhi.” His literary endeavors extend to radio, where he hosted shows like “Bhagvad Geeta” and “Ramayan” for BBC Radio 4, earning accolades for his contributions.

In his personal life, Bharadwaj’s journey has been marked by significant relationships, including his marriage to Monisha Patil, with whom he shares two children. Following their divorce in 2005, Bharadwaj remarried Smita Gate, an IAS officer, in 2009. Despite life’s ups and downs, Bharadwaj’s commitment to his craft and his ability to reinvent himself have solidified his legacy as a multifaceted personality in Indian entertainment.