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Rajkumar Hirani: Age, Height, Profession, Wife, Family, Children, Biography & More

Rajkumar Hirani Quick Info

AgeWifeHometownNet Worth
61 YearsManjeet HiraniNagpur, MaharashtraRs 1,410 Crore

Biography – Wiki

Full NameRajkumar Hirani
NicknameRaju
Profession(s)Indian filmmaker, Writer and Director
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height (Approx.)in centimeters - 175 cm
in meters - 1.75 m
in Feet Inches - 5’ 9”
Weight (Approx.)in Kilograms- 73 kg
in Pounds- 161 lbs
Eye ColourDark Brown
Hair ColourSalt & Pepper
Exploring the Personal Life of Rajkumar Hirani
Date of BirthRajkumar Hirani was born on 20 November 1962, a Tuesday.
AgeAs of 2024, Rajkumar Hirani is 61 years old.
Birth PlaceHe was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Zodiac sign/Sun signHis zodiac sign is Scorpio.
NationalityRajkumar Hirani is of Indian nationality.
HometownHis hometown is Nagpur, Maharashtra.
SchoolHe attended St. Francis De'Sales High School in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
CollegeRajkumar Hirani pursued his education at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Educational QualificationsHe completed a course in Editing during his time at FTII, Pune.
ReligionRajkumar Hirani follows Hinduism.
HobbiesOne of his hobbies is reading.
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
FamilyFather: Late Suresh Hirani ran a typing institute in Nagpur.
Mother: Sheela Hirani - Rajkumar Hirani's greatest inspiration is his mother Sheela, and the director has stated that he vets all his screenplays by his mother first.
Brother: Sanjeev Hirani Works as a computer consultant in the United States.
Sister: Anju Kishanchandani is a journalist
Rajkumar Hirani’s Career
Early work (1994-2000)
1990sRajkumar Hirani initially ventured into the film industry as a film editor, dedicating several years to this role. However, faced with challenging experiences, he transitioned to television advertising for a period. During this time, he carved a niche for himself as a director and producer of advertising films. Notably, he appeared in a Fevicol advertisement featuring men and elephants attempting to pull and break a Fevicol plank with the iconic tagline "Jor laga ke Haisha." He also participated in the Kinetic Luna ad campaign created by Ogilvy & Mather.
Late 1990sWhile achieving success in the advertising industry, Rajkumar Hirani harbored a deep-seated desire to delve into filmmaking. In pursuit of this passion, he took a hiatus from advertising and joined forces with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Initially, he contributed to the promos and trailers for Chopra's patriotic romance "1942: A Love Story" (1994). Subsequently, he took charge of editing promotions for Chopra's romantic film "Kareeb" (1998).
2000Rajkumar Hirani's breakthrough in the film editing domain came in the year 2000 when he received his maiden opportunity as a film editor for Chopra's action drama "Mission Kashmir." This marked a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him into the realm of feature film editing and laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the Indian film industry.
Directorial debut and breakthrough (2003–09)
2003In 2003, Rajkumar Hirani marked his directorial debut with the comedy-drama "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.," a film that featured an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Gracy Singh, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Sunil Dutt in lead roles. The film, the first installment in the Munna Bhai film series, centered around the titular protagonist (played by Dutt), a goon attending medical school with the assistance of his sidekick, Circuit (played by Warsi). Upon its release, the film garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised Hirani's direction and screenplay. It achieved significant commercial success, earning ₹330 million (US$4.1 million) worldwide and ranking as the eighth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." received the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics), and earned Hirani his first Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay, along with his initial nomination for Best Director.
