Mumbai, February 8: Jaydeep Ahlawat is a well-known name in Bollywood and on OTT platforms. His performances have captivated both audiences and critics alike. However, few are aware that his original dream was not to enter the film industry, but to become an officer in the Indian Army. From a young age, he harbored a passion for serving the country and pursued this dream by attempting interviews with the Armed Forces Selection Board (SSB) multiple times, but he was unable to pass.
Although his dream of joining the army remained unfulfilled, this unachieved aspiration instilled in him a sense of struggle and hard work, which is evident in his acting.
Jaydeep was born on February 8, 1980, in Kharakara village, Rohtak district, Haryana. He comes from a Jat farming family. After completing his schooling, he pursued higher education in Rohtak and graduated with an MA in English from Maharshi Dayanand University in 2005. During this time, he also prepared for the SSB, but after facing setbacks, he earned a degree in acting from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His peers included successful actors like Rajkummar Rao, Vijay Varma, and Sunny Hinduja.
Jaydeep turned to theater, participating in numerous stage shows and plays across Punjab and Haryana. Theater taught him the art of character portrayal, emotional understanding, and connecting with audiences. His experiences in theater and small stage shows paved the way for his entry into films.
He began his career in 2008 with the short film “Narmeen” and subsequently took on various small roles. In 2010, he landed a negative role in Priyadarshan’s film “Khatta Meetha.” He also appeared in Ajay Devgn’s “Aakrosh.” However, it was Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur” that brought him widespread recognition, with his character capturing the attention of both viewers and critics.
Jaydeep also worked in Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan’s films “Vishwaroopam” and its sequel. Additionally, he portrayed a villain in “Commando: A One Man Army.” His memorable roles in films like “Gabbar Is Back,” “Raees,” “Raazi,” “Baaghi 3,” and “Bhaiyaji Superhit” further solidified his reputation.
The pinnacle of his career came in 2020 when he played Hathiram Chaudhary in Amazon Prime’s web series “Paatal Lok.” This role earned him the Filmfare OTT Award. Following this success, he showcased his acting prowess in films and web series such as “Jewel Thief,” “Jaane Jaan,” and “Maharaj.”