Yashpal Sharma

Born on January 1, 1967, in the historic city of Hisar, Haryana, Yashpal Sharma is an acclaimed National Film Award-winning actor, theatre stalwart, and director who has enriched Indian cinema and stage with his versatile, grounded, and emotionally charged performances. Growing up in Hisar, Sharma developed an early passion for acting through Ramlila performances and street plays across Haryana's towns. Determined to pursue the dramatic craft formally, he graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1994 and joined the NSD Repertory Company, mastering classic Indian and world theatre. Moving to Mumbai, he made a stellar transition to cinema, breaking into national prominence with his portrayal of the mercurial, defiant spin bowler Ishwar in Ashutosh Gowariker's Academy Award-nominated magnum opus 'Lagaan' (2001). Sharma followed this triumph with an unforgettable turn as the menacing antagonist Sunder Yadav in Prakash Jha's hard-hitting police drama 'Gangaajal' (2003), earning him the Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role and widespread critical acclaim. Over three decades, Sharma has featured in more than a hundred feature films across Hindi, Punjabi, and regional languages, delivering memorable performances in 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi', 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Aakrosh', and 'Singh Is Kinng'. Despite his bustling Bollywood career, Sharma remained deeply devoted to reviving the cultural and cinematic heritage of his native Haryana. He spent seven years painstakingly researching, writing, and directing the biographical period film 'Dada Lakhmi' (2022), chronicling the life, struggles, and musical brilliance of Haryana's legendary poet Pandit Lakhmi Chand. The film garnered monumental international acclaim, winning the 68th National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Haryanvi alongside over sixty-five international festival awards. In addition to cinema, Sharma founded the Raahi Theatre group, traveling across small towns and rural districts to conduct youth theatre workshops and cultivate local artistic talent. His lifelong crusade to elevate vernacular cinema to global festivals has opened vital pathways for the next generation of Haryanvi creators.

Honors & Career Highlights