2006In 2006, Hirani directed the second installment of the Munna Bhai franchise, titled "Lage Raho Munna Bhai." The film retained key members of the original cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Boman Irani, while introducing Vidya Balan as the female lead, replacing Gracy Singh. "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" emerged as Hirani's highest-grossing release at that point, generating ₹1.2 billion (US$15 million) worldwide and securing the third spot among the highest-grossing films of the year. Similar to its predecessor, the film received accolades, winning Hirani his second National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, his second Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics), his first Filmfare Award for Best Story and Best Dialogue, and earning him his second nomination for Best Director.
Widespread success (2009–present)
2009In 2009, Rajkumar Hirani directed the coming-of-age comedy-drama "3 Idiots," loosely adapted from Chetan Bhagat's novel "Five Point Someone." The film featured an ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Boman Irani. It explored the friendship of three engineering students, serving as a satire on social pressures within the Indian education system. "3 Idiots" received widespread critical acclaim and emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film at the time, earning ₹4.60 billion (US$58 million) in global ticket sales. Hirani received his third National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, his first Filmfare Award for Best Film and Best Director, and his second Filmfare Award for Best Story and Best Screenplay. The success of "3 Idiots" solidified Hirani's position as one of Hindi cinema's leading filmmakers.
2014After a 5-year hiatus, Hirani returned to direction in 2014 with the science fiction satirical comedy-drama "PK." The film, starring Aamir Khan, received positive reviews for Khan's performance and the film's humor, although it faced criticism for potentially "hurting religious sentiments." "PK" earned eight nominations at the 60th Filmfare Awards, winning two, and also secured five Producers Guild Film Awards and two Screen Awards. With a budget of ₹850 million (approx. $12 million), "PK" became the first Indian film to gross over ₹7 billion and US$100 million worldwide. It attained the status of the highest-grossing Indian film at the time and ranked 70th among the highest-grossing films of 2014 globally. The film's final worldwide gross reached ₹854 crore (US$140 million), making it the 5th highest-grossing Indian film worldwide and 7th highest-grossing film in India.
2018Hirani directed the biographical drama "Sanju" in 2018, depicting the life of actor Sanjay Dutt, one of Hirani's close collaborators. The film covered Dutt's struggles with drug addiction, arrest for alleged involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings, relationship with his father, comeback in the industry, and the eventual dropping of charges related to the Bombay blasts. Upon release, "Sanju" received mixed-to-positive reviews, with acclaim for Ranbir Kapoor's performance, although some critics pointed out its protagonist's image-cleansing. With a worldwide gross of ₹586.85 crore (US$73 million), "Sanju" became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2018, the fifth highest-earning Hindi film in India, and one of the highest-grossing Indian films. The film earned seven nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards, securing two wins: Best Actor for Kapoor and Best Supporting Actor for Vicky Kaushal.
2023Rajkumar Hirani is currently directing "Dunki," a comedy-drama film on immigration. Produced by Hirani and Red Chillies Entertainment (marking their first collaboration), and co-written by Hirani and Joshi, the film features Shah Rukh Khan (in their first collaboration), Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Sunil Grover, Deepak Dobriyal, and Divya Dutta. "Dunki" was released theatrically on 21 December 2023, coinciding with Christmas. The film explores the theme of immigration and promises to be a noteworthy addition to Hirani's diverse directorial portfolio.
Rajkumar Hirani: A Maestro of Social Commentary Through Cinema
Rajkumar Hirani's films stand as poignant reflections on critical social issues, infused with a blend of healthy humor and profound emotional depth. As both the director and editor of his works, Hirani's commitment to storytelling is evident, with a confessed passion for the editing process. Renowned film critic Rajeev Masand draws parallels between Hirani's films and the classic works of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, noting their shared emphasis on human goodness and fundamental niceties. Notably, Hirani considers Mukherjee's "Anand" (1971) as his favorite film.

