Full Biography

Ashish Vidyarthi is an actor known for his versatility and unique approach towards his characters. He got involved in drama and acting while still enrolled in University. He believes his roots still lie in his theatre background and loves to perform on stage.  Vidyarthi’s film career began with a supporting role in the Kannada Film Anand with Shivraj Kumar. His break in Hindi films came with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942: A Love Story. Notable movies where Ashish has played the negative role are Drohkaal, Baazi, Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (directed by Sudhir Mishra), Vaastav, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Rakht Charitra, playing villains against heroes like Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, Bobby Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Vivek Oberoi. He has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for film Drohkaal in 1995.  He soon began appearing as atypical (by Bollywood standards) villains, spewing vitriolic dialogue rather than as the type villains who were becoming the norm. He has acted in over 140 films of different genres like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. Ashish Vidyarthi has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood and Television by portraying negative roles which he performs with aplomb. Though, with Bollywood experimenting with films of different genres, Ashish feels that he will be able to spread his wings to more than then a clichéd villain. Ashish currently is working with Anurag Basu for his latest movie Barfee.

DAM 999

DAM999 is a tribute to the lost souls of the world's worst man made dam disasters which claimed a toll of lives. Around 250,000 people died in 1975 Banqiao dam disaster in China. The collapse of this dam did not make it to the world for over 15 years. It was worse than what happened at Hiroshima and

Nagasaki. DAM999 spreads the message about the consequences of an unfortunate disaster which is predicted in the near future. The story revolves around nine characters portraying nine variants of emotion (Navarasa) and an obsolete dam. Each character holds a dam of emotions which eventually explodes along with the collapse of the mammoth edifice, replicating the worst man-made disaster witnessed in history. Ashish Vidyarthi plays Durai, the antagonist in the movie. He personifies Bheebatsa, the rasa of the foe, the rasa that symbolizes disgust and aversion.

Dam999 an upcoming 3-D UAE-Indian co-production film produced by BizTV Network, UAE and directed by Sohan Roy. The movie is based on the award winning short Documentary 'DAMs- the Lethal Water Bombs'.

Ashish Vidyarthi’s role in DAM999

Meet DURAI – Ashish role in DAM 999

Durai, character in the film is one of the most challenging roles he has played in his career. Durai, the antagonist in the story, is an embodiment of Bheebatsa Rasa (disgust). Blue is the color associated with this rasa. Crooked, Devious, and Rude are the best words that can describe Durai. 

The character epitomizes the vulgar face of power politics, of any country. He is the one who would go to any extent to get things done in his favor. His magic lies in being able to think quickly and exploit even a hostile situation. This unscrupulous and power hungry politico could forfeit or betray anything to reach his goal. He is a sadist. Daring, bold and opportunistic, he was brutal to those who opposed him.

Ashish believes Durai will be a turning point in my career. The role was very challenging, as he had to go through several risky and adventurous shots during the making. DAM 999 and Durai will be a great treat to be watched, for sure.

Ashish Vidyarthi Biography images

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