![\"Randeep](\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/20\/download-2026-08-20t101100607_1787200948.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/div>\nRandeep was born on 20 August, 1976, in Rohtak, Haryana.<\/span><\/p>\n Randeep Hooda, one of Bollywood\u2019s most respected actors known for his intense performances, turns 50 today. While he has made a name for himself with serious and challenging roles on screen, the actor also has a strong humanitarian side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whenever a natural disaster has struck, or people have needed help, Randeep has often stepped away from the glamour of Bollywood and worked on the ground to help those affected.<\/p>\n Waded through floodwaters to help Assam victims<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep recently showed this side of himself during the severe floods in Assam. As floodwaters submerged several areas, he did not limit his support to messages on social media.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He travelled to Sivasagar district in Assam, where he waded through floodwaters to distribute relief supplies to those affected. He also visited families staying at a relief camp set up at a railway station, served food and helped manage the langar, or community kitchen.<\/p>\n Randeep Hooda distributing food to flood victims in Assam.<\/span><\/p>\n Distributed relief material by visiting affected areas.<\/span><\/p>\n Has been involved in relief work for years<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep\u2019s involvement in relief work is not limited to his recent visit to Assam. He has been involved in humanitarian efforts during several crises over the years.<\/p>\n In 2018, when Kerala was hit by devastating floods that affected millions, Randeep travelled to the flood-affected areas. Working with the organisation Khalsa Aid, he helped prepare and distribute food at relief camps.<\/p>\n Pictures of the actor cooking in large vessels and serving food to flood victims also went viral at the time.<\/p>\n Arranged water tankers during Nashik drought<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2019, Randeep stepped in to help people affected by a severe drought in Maharashtra\u2019s Nashik district. The situation in Vele village was particularly difficult, with wells drying up and villagers struggling to get drinking water.<\/p>\n Randeep visited the village himself, assessed the situation, and arranged around 25 to 30 water tankers every day for the affected villagers.<\/p>\n During the Punjab floods, Randeep went to the affected areas and distributed relief material.<\/span><\/p>\n Helped Punjab flood victims in 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep also extended his support during the 2025 Punjab floods. He visited affected areas and distributed relief material to people struggling with the impact of the floods.<\/p>\n Randeep\u2019s social work extends beyond disaster relief. He has also been actively involved in environmental and wildlife conservation.<\/p>\n He has regularly joined environmental activist Afroz Shah in beach and river clean-up drives in Mumbai. On several weekends, while many Bollywood celebrities were attending parties, Randeep was seen at Versova Beach early in the morning, picking up plastic and other waste.<\/p>\n During the drought in Nashik, Randeep arrived there with water tankers.<\/span><\/p>\n UN appointed him a brand ambassador<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep\u2019s work for the environment has also earned him international recognition. The United Nations appointed him as a brand ambassador for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).<\/p>\n The actor has often spoken about his love for animals and nature, saying that this connection goes back to his childhood. He has adopted several horses and has also supported campaigns for tiger conservation.<\/p>\n Social service runs in his family<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep\u2019s interest in humanitarian work was also influenced by his family. His father is a doctor, while his mother, Asha Hooda, is a social worker.<\/p>\n Randeep has said that watching his mother help people during his childhood made him more sensitive towards those in need.<\/p>\n Randeep often cleans the beach on weekends in Mumbai.<\/span><\/p>\n Financial struggles pushed him towards odd jobs<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep moved to Melbourne, Australia, after completing school for higher education. He earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in marketing and later completed a master\u2019s degree in business management and human resources.<\/p>\n However, his time in Australia was far from easy. He took up several odd jobs to cover his living and education expenses.<\/p>\n In an interview with Mid-Day, Randeep revealed that his financial struggles became so severe that he even considered becoming a gigolo, or male sex worker.<\/p>\n While living in Australia, he worked as a dishwasher, waiter, car washer and taxi driver, often working late into the night.<\/p>\n Randeep said that he once approached an agent about becoming a gigolo. However, when the agent asked him to provide a service to a couple, he refused.<\/p>\n In an interview given to Mid-Day, Randeep himself revealed that he had even tried to become a gigolo.<\/span><\/p>\n Airline job and theatre led to his first film<\/strong><\/p>\n After completing his studies in Australia, Randeep returned to India and took up a marketing job with an airline company in Mumbai. Alongside his job, he continued acting in theatre and working as a model.<\/p>\n During one of his theatre rehearsals in Mumbai, filmmaker Mira Nair noticed him. Impressed by his personality and acting, she called him for an audition for her upcoming film Monsoon Wedding<\/em>.<\/p>\n Randeep got the role of NRI relative Rahul Chadha, marking his Bollywood debut in 2001.<\/p>\n Randeep in the role of Rahul Chadha in the film ‘Monsoon Wedding’.<\/span><\/p>\n Signed a \u20b935,000 contract and waited four years for work<\/strong><\/p>\n After Monsoon Wedding<\/em>, Randeep expected more film offers. However, his career soon faced an unexpected setback.<\/p>\n Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma watched one of Randeep\u2019s plays and was impressed by his performance. He signed the actor for his gangster film on an exclusive contract worth \u20b935,000 a month.<\/p>\n The contract meant Randeep could not work with another production house until Ram Gopal Varma\u2019s film was completed. However, delays in the script and production kept the film on hold for four years.<\/p>\n Randeep Hooda (left) with director Ram Gopal Varma.