Amar Upadhyay
Amar Upadhyay is an Indian television and film actor best known for his iconic role as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. He has made appearances in a number of popular series over the years, including Doree, Kalash, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Ek Deewaana Tha, and Molkki. In films, he has worked in LOC Kargil, 13B, Kaagaz, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. He was also a finalist on Bigg Boss in 2011.
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| Amar Upadhyay in 2025 | |
| Born | 01 August 1976 (age 49) Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Chemical Engineering |
| Alma mater | Film and Television Institute of India, Pune |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Known for | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Mihir Virani |
| Notable works | Molkki, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Doree, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 |
| Awards | Gold Award (Best Supporting Actor) |
| Spouse(s) | Hetal Upadhyay (m. 1999) |
| Parents | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | |
In 2025, Amar returned to play Mihir Virani once again in the spiritual sequel Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, continuing his legacy as one of Indian television’s most loved actors.
Early Life & Education
Amar Upadhyay was born on 1 August 1976 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a Gujarati family. He grew up in the Malad area of Mumbai. He completed his college studies in chemical engineering, and after graduating, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune to pursue formal training in acting.
Career
Amar Upadhyay began his acting journey in 1993 when his photos appeared in Stardust magazine, leading Jaya Bachchan to cast him in Dekh Bhai Dekh. He then worked in several shows, including Arzoo, Suhana Safar, Tulsi and Mehndi Tere Naam Ki.
His major breakthrough came in 2000 with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, where his role as Mihir made him one of television’s most popular faces. When his character was shown dead in 2001, viewers protested, leading to his return on the show.
After gaining success on TV, he entered films with Dahshat (2003), followed by Dhund – The Fog (2003), LOC Kargil (2003), 13B (2009), and several Bhojpuri films.
He returned to television with Chand Ke Paar Chalo (2009) and later appeared in many shows such as Doli Saja Ke, Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai, Police Files, Ek Thhi Naayka and Savdhaan India. In 2011, he participated in Bigg Boss 5 and finished as a finalist.
From 2015 to 2017, he played Dharam Suryavanshi in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, winning a Gold Award for Best Supporting Actor. He then appeared in Ek Deewaana Tha as the antagonist Rajan Bedi.
In 2020, he reunited with producer Ekta Kapoor for Molkki, playing lead role Virendra Pratapsingh. He also acted in films like Kaagaz (2021), Bob Biswas (2021), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022).
In 2022, he played Rama in Jai Hanuman – Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo and later produced and acted in Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho. From 2023 to 2025, he starred in Doree as Ganga Thakur.
In 2025, he returned as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge! | Ajay / Devdas | |
| 2000 | Dahshat | Vicky | |
| 2001 | Censor | ||
| 2003 | Dhund: The Fog | Sameer | |
| 2003 | Jodi Kya Banayi Wah Wah Ramji | Vishal | |
| 2003 | LOC Kargil | Captain Vijayanth Thapar | |
| 2008 | Dharam Veer | Veer | Bhojpuri film |
| 2008 | Hum Bahubali | Bhojpuri film | |
| 2008 | Tu Babuaa Hamaar | Bhojpuri film | |
| 2009 | E Rishta Anmol Baa | Bhojpuri film | |
| 2009 | 13B | Mohan | Tamil film |
| 2012 | Overtime | ||
| 2012 | Naagin Bani Suhagan | ||
| 2016 | Music Meri Jaan | Judge | |
| 2017 | Aav Taru Kari Nakhu | Dushyant | Gujarati film |
| 2020 | It's My Life | Shekhar Sharma | |
| 2021 | Kaagaz | Vidhayak Jaganpal Singh | |
| 2021 | Jayanti | Vikas Kukreja | Marathi film |
| 2021 | Bob Biswas | Saubhik Das | |
| 2022 | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 | Uday Thakur |
Television
| Year | Serial | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1994 | Dekh Bhai Dekh | Sahil Diwan | |
| 1994 | Rajani | Sahil | |
| 1995 | Suhana Safar | ||
| 1998 | Saturday Suspense | Sohail | Episodic role |
