Roots in Uttarakhand: Deepak was born on 1 September 1975 in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, into a middle-class family. His parents hailed from Kabra village near Rithakhal and Satpuli village.

Early move to Delhi: At the age of five, his family relocated to Delhi, where he grew up in Katwaria Sarai and completed his schooling at Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Begumpur.

Theatre beginnings: Before films, Deepak honed his craft in Delhi’s theatre circuit, working with renowned directors and building a strong foundation in acting.

Breakthrough role: Though he debuted in Maqbool (2003), his performance in Omkara (2006) earned him the Filmfare Award for Special Performance, bringing him into the limelight.

Comic timing: He is widely admired for his impeccable comic timing, especially in roles like “Pappi Ji” in Tanu Weds Manu and its sequel, which won him the IIFA Award for Best Comic Role.

Awards across industries: Apart from Bollywood, he has also acted in Marathi films and won the Filmfare Award Marathi and the Maharashtra State Film Award, showcasing his versatility.

Underrated actor: Despite working alongside stars like Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Irrfan Khan, he is often described as an underrated gem who elevates every project he joins.

Private life: Deepak has been married to Lara Bhalla since 2009, and he keeps his personal life away from the spotlight, focusing primarily on his craft.