Film Themes and Social Commentary
  • Munna Bhai MBBS (2003): The film delves into the corruption within hospitals and the cruelty often associated with the medical profession.
  • Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006): This installment explores Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, advocating for reform through compassionate and soft-hearted behavior.
  • 3 Idiots (2009): A critique of the education system, shedding light on the pressures faced by students for grades and the importance of pursuing individual passions.
  • PK (2014): This film addresses religious beliefs and superstitions, provoking thought on these aspects of society.
  • Sanju (2018): Focusing on relationships and media outrage, "Sanju" provides a nuanced portrayal of the complex life of actor Sanjay Dutt.
Film critic Komal Nahta aptly describes Hirani as "a magician more than a director," particularly praising his sensitive narration in "Sanju," where he skillfully unfolds the intricate story of a misdirected, ignorant, and foolish young man. Rajkumar Hirani's films, marked by their insightful social commentary, establish him as a cinematic maestro adept at navigating the complexities of human behavior and societal norms.
Rajkumar Hirani: Producer Collaborations and Creative Evolution
Rajkumar Hirani's cinematic journey has been closely intertwined with Vinod Chopra Films, co-producing all his films until "Sanju," when creative differences led to the amicable termination of their collaboration. The partnership began with Hirani professionally editing one of Chopra's films, "Mission Kashmir" (2000). Notably, Hirani has maintained a steadfast collaboration with writer Abhijat Joshi since "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" and consistently features certain actors, including Sanjay Dutt (with whom he has collaborated on three feature films), Aamir Khan (a collaborator on two films, one also featuring Dutt), and Boman Irani, who has played pivotal supporting roles in all of Hirani's projects.
A Pioneer of Cinematic Style
Rajkumar Hirani is celebrated as a pioneer of his distinct cinematic style, earning praise from industry stalwarts and contemporaries alike. Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar expresses admiration, acknowledging Hirani's genius ideas and strong screenplays, expressing a desire to create movies of a similar caliber. Director Anurag Kashyap praises Hirani as the bravest filmmaker, highlighting his ability to make impactful films without diluting their essence for the audience. SS Rajamouli, during the promotion of "Baahubali: The Beginning" (2015), expresses his fandom for Hirani's work, emphasizing the unique quality he brings to every scene.
Acknowledgments from Industry Veterans
Screenwriter Javed Akhtar, a significant figure in Indian cinema, praises Hirani's work and attributes his success not only to his filmmaking prowess but also to his inherent goodness as a human being. Akhtar notes that creating such impactful films requires not just directorial and writing skills but also a genuine understanding of humanity.
Rajkumar Hirani’s Filmography
YearTitleDirectorScreenplayStoryEditorProducerNotes
2003Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.YesYesYesYesNoNominated: Filmfare Award for Best Director
2006Lage Raho Munna BhaiYesYesYesYesNoAlso dialogue writer
Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Director
20093 IdiotsYesYesYesYesNoWon: Filmfare Award for Best Director
2012Ferrari Ki SawaariNoNoNoYesCreativeAlso dialogue writer
2014PKYesYesYesYesYesNominated: Filmfare Award for Best Film
Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Director
2016Irudhi SuttruNoNoNoNoYesBi-lingual film, producer of the Hindi version
2018SanjuYesYesYesYesYesNominated: Filmfare Award for Best Film
Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Director
2023DunkiYesYesYesYesYesReleased on 21 December 2023[31]
2024Made in India †NoNoYesNoNoBiopic of Dadasaheb Phalke & Indian Cinema.
