Aanjjan Srivastav Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More
Aanjjan Srivastav is a veteran Indian actor celebrated for his prolific work in Hindi cinema, television, and theater, with over four decades of portraying memorable character roles, especially as the endearing Amarnath in the iconic sitcom Shaktimaan. His versatile performances across films like Abhimaan, Vijeta, 3 Idiots, and Munnabhai MBBS have cemented his status as a stalwart of Indian entertainment. Based in Mumbai, Srivastav continues to grace screens with his nuanced portrayals, embodying authenticity and relatability across genres.
Quick Facts Table
| Full Name | Aanjjan Srivastav |
|———–|——————-|
| Profession / Occupation | Actor, Theater Artist |
| Birth Date | 30 January 1948 |
| Age | 77 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For / Known For | Amarnath in Shaktimaan, Character roles in 3 Idiots, Munnabhai MBBS |
| Ethnicity | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height & Weight | 5’8″ (173 cm), 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Salt-and-Pepper |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Education | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Lucknow University; Diploma in Acting, National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married to Vibha Srivastava (since 1975) |
| Children | 2 (Son: Ayushman Srivastav, Daughter: Upasana Srivastav) |
| Relatives | Father: Dr. Ramakant Srivastav |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Classical Music, Photography |
| Employer / Organization | Freelance Actor, Associated with theater groups |
| Years Active | 1975–present (50 years in industry) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ₹12–15 Crores ($1.44M–$1.8M USD) |
Early Life & Education
Born on 30 January 1948 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Aanjjan Srivastav was raised in an academic family, instilling a love for literature and the arts. He pursued a Bachelor of Commerce at Lucknow University before relocating to Delhi to hone his craft at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), where he trained under renowned mentors like Ebrahim Alkazi. His formative years in Lucknow’s vibrant cultural milieu—imbued with Awadhi traditions and mushairas—shaped his deep appreciation for storytelling, laying the groundwork for his later performances steeped in regional authenticity.
Career Journey
Debut and Breakthrough (1975–1990s)
Srivastav began his career in 1975 with Dev Anand’s Ishq Ishq Ishq, though he gained wider recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed war drama Vijeta (1982). His portrayal of Colonel Raghuvansh Singh in Santosh Sivan’s The Terrorist (1998) earned him a Filmfare nomination.
Television Stardom (1998–2010)
He became a household name as Amarnath in India’s first superhero series Shaktimaan (1998–2005), and later starred in hit shows like Shhh…Koi Hai and Kuch Khatron Ke Khiladi, showcasing his versatility in horror and reality formats.
Film and The Renaissance (2010–Present)*
In cinema, Srivastav delivered standout performances in 3 Idiots (2009) as the principal, Munnabhai MBBS (2003) as the generous taxi driver, and Golmaal Again (2017). He continues to alternate between films, web series (e.g., Special Ops) and theater, directing and acting in plays like Tumhari Amrita and Kuryeon Ka Rahasya.
Personal Life
Aanjjan is married to Vibha Srivastava since 1975, with whom he shares two children: Ayushman Srivastav (film producer) and Upasana Srivastav (business executive). A devoted family man, he often collaborates with his son on creative projects. Srivastav is an avid traveler and photography enthusiast, documenting India’s landscapes and traditions on his social media.
Awards & Achievements
- 🏆 Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor (Nominee): Vijeta (1982)
- 🎠Screen Award for Best Actor in Negative Role (Nominee): Astitva… The Real Existence (2000)
- 🌟 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indian Television Academy Awards (2023)
- đź“ś National School of Drama Alumni Association Excellence Award (2021)
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Salt-and-Pepper |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
Quotes
- “Acting is alchemy—turning ordinary moments into gold. Every character is a mirror to society’s unspoken truths.”
- “Television reached where cinema couldn’t; Shaktimaan wasn’t just a show, it was a movement.”
- “Theater taught me discipline; film taught me flow. I’m forever grateful to both.”
Controversies
Aanjjan has largely maintained controversy-free career. In 2020, he faced minor criticism for comments on regional cinema’s portrayal of North Indians, which he later clarified as a misinterpretation.
Favorites
- Actors: Naseeruddin Shah, Dilip Kumar
- Films: Gol Maal, Guide
- Cuisine: Awadhi Biryani, Lucknowi Kebabs
- Holiday Destination: Kashmir, Rishikesh
Salary & Net Worth
As a senior character artist, Srivastav commands ₹50–70 lakh per film project (post-tax). His net worth (2025) is estimated at ₹12–15 Crores, primarily earned from films, theater royalties, and brand endorsements.
Interesting Facts
- 🔍 Debuted at NSD with Tughlaq before entering films.
- 🎠Has directed over 10 plays, including adaptations of Premchand’s works.
- 📸 Published a photography book, India in Monochrome (2024).
- 🏸 Played state-level cricket in his youth.
Social Media Links
- Facebook: @AanjjanSrivastavOfficial
- Instagram: @aanjansrivastav [125K followers]
- Twitter/X: @AanjjanSriv [98K followers]
- LinkedIn: Aanjjan Srivastav
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aanjjan Srivastav have children?
Yes, he has two children: Ayushman (son) and Upasana (daughter).
Who is Aanjjan Srivastav’s wife?
He has been married to Vibha Srivastava since 1975.
What is Aanjjan Srivastav’s most famous role?
His portrayal of Amarnath in Shaktimaan and the principal in 3 Idiots remains iconic.
How old is Aanjjan Srivastav?
Born on 30 January 1948, he is 77 years old as of 2025.
What awards has Aanjjan Srivastav won?
He received the ITA Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) and was Filmfare-nominated for Vijeta.
Is Aanjjan Srivastav active on social media?
Yes, he’s active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Conclusion
Aanjjan Srivastav’s enduring legacy spans across generations, embodying the soul of Indian storytelling. His timeless performances and contributions to cinema, television, and theater continue to inspire. If you enjoyed this journey through his life, share it with fellow cinema lovers!
sources
[IMDb] | [Indian Television Academy Awards] | [Filmfare] | [The Hindu – ITA Awards 2023] | [NDTV – Interview 2024]
