He was born on 23 April 1969 in a small village called Belwa in Bihar, to a farmer’s family.
He applied to the National School of Drama (NSD) four times but was rejected each time.
Despite rejections, he pursued theatre while in college and eventually became a respected stage actor.
His film debut came with minor roles in Drohkaal and Bandit Queen before his breakthrough in Satya (1998)
He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Satya.
He later won the Special Jury National Award for Pinjar (2003).
He is known as a method actor and often immerses himself deeply into his roles, earning the title of a “director’s actor.”
He has also acted in Telugu and Tamil films, not just Hindi cinema.
Despite his fame, he maintains a low-key lifestyle and is admired for his humility and dedication to craft.