चंदा मामा से यूट्यूब तक। Childhood Then & Now

Scientist turned Actor, A Conversation with Dr. Anil Rastogi.

🎭 Early Life & Academic Career
Born and educated in Lucknow, he earned an M.Sc. in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Lknow University
Joined the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow in 1962, retiring as Head of Biochemistry and Director-grade Scientist in 2003
Published over 100 research papers, was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, and received multiple scientific honors
🎬 Theatre
Began theatre in 1962, performing in over 1,000 shows across approximately 98 plays, including major works like Rustam Sohrab, Taj Mahal Ka Tender, Yehoodi Ki Ladki, and Panchi Jaa Panchi Aa—the latter ran for 400+ shows
Served as General Secretary of Darpan Theatre, Lucknow, for over 4–5 decades, helping transform it into one of Northern India’s premier amateur groups
📺 Television & Web
Made TV debut in Udaan (1989) as SSP Bashir Ahmed, gaining nationwide recognition
Memorable roles include SSP Bashir Ahmed in Udaan, patriarchs/authority figures in Samvidhaan, Na Bole Tum Naa Maine Kuch Kaha, Razia Sultan, Dariba Diaries, and the popular web series Aashram, Grahan, Shiksha Mandal, among others
🎥 Film
Film debut in Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005); standout performance as grandfather in Ishaqzaade (2012)
Notable later works: Mulk, The Accidental Prime Minister (as Shivraj Patil), Raid, Mukti Bhawan, Batla House, Nakkash and upcoming Capsule Gill with Akshay Kumar
🏅 Honors & Recognition
Has received numerous awards:
UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1984)
Yash Bharti (UP government)
Awadh Samman
Rashtriya Kalidas Samman (2019) from Madhya Pradesh,
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (National) in 2024 .
Also honored with multiple other theatre awards like Utpal Dutt Award, Saraswati Samman, etc.
🌟 Legacy & Influence
Once described theatre venues like Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium in Lucknow as a “Mecca for theatre artists in UP”
Continues to balance a prolific scientific background with a passionate acting career, and is revered in both domains.
✅ In Summary
Scientist turned actor, blending analytical rigour with artistic depth
1,000+ stage shows and leadership in theatre for decades
Notable screen presence in TV, films, and web series
Highly decorated, regionally and nationally, for contributions to performing arts
A symbol of lifelong learning and creative reinvention — earning respect across scientific and cultural circles


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