Harish Patel (Hindi: हरीश पटेल; born 5 July 1953) is an Indian character actor. He has appeared in a variety of Hindi films, but in recent years has begun to appear in American projects like reimagination of Four Weddings and a Funeral on Hulu. His latest project is the MCU film Eternals. Although mainly associated with the stage, he has appeared in Indian and British films and television shows.[1]

Harish Patel
Patel in 2009
Born (1953-07-05) 5 July 1953 (age 71)
OccupationActor
Years active1983–present
Notable credits
Height1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)

Early life and background

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Patel was born in Mumbai, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), India.[citation needed] He began performing at the age of seven, when he played male and female roles in the Hindu epic Ramayana.[citation needed]

Acting career

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He made his film debut in Mandi directed by Shyam Benegal in 1983. From 1994 to 2008, Patel worked with the Indian theatre director Satyadev Dubey. In 1995, he joined the Indian National Theatre and appeared in the play Neela Kamra. His repertoire has included classical and modern Indian plays as well as plays by Western writers, e.g., Pinter's The Caretaker, Sartre's No Exit, Camus' Cross Purpose, Ionesco's The Lesson, and Mrozek's Vatzlav.

In the spring of 2007, Patel took the lead role of Eeshwar Dutt in Rafta, Rafta..., a comedy written by Ayub Khan-Din and directed by Nicholas Hytner at the National Theatre in London to critical acclaim and sellout audiences.[2][3][4][5]

His credits include The Buddha of Suburbia, China Gate, Mr India and Run Fatboy Run.[6] In 2009 he appeared in Coronation Street playing the role of Umed, Dev Alahan's uncle. Patel also appeared in Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress and Billionaire Boy, the television film adaptations of children's books by David Walliams.[7] He plays shopkeeper Raj in all the films, although they are set in different places.

His acting career has taken him all over India, and he has performed in the United Kingdom and abroad, in the United States and Dubai among other countries. Patel is a life member of the Cine & TV Artists Association of India.

He is well known for his catchphrase "gayee bhains paanee mein" (the buffalo entered the water), in the movie Mr. India. Additionally, he garnered international recognition after starring in Marvel Studios' Eternals as Karun. When interviewed regarding the film, Harish admitted to never watching a Marvel film before or even seeing Angelina Jolie or Salma Hayek films before.[8][9]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1967 Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti Child Actor in classroom Uncredited role
1983 Mandi Policeman
1984 Utsav Maitrey
1985 Vivek
Aghaat Laxman / Chotelai brother
Maa Kasam
1986 Mirch Masala Pandit / The priest
1987 Dacait Tolaram
Mr. India Roopchand Cameo appearance [10]
Susman Venkatesh, the secretary
1988 Rihaee Narrator / Raojibhai (Mailman)
Qatil Havaldar Hamid Rashid Khan
1989 Billoo Badshah Tikamdas Kundandas Mirchandani
Maine Pyar Kiya Rahim chacha
1990 Ek Number Ka Chor Policeman
Police Public CBI Assistant Ravi
Pratibandh Katkar Credited as Hrsh Patel
Thanedaar Hawaldar Bechare
1991 Ramgarh Ke Sholay Inspector Himmat Singh
Izzat Sultan
First Love Letter Bahadur Singh
Great Target
Aag Laga Do Sawan Ko
1992 Shola Aur Shabnam Velji / Kali's Brother-in-law
Panaah Lala Ranchod
Sarphira Cop
Bol Radha Bol Narag
1993 Aankhen Monto (Hired Principal / Hired Father / Hired Thief)
Gurudev Inspector (secret informer)
Sainik Guddi's father
15th August Secretary to Nagpal
Bedardi Baburam
Chahoonga Main Tujhe
Main Phir Aaoongi
1994 Andaz Home Minister Uncredited role
Jai Kishen Putarmal
Mohra Kranti Kumar
Andaz Apna Apna Sevaram
Mr. Azaad Havaldar Khare Uncredited role
Ikke Pe Ikka Bajrangi
Paramaatma Munshi
Yuhi Kabhi Kapoor
1995 Aaj Ka Maseeha
God and Gun Man at Railway Crossing
Ravan Raaj: A True Story Shilpa's Father
Taaqat
Barsaat Damru 'Danny'
Akele Hum Akele Tum Amarji
Ab Insaf Hoga Bansi
Vartmaan
1996 Halo
Rajkumar
Tu Chor Main Sipahi Home Minister
Mafia Kalyanji Bhai Matke
Loafer Pandit
Bhishma Havaldar Ramdas
Dil Tera Diwana Laxminarayan
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love Doctor Mani
Rangbaaz
Ghatak: Lethal Katya's Brother-In-Law
Rakshak Rokde
Ram Aur Shyam Money Lender
Angaara Dhaniram Koilewala
1997 Aar Ya Paar Gupta
Ziddi
Sanam Balwant Sinha
My Son the Fanatic Fizzy
Do Ankhen Barah Hath Keshav Bapu Darwaza
Tarazu Appa Rao's attorney
Gupt: The Hidden Truth Phoolchand
Udaan DCP Rawat Uncredited role
Loha Salim Chikna
Aflatoon Police Commissioner
Mrityudand MLA Durga Pandey
Suraj
1998 Purani Kabar
Vinashak - Destroyer Convict
Salaakhen Bhutaneshwar
Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai Mr. Sinha (Komal's uncle)
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha Rahul & Sanjana's Boss
Maut
Main Solah Baras Ki Mofatlal
Gunda Ibu Hatela
Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate Dr. Narmada Prasad
China Gate Devrug villager
1999 Daag: The Fire Bihari
Kaala Samrajya
Benaam Bankhelal
Maa Kasam
Dillagi
2000 Baaghi Aurat
Mela Chandulal Popatlal
Badal Daya Shanker
Krodh Rambhau
Sabse Bada Be-Imaan
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke Sharan Grewal
Billa No. 786
2001 Shola Aur Barood
Maut Ka Khel
Zubeidaa Nandlal Seth
Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat Hassubhai
Master Superintendent of Police Roshan Lal
2002 Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein
Ghaav: The Wound Mamaji (Jog's maternal uncle)
2003 Lady James Bond
Love at Times Square Natvar
Khanjar Pammi's maternal uncle
Calcutta Mail
Bokshu – The Myth
2004 Mein Bikaaoo: On Sale
Pati Ho To Aisa
Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum
Hatya Chedulal
Mirchi: It's Hot Ilyas Khan
Nevermind Nirvana Dr. Arjun Mehta
2005 Chicken Tikka Masala Harishbhai Patel
Pyaar Mein Twist Raj Loc
2006 Quarter Life Crisis Neil's Doctor
Vidhyaarthi: The Power of Students Teacher Sharma
2007 Khallas: The Beginning of End Chhota Shetty
Run Fatboy Run Mr. Goshdashtidar
2010 Nevermind Nirvana Dr. Arjun Mattoo TV Movie
2011 My Freakin' Family Pradip TV Movie
2009 Today's Special Hakim
2012 All in Good Time Eeshwar
Keith Lemon: The Film Kushvinder
Mr Stink Raj TV Movie
2013 Jadoo Raja Chandana
Gangsta Granny Raj TV Movie
2014 The Boy in the Dress Raj TV Movie
2016 Billionaire Boy Raj TV Movie
2017 Lies We Tell Haji
Ratburger Raj TV Movie
2018 Grandpa's Great Escape Raj TV Movie
The Midnight Gang Raj TV Movie
2021 Eternals Karun Patel
2022 Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! Raj TV Movie
2023 Companion Amit Oza
2024 A Nice Indian Boy Archit Gavaskar