| 1999 | Aahat – The Roommate: Part 1 & 2 | Vishal | Episodic role |
| 2000 | Rishtey – Number Please | Rajan | |
| 2000–2002 | Mehndi Tere Naam Ki | Akshat | Lead role |
| 2000–2002 | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Mihir Virani | |
| 2000–2002 | Kalash | Ram | |
| 2003–2004 | Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand | Dev Malik | |
| 2003; 2005 | Rohit Sharma | ||
| 2004–2005 | Saathiya – Pyar Ka Naya Ehsaas | Kshitij Singhania | |
| 2005 | Kasautii Zindagii Kay | Advocate Mahesh Bajaj | |
| 2005 | Kkusum | Dr. Abhinav Gautam | |
| 2006 | CID – Murder In The Safety Vault | Inspector Rishi | Episodic role |
| 2006–2007 | Viraasat | Kunal Kharbanda | |
| 2007 | CID – Return Of The Clown | Harry | Episodic role |
| 2008–2009 | Chand Ke Paar Chalo | Arjun Oberoi | |
| 2009 | Dhoop Mein Thandi Chaav...Maa | Shekhar | |
| 2009 | Babul Ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke | Samar | |
| 2009 | Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai | Advocate Dhananjay Singhania | Cameo |
| 2011 | Bigg Boss 5 | Contestant | 4th Runner Up |
| 2012 | Police Files | Host | |
| 2012 | Sabse Bade Ladaiya | Alha | |
| 2013 | Ek Thhi Naayka | Mukesh Mehta | Episodic role |
| 2013 | Savdhaan India | Host | |
| 2013 | Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki | Contestant | |
| 2015–2017 | Saath Nibhaana Saathiya | Dharam Suryavanshi | |
| 2017–2018 | Ek Deewaana Tha | Rajan Bedi | |
| 2019 | Ishqbaaaz | Sahil Chaturvedi | |
| 2020–2022 | Molkki | Veerendra Pratapsingh | Lead role |
| 2021 | Namak Issk Ka | Veerendra Pratapsingh | Guest |
| 2021 | Sirf Tum | Guest | |
| 2022 | Jai Hanuman – Sankatmochan Naam Tiharo | Ram | |
| 2022–2023 | Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho | Karan Pratapsingh | |
| 2023 | Scoop | Sumeet | |
| 2023–2025 | Doree | Ganga "Agni" Thakur | Season 1–2 |
| 2025–present | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 | Mihir Virani |
Rpoducer Work
| Year | Serial |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Crime Files |
| 2022–2023 | Kyunkii Tum Hi Ho |
Notable Works
Amar Upadhyay's most famous performance was as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which went on to become one of the most memorable characters on Indian television. He became well-known for his performance, which continues to be a significant turning point in his career. His reputation in Indian television was further cemented when he returned to this role in the 2025 follow-up Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.
He has given noteworthy performances in films such as Doree as *Ganga Thakur/Agni Thakur, Molkki as Virendra Pratapsingh, and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya as Dharam Suryavanshi. In addition, he has made appearances in movies like LOC Kargil, 13B, Kaagaz, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, demonstrating his versatility in both television and film.
Achievements and Recognition
Amar Upadhyay has received several major awards throughout his television career. His performance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi brought him initial fame in the early 2000s, and he went on to win numerous awards for Best Actor and Best Television Personality. He continued to receive praise over the years for his parts in Doree, Molkki, and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. He is one of the most respected and versatile actors on Indian television thanks to his steady performances and enduring popularity.
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award Show | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actor Popular | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Won |
| 2002 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actor Popular | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Nominated |
| 2002 | Indian Telly Awards | Best Television Personality | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Won |
| 2002 | Kalakar Awards | Best Actor Popular | Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Won |
| 2018 | Gold Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Saath Nibhaana Saathiya | Won |
| 2021 | International Iconic Awards | Most Bankable Star of the Year | Molkki | Won |
| 2021 | International Iconic Awards | Most Popular Face of Indian Television (Male) | Molkki | Nominated |
| 2024 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actor – Drama (Jury) | Doree | Won |