Atul Kulkarni Biography: Age, Height, Family, Career, Wife, Net Worth & More (2025)
Atul Kulkarni is a renowned Indian actor, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for his versatile performances in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, he is known for his powerful roles in films such as Rang De Basanti, Chandni Bar, and The Ghazi Attack, earning him both national and international acclaim. Based in India, Kulkarni has become a household name, admired for his dedication to the craft and his impactful contributions to Indian cinema.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Atul Kulkarni |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Actor, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Birth Date | 10 September 1965 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Belagavi, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For | Critically acclaimed performances in Indian cinema |
| Known For | Rang De Basanti, Chandni Bar, The Ghazi Attack |
| Ethnicity | Marathi |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm), 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | BA in English Literature (D.A.V. College, Solapur), Postgraduate Diploma in Dramatic Arts (National School of Drama, New Delhi) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married to Geetanjali Kulkarni |
| Children | None |
| Relatives | Not Publicly Known |
| Hobbies | Reading, Theatre, Social Work |
| Employer / Organization | Indian Film Industry |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | INR 25–30 crore (approx. USD 3–4 million) |
Early Life & Education
Atul Kulkarni was born on 10 September 1965 in Belagavi, Karnataka, into a Marathi-speaking family. He spent his formative years in Solapur, Maharashtra, where he developed an early interest in literature and the performing arts. Kulkarni attended D.A.V. College in Solapur, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. His passion for acting led him to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, where he completed a postgraduate diploma in Dramatic Arts. His education at NSD laid a strong foundation for his future career in theatre and films.
Career Journey
Atul Kulkarni’s career is marked by versatility and depth, spanning theatre, films, and digital platforms.
Theatre Beginnings
Kulkarni’s love for acting blossomed during his college days, where he actively participated in inter-collegiate drama competitions. His talent was soon recognized, and after completing his studies at NSD, he became a prominent figure in Indian theatre, performing in several acclaimed plays in Marathi, Hindi, and English.
Breakthrough in Films
He made his film debut in the late 1990s, quickly gaining recognition for his nuanced performances. His breakthrough came with Hey Ram (2000), where his portrayal of Shriram Abhyankar was widely praised. He followed this with a powerful performance in Chandni Bar (2001), earning his first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Notable Roles and Achievements
Kulkarni’s role as Laxman Pandey in Rang De Basanti (2006) brought him nationwide fame and critical acclaim. He has since appeared in a wide range of films across multiple languages, including Page 3, The Ghazi Attack, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, and A Thursday. Apart from acting, he has contributed as a screenwriter and producer, notably penning the screenplay for the 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Atul Kulkarni has ventured into digital platforms, starring in popular web series and continuing to take on challenging roles in films. His commitment to meaningful cinema and social causes remains steadfast, making him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Personal Life
Atul Kulkarni is married to acclaimed theatre and film actress Geetanjali Kulkarni. The couple shares a deep bond, often collaborating on stage and supporting each other’s artistic endeavors. They have chosen to keep their personal life private and do not have children. Outside of acting, Kulkarni is passionate about reading, theatre, and social work, actively supporting various educational and community initiatives.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor – Chandni Bar (2001)
- National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor – Hey Ram (2000)
- Filmfare Awards (Multiple Nominations)
- Maharashtra State Film Awards
- Screen Awards
- Recognized by the Indian government for contributions to cinema and social work
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Distinctive Features | Expressive eyes, calm demeanor |
Quotes
- “Acting, for me, is a journey of understanding human emotions and telling stories that matter.”
- “Theatre has been my greatest teacher; it has shaped me both as an artist and as a person.”
- “I believe in using cinema as a tool for social change and awareness.”
Controversies
Atul Kulkarni has maintained a reputation for professionalism and integrity throughout his career. He has largely stayed away from major controversies, focusing instead on his craft and social work. Minor debates have occasionally arisen regarding his outspoken views on social issues, but he is widely respected for his balanced and thoughtful opinions.
Favorites
- Favorite Actor: Naseeruddin Shah
- Favorite Actress: Smita Patil
- Favorite Food: Traditional Maharashtrian cuisine
- Favorite Book: Works by P.L. Deshpande
- Favorite Destination: Konkan Coast, India
- Favorite Hobby: Reading and theatre
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Atul Kulkarni’s estimated net worth is between INR 25–30 crore (approximately USD 3–4 million). He reportedly charges between INR 50 lakh to 1 crore per film, depending on the project’s scale and production. His income sources include acting fees, screenwriting, production, and appearances in web series. Kulkarni also earns from endorsements and public speaking engagements.
Interesting Facts
- Atul Kulkarni is fluent in several languages, including Marathi, Hindi, English, Tamil, and Kannada.
- He is the founder of Quest, an NGO focused on quality education for underprivileged children in rural Maharashtra.
- Kulkarni is an avid reader and often shares book recommendations with his fans.
- He has served as a jury member at various national and international film festivals.
- Despite his fame, Kulkarni prefers a low-profile lifestyle and is rarely seen at Bollywood parties.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Atul Kulkarni best known for?
- He is best known for his critically acclaimed roles in films like Rang De Basanti, Chandni Bar, and The Ghazi Attack.
- Who is Atul Kulkarni’s wife?
- Atul Kulkarni is married to actress Geetanjali Kulkarni.
- How old is Atul Kulkarni in 2025?
- He is 59 years old as of 2025.
- What is Atul Kulkarni’s educational background?
- He holds a BA in English Literature and a postgraduate diploma from the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
- What are some of Atul Kulkarni’s recent projects?
- He has appeared in web series and films, continuing to take on diverse and challenging roles.
- Does Atul Kulkarni have children?
- No, Atul Kulkarni and his wife do not have children.
Conclusion
Atul Kulkarni’s journey from the theatre stage to the silver screen is a testament to his passion, versatility, and dedication. His impactful performances, social initiatives, and commitment to meaningful cinema have made him a respected figure in the Indian entertainment industry. If you found this biography informative, please share it with friends and fellow fans of Indian cinema!