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1986 Malgudi Days Gopinath / Photographer 2 episodes
Hum Hindustani
Katha Sagar
1987 Chunni Ghasita Ram
1987–1988 Aa Bail Muje Maar
1988 Wagle Ki Duniya Joshi Episode: "Landlord"
1988–1989 Mahanagar
Bharat Ek Khoj Lala Makhanlal, Todarmal, Buddhist Monk, Draha, Nai 5 episodes
1990–1991 Agar Aisa Ho To
1992 Talaash
1993 The Buddha of Suburbia Changez Mini-series, 3 episodes
1994–1995 Tajurbe
1994–2000 Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
2000 Noorjahan
2009 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Mr. Patel 3 episodes
Coronation Street Umed Alahan 42 episodes
2014 Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Mini-series; episode: "Independent India: Righting Fundamental Wrongs with Fundamental Rights"
The Driver Amjad 3 episodes
Mapp & Lucia Guru Episode: "Episode #1.2"
2019 Four Weddings and a Funeral Haroon Khan Main role, mini-series

References

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  1. ^ "Eternals' Karun Actor Shares His Reaction To Joining Marvel Movie Cast". ScreenRant. 10 November 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  2. ^ "LAURENCE OLIVIER WINNERS' REMARKS: Best New Play & Best New Comedy". What's On Stage.
  3. ^ "Rafta Rafta – Royal National Theatre". Japjit Kaur.
  4. ^ Patel, Chandrika (2015). The Taste of British South Asian Theatres: Aesthetics and Production. Lulu Press. ISBN 9781483433417.
  5. ^ "Wanted: multicultural audiences for mainstream theatre". The Guardian.
  6. ^ "'I couldn't say no to David' – Harish Patel". The Asian Today.
  7. ^ "Billionaire Boy". Radio Times. Radio Times.
  8. ^ "Actor who plays unexpected fan favorite in 'Eternals' hadn't seen a Marvel film before". www.yahoo.com. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  9. ^ "'Eternals' Harish Patel Had Never Seen Angelina Jolie or Salma Hayek's Films Before Joining the Cast". Collider. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Mr India Cast & Crew". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 6 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
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