<\/span><\/p>\n Lost film opportunities because of the contract<\/strong><\/p>\n Because of the contract, Randeep missed out on several film opportunities. Eventually, Ram Gopal Varma\u2019s D<\/em> was released in 2005, but the film failed at the box office.<\/p>\n The four-year wait had a major impact on Randeep\u2019s career. He later appeared in films such as Darna Zaroori Hai<\/em> and Ru-Ba-Ru<\/em>, but neither could give his career the push he needed.<\/p>\n A major turning point came in 2010 with Milan Luthria\u2019s Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai<\/em>. Randeep played the honest police officer ACP Wilson in the film.<\/p>\n Despite sharing the screen with established stars such as Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi, Randeep made a strong impression on both critics and audiences with his performance.<\/p>\n The film helped the industry take notice of his acting abilities, and he began receiving more substantial roles. He went on to appear in films such as Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster<\/em>, Jannat 2<\/em> and Jism 2<\/em>.<\/p>\n In the film ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, Randeep played the role of ACP Wilson.<\/span><\/p>\n Went to extreme lengths for Highway<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep is known for his dedication to his characters and has often gone to great lengths to prepare for roles. In Imtiaz Ali\u2019s 2014 film Highway<\/em>, he played Mahabir Bhati, a rugged and intimidating kidnapper.<\/p>\n For the role, Randeep wanted his character to look tired, rough and sunburnt. Instead of relying entirely on make-up, he reportedly spent hours in the sun to achieve a naturally weathered look.<\/p>\n He also revealed that on days when he looked too fresh for the role, he would drink vodka to make himself appear more tired and worn out.<\/p>\n Randeep Hooda with Alia Bhatt in the film Highway.<\/span><\/p>\n Met \u2018Bikini Killer\u2019 Charles Sobhraj in Nepal jail<\/strong><\/p>\n For the 2015 film Main Aur Charles<\/em>, Randeep played Charles Sobhraj, the notorious criminal also known as the \u2018Bikini Killer\u2019.<\/p>\n To understand Sobhraj\u2019s mannerisms, body language and way of speaking, Randeep wanted to meet him in person. He asked the film\u2019s director, P. Raman, to arrange a meeting.<\/p>\n At the time, Sobhraj was imprisoned at Kathmandu\u2019s Central Jail in Nepal. After several legal procedures, Randeep was allowed to meet him.<\/p>\n In an interview with E-Times, Randeep recalled that Sobhraj initially did not recognise him. He introduced himself and explained that he was playing him in a film. Sobhraj asked how Randeep had prepared for the role, and the actor said he had studied his old videos available online.<\/p>\n Sobhraj later signed a film poster for Randeep during their meeting.<\/p>\n Kept his hair and beard for three years for Battle of Saragarhi<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most difficult phases of Randeep\u2019s career was connected to his dream project Battle of Saragarhi<\/em>. He was set to play Havildar Ishar Singh in the film.<\/p>\n To show his respect for Sikh history and the character, Randeep took a vow at the Golden Temple in Amritsar that he would not cut his hair or beard until the film was completed and released.<\/p>\n The film began shooting under director Rajkumar Santoshi, and some portions were filmed. Randeep did not sign another film for three years and continued growing his hair for the role.<\/p>\n However, production and budget problems eventually brought the project to a halt.<\/p>\n In the picture, Randeep Hooda on the left and criminal Charles Sobhraj on the right.<\/span><\/p>\n Battle of Saragarhi was eventually shelved<\/strong><\/p>\n During the delay, Akshay Kumar\u2019s film Kesari<\/em>, which was also based on the Battle of Saragarhi, was announced and later released.<\/p>\n Eventually, Randeep\u2019s Battle of Saragarhi<\/em> was shelved permanently. For him, three years of preparation, waiting and emotional investment came to an end.<\/p>\n When he finally had to cut his hair, Randeep visited a gurdwara. According to Sikh tradition, he apologised for being unable to fulfil his vow before cutting his hair.<\/p>\n Called his breakup with Sushmita Sen a turning point<\/strong><\/p>\n Randeep\u2019s personal life has also seen its share of highs and lows. He met actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen while working on the 2006 film Karma Aur Holi<\/em>. The two grew close during the shoot and dated for around three years.<\/p>\n After their breakup, Randeep went through a difficult period and felt lonely. However, he later said in interviews that the end of the relationship became one of the biggest turning points in his life.<\/p>\n According to Randeep, the breakup made him more focused on his work and acting career. He decided to put his energy into films and become more serious about his profession.<\/p>\n Linked with other actresses<\/strong><\/p>\n Apart from Sushmita Sen, Randeep\u2019s name has also been linked with actress Neetu Chandra. During the making of Murder 3<\/em>, there were also reports of a link-up between Randeep and Aditi Rao Hydari.<\/p>\n However, Randeep has never openly spoken in detail about these reports.<\/p>\n Randeep Hooda with Sushmita Sen.<\/span><\/p>\n Randeep Hooda\u2019s journey has been far from easy. From working odd jobs in Australia and spending four years waiting for a film to be completed to taking on physically and emotionally demanding roles, he has faced several setbacks along the way.<\/p>\n At 50, Randeep continues to balance his work in cinema with his commitment to humanitarian, environmental and wildlife causes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Randeep was born on 20 August, 1976, in Rohtak, Haryana. Randeep Hooda, one of Bollywood\u2019s most respected actors known for his intense performances, turns 50 today. While he has made a name for himself with serious and challenging roles on screen, the actor also has a strong humanitarian side. Whenever a natural disaster has struck,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33900,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[30053,19936,23471,30054,23469,30056,30052,30055],"class_list":["post-33899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-7","tag-bikini-killer-nepal","tag-bollywood-actor","tag-flood-relief","tag-humanitarian-work","tag-randeep-hooda","tag-randeep-hooda-biography","tag-randeep-hooda-birthday","tag-randeep-hooda-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33899"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33899\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Randeep](\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/web2images\/521\/2026\/08\/19\/dbgifmagic-14_1785653621_1787137313729.gif\")
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