S. S. Rajamouli's First Film (as a Producer).
Editor only
  • The Eight Column Fair (1987) (Short Film)
  • Jab Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya (1991)
  • Jazbaat (1994)
  • Mission Kashmir (2000)
Creative producer only
  • Parineeta (2005)
  • Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007)
Commercial performance
Rajkumar Hirani's notable films span various years, showcasing a consistent trend of Hirani's success, with notable titles like "Munna Bhai MBBS," "Lage Raho Munna Bhai," "3 Idiots," "PK," and "Sanju."
YearTitleBudget (est.)Box-office (est.)
Worldwide Gross
2003Munna Bhai MBBSRs. 10 crore (US$1.3 million)Rs 56.28 crore (US$7.0 million)
2006Lage Raho Munna BhaiRs. 19 crore (US$2.4 million)Rs 126 crore (US$16 million)
20093 IdiotsRs. 55 crore (US$6.9 million)Rs 400 crore (US$50 million)
2014PKRs. 85 crore (US$11 million)Rs 770 crore (US$96 million)
2018SanjuRs. 96 crore (US$12 million)Rs 586 crore (US$73 million)
2023DunkiRs. 120 crore (US$15 million)Rs 458.69 crore
Awards and Honors
National Film Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2003Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome EntertainmentMunnabhai MBBSWon
(51st)
2006Lage Raho Munnabhai
(54th)Best Screenplay
2009Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment3 Idiots
(57th)
Filmfare Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2004Best Film (Critics)Munnabhai MBBSWon
(49th)Best DirectorNominated
 Best ScreenplayWon
2007Best Film (Critics)Lage Raho MunnabhaiWon
(52nd)Best DirectorNominated 
 Best StoryWon 
 Best DialogueWon 
 Best EditingNominated 
2010Best Director3 IdiotsWon
(55th)Best StoryWon
 Best ScreenplayWon
 Best DialogueWon
2015Best FilmPKNominated
(60th)Best DirectorNominated
 Best ScreenplayWon
 Best StoryNominated
 Best DialogueWon
2019Best FilmSanjuNominated
(64th)Best DirectorNominated
Screen Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2007Best StoryLage Raho MunnabhaiWon
Best Dialogue
Best Editing
2010Best Director3 Idiots
Best Screenplay
Best Dialogue
Best Editing
2015Best DialoguePK
IIFA Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2004Best ScreenplayMunnabhai MBBSWon
(5th)Best Editing
2007Best DirectorLage Raho Munnabhai
(8th)Best Story
 Best Dialogue
2010Best Director3 Idiots
(11th)Best Story
 Best Screenplay
 Best Editing
2015Best DirectorPK
(16th)Best Dialogue
2019Best Director in 2 decades3 Idiots
(20th)
Apsara Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2004Best Debut DirectorMunnabhai MBBSWon
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
2011Best Director of 2009 (Special Honour)3 Idiots
2015Best FilmPK
Best Director
Best Dialogue
Zee Cine Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2004Most Promising DirectorMunnabhai MBBSWon
Best Editing
2007Best StoryLage Raho Munnabhai
Best Screenplay
Best Dialogue
Zenith Power Team Award
2019Best FilmSanju
Bollywood Movie Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2004Best DirectorMunnabhai MBBSWon
2007Lage Raho Munnabhai
Best Story
Best Dialogue
Stardust Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2007Best DirectorLage Raho MunnabhaiWon
Global Indian Film Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2007Best StoryLage Raho MunnabhaiWon
Best Dialogue
ETC Bollywood Business Awards
YearCategoryMovieResult
2014Highest Grossing DirectorPKWon
Top Grosser of the Year
Box office Record breaker of the Year
Box office 300 cr club
2018Top Grosser of the YearSanju
Box office 300 cr club
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
YearCategoryMovieResult
2015Telstra People's Choice AwardPKWon
2018Best FilmSanju
Best Director
CNN-IBN Indian of the Year
YearCategoryMovieResult
2006EntertainmentLage Raho MunnabhaiWon
Personal Life
Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date(s)Year- 1994
Wife/SpouseManjeet Hirani - Rajkumar married Manjeet, a pilot in Air India, in 1994.
ChildrenSon - Vir Hirani, Rajkumar & Manjeet’s son is also pursuing filmmaking.

