Atul Kulkarni was born on 1965-09-10 in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. He initially pursued engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune, but left to follow his passion for acting. He graduated from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, which shaped his career in theatre and cinema. His early stage performances earned him recognition, and he transitioned into films with impactful roles that showcased his versatility.
Over the years, Kulkarni has become known for his intense portrayals in films such as Rang De Basanti (2006), Natarang (2010), and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), where he also contributed as a screenwriter. He has worked extensively in theatre and continues to support education initiatives as the president of Quest, a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of education. His career spans mainstream cinema, independent films, and OTT platforms, including the acclaimed series City of Dreams (2019–2023).