Sridevi with Anang Desi in the film Gumrah (1993)

Today, we honour actor Anang Desai (born 4 May 1953) who turns 73 today!  Seen here with iconic Indian actress Sridevi in the film Gumrah, a mini bio of the veteran actor;

A veteran Indian film, television, and theatre actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of the patriarch Tulsidas Parekh (Babuji) in the popular Hindi sitcom Khichdi (2002) and its film adaptation, a quick look at his enduring career in the entertainment industry.

Born in Ahmedabad, (Gujarat), India, into a well-to-do family—his father was a cardiologist and his mother a singer and painter—Desai showed an early interest in acting and singing. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, before training at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, and FTII, Pune. He spent over five years with NSD’s professional repertory company, performing extensively in Hindi theatre productions such as Mukhya Mantri, Tughlaq, and Virasat. A trained Hindustani classical singer, he also worked at All India Radio in Ahmedabad.

Desai made his film debut in 1982 with Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, playing Indian independence leader J.B. Kripalani. His career spans character roles in numerous Hindi films, often as doctors, judges, fathers, or authority figures. He has appeared in over 70 films, including notable ones like Parinda (1989), Aashiqui (1990), Gumrah (1993), Yaadein (2001), Tere Naam (2003), Baghban (2003), Rustom (2016) as Judge Patel, and Khichdi: The Movie (2010). He has also worked in Gujarati cinema (Kevi Rite Jaish, Jaysuk Zdpayo) and even a French film!

On television, he has featured in more than 100 shows - his calm, dignified screen presence and versatility have made him a respected figure in both mainstream and parallel cinema.

Married to poet and writer Chitra Desai, the couple has two sons. Desai’s journey from Gujarati roots and intensive theatre training to becoming a household name exemplifies dedication and quiet excellence in Indian entertainment. He continues to work in films and TV, including recent projects like Khichdi 2 and Kaagaz 2