Daughter - N/A
Favorites and Hobbies
Author(s)Rajkumar Hirani's favorite authors include Harishankar Parsai, Wayne Dyer, and Roald Dahl.
Book(s)Among his preferred books are "Your Erroneous Zones" by Roald Dahl and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey.
Actor(s)Rajkumar Hirani holds a penchant for actors such as Dilip Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan, and Boman Irani.
Film(s)His favorite film is the timeless classic "Anand" (1971).
SportIn the realm of sports, Rajkumar Hirani leans towards cricket as his favorite.
Style Quotient, Assets & Properties
Cars CollectionRajkumar Hirani possesses an impressive collection of high-end automobiles, featuring renowned brands such as Audi, Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. Each vehicle within his collection is estimated to cost approximately 1.2 to 2 Crore INR.
Assets/PropertiesRajkumar Hirani's assets and properties include a residence in Mumbai and a designer house in Navi Mumbai, acquired in 2011 at a value of ₹12 crore. In addition to these, he possesses multiple houses across the country, reflecting his strategic financial investments.
Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income
Net worthRs 1,410 crore
Net worth in dollars$170 million
Monthly IncomeRs. 8 Crore +
Annual IncomeRs. 80 Crore INR

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Rajkumar Hirani’s life




Accused of Sexual Harassment: Rajkumar Hirani faced controversies when, on 13 January 2019, HuffPost India reported allegations made by women against him. According to the story, Hirani was accused of making a sexually suggestive remark and assaulting a woman in his home office, who was part of the crew working on the film “Sanju.” The alleged incidents of sexual abuse were said to have occurred over a six-month period from April to September 2018. In response, Hirani denied the claims, dismissing them as “false, malicious, and mischievous.”


Rajkumar Hirani’s biography weaves a tale of a visionary storyteller who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian cinema. From his early days marked by a passion for theater to becoming a celebrated director and editor, Hirani’s journey exemplifies perseverance and creative brilliance. His ability to infuse profound societal messages with humor, his mastery of storytelling, and his unwavering commitment to his craft have propelled him to the zenith of success. Hirani’s filmography, marked by iconic works like “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.,” “3 Idiots,” and “PK,” stands as a testament to his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Through the highs and lows, controversies, and triumphs, Rajkumar Hirani emerges not just as a successful filmmaker but as an artist who has enriched the cinematic narrative of India.


Rajkumar Hirani Facebook



Who is Rajkumar Hirani?

Rajkumar Hirani is a renowned Indian film director and editor known for his impactful contributions to Bollywood cinema.

When was Rajkumar Hirani born?

Rajkumar Hirani was born on 20 November 1962.

What is Rajkumar Hirani's hometown?

He hails from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Which school did Rajkumar Hirani attend?

Rajkumar Hirani studied at St. Francis De'Sales High School in Nagpur.

Where did Rajkumar Hirani go to college?

He attended the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.

What educational qualification does Rajkumar Hirani hold?

Rajkumar Hirani pursued a course in film editing at FTII.

Which film marked Rajkumar Hirani's directorial debut?

"Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." (2003) marked his directorial debut.

Is Rajkumar Hirani involved in writing scripts for his films?

Yes, he often collaborates with writer Abhijat Joshi on scriptwriting.

What is Rajkumar Hirani's favorite film?

His favorite film is "Anand" (1971).

How many National Film Awards has Rajkumar Hirani won?

Rajkumar Hirani has won three National Film Awards.

Which actor has collaborated with Hirani on multiple films?

Sanjay Dutt has collaborated with Rajkumar Hirani on several films.

What was the controversy involving Rajkumar Hirani in 2019?

Allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Hirani in 2019, which he denied.

Does Rajkumar Hirani have a preferred genre for his films?

While he has explored various genres, Hirani is known for his impactful social dramas.

Which film of Rajkumar Hirani had the highest box office collection?

"PK" (2014) holds the record for his highest-grossing film.

What is Rajkumar Hirani's approach to filmmaking?

He combines social messages with humor, creating films that resonate with a wide audience.

Does Rajkumar Hirani have a production company?

He has been associated with Vinod Chopra Films for many years.

What is the estimated budget of "Sanju" (2018)?

The estimated budget of "Sanju" was Rs. 96 crore (US$12 million).

How many Filmfare Awards has Rajkumar Hirani won?

He has won several Filmfare Awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay.

Is Rajkumar Hirani involved in any upcoming projects?

Yes, he is directing a comedy-drama film titled "Dunki."

What is Rajkumar Hirani's opinion on editing films?

He has mentioned that he enjoys editing films more than anything else.

Which actors does Rajkumar Hirani consider his favorites?

His favorite actors include Dilip Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan, and Boman Irani.

What is the theme of "3 Idiots" (2009)?

"3 Idiots" explores the Indian education system and societal pressures on students.

Has Rajkumar Hirani directed any film outside the comedy-drama genre?

While he is known for comedy-dramas, he has also directed films with social and emotional themes.

What is Rajkumar Hirani's stance on controversies involving his films?

He has faced controversies, but he maintains a balanced and professional response.



References/Sources

  1. sarkariexam.com
  2. wikipedia.org
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