Gajendra Chauhan

Gajendra Singh Chauhan known professionally as Gajendra Chauhan, is a former television actor known for his work on Indian television, especially his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the historical television series Mahabharat (1988–90). He has also had significant roles in a few B movies, and a larger number of cameo appearances in other films. In 2015, he was appointed chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), which sparked controversy and opposition by FTII students, leading to his resignation in October 2017. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts from 2021 to 2025.

Early life and family Gajendra was born on 10 October 1956, in Delhi to a Rajput family. He did a diploma in radiography from AIIMS New Delhi, before he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. There he studied acting in the school run by Roshan Taneja, who had previously taught at FTII.

Chauhan is married to Bollywood choreographer Habiba Rehman. They have a son, Shamsher Singh Chauhan. His first break as an actor was in television series Paying Guest in 1983, and he went on to act in shows such as Rajni, Air Hostess and Adalat. The first acting part in a film that he did was in Main Chup Nahi Rahoongi in 1986.

Mahabharat

Chauhan was initially offered to play the role of Lord Krishna in the television series, and shot for two episodes of the series in this role. However filming for the first series was delayed, and Chauhan moved south to take on new work. In 2004 Chauhan entered politics,

Controversies On 9 June 2015, Chauhan was appointed as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). His appointment proved to be controversial amid allegations by students that it was a blatant attempt to "saffronize the institute". Chauhan requested the students to give him a year to prove himself, and insisted that he would be better than the previous chairpersons.

Among those who have supported Chauhan's appointment as FTII chairman are BJP supporters and politicians including Mukesh Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Hema Malini, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Paintal. Many more including FTII alumni and former teachers, actors, film technicians, filmmakers, journalists and political leaders have opposed his appointment, prominent among whom include Rishi Kapoor, Resul Pookutty, Amol Palekar, Soumitra Chatterjee, Arvind Kejriwal and Rana Ayyub.

Filmography Film

Television Year Serial Role Channel Notes 1986 Bahadur Shah Zafar Tatya Tope (Episode 8 & Episode 9) DD National 1989–1990 Mahabharat Maharaj Yudhishthir 1993 Kanoon Chandra Saxena DD Metro 14 episodes 1994–2001 Zee Horror Show 1994 Saaya 11 Episodes/1995 Aatma 4 Episodes/1996 Jaal 6 Episodes/1998 Junoon 3 Episodes/ 1999 Vapsi 2 Episodes/Murti 3 Episodes/2000 Raat 2 Episodes. Zee TV 1997 Ghar Jamai Sidhu Singh Special Appearance only in Episode no 20 Om Namah Shivay Daksha Prajapati/Maharaj Karthaveeryarjun 2000 Shree Ganesh Parvat Raj Himalay 2000 Noorjahan DD National 2001 Aane Wala Pal DD Metro Dushman Jaane Anjaane Prannath Vashisht DD National 2002 Ramayan Dasharath Zee TV 2005–2006 Sarkarr:Rishton Ki Ankahi Kahani 2007 Meri Doli Tere Angana Mahendra 2007–2008 Raavan Maharaj Dasharath 2008–2009 Naaginn Naagdev2012 Shobha Somnath Ki Kya Hua Tera Vaada Mr. Chopra Sony Entertainment Television 2013 Adaalat Colonel Desai & Justice Sharma 2017 Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman Sumant 2018 Danga The Riot Shyama Prasad Mukherjee