Personal Information

Full Name: Rakesh Bedi

Nickname: Rakesh bhai, Dr. Rakesh

Country/State: India

Date of Birth: 1954-02-01

Languages Known: Hindi, English, Punjabi

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian

Religion: Hinduism

Hobbies: Watching old Hindi films & comedy shows, spending time with grandchildren, reading, social gatherings with theatre friends, mimicry practice

Education

School: Not Public

College: National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi

Degrees Obtained: Diploma in Acting (National School of Drama)

Physical Stats

Height: 170 cm

Weight: 75 kg

Family Information

Parents: Not Public

Siblings: Not publicly disclosed

Marital Status: married

Wife: Not Public

Children:

Career

Current Position: Actor, Comedian, Theatre Artist (active in Hindi TV serials, films, OTT & theatre; character & comic roles)

Skills:

Net Worth: Approximately ₹60–100 crore (from long career in TV serials, films, theatre, endorsements)

Awards & Achievements: Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role – Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (multiple years) Known for iconic role of Dr. Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008–present – one of the longest-running TV shows) Other notable works: Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), Nukkad (1986), Malgudi Days (1986), Hum Paanch (1995–2006), Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Jeannie Aur Juju, Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai, Khichdi (cameo appearances) One of the most loved & consistent comic actors on Indian television

Biography Details

Rakesh Bedi (born February 1, 1954, in New Delhi) is a veteran Indian actor and comedian best known for his long-running role as Dr. Hansraj Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008–present). Trained at the National School of Drama (NSD), he began with theatre and appeared in early TV classics like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), Nukkad (1986), and Malgudi Days (1986).

He gained massive popularity with sitcoms Hum Paanch (1995–2006), Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, and especially Taarak Mehta where his portrayal of the jovial, food-loving Dr. Hathi became iconic. Married with children and grandchildren, he maintains a low-profile personal life. At 72, he continues daily shooting for TMKOC, remains one of the highest-paid & most loved TV actors, and is respected for his natural comic timing and warm screen presence.

• January 2026: Rakesh Bedi completed 18 years as Dr. Hansraj Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (started 2008); special anniversary episode aired with emotional tributes from cast (Dilip Joshi, Jennifer Mistry, Munmun Dutta) & fans – highest TRP week of the year.
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• January 2026: He appeared in a rare interview on a Gujarati channel; spoke about his NSD days, theatre roots, and the secret of playing Dr. Hathi for 18+ years – clip went viral on social media.
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• January 2026: Shared family Diwali photos via close friends/show pages; fans loved seeing his off-screen simple & grandfatherly side.
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• Ongoing: Continues daily shooting for TMKOC; no new film or OTT project announced early 2026. Focus on long-running TV role, occasional Gujarati theatre, and family life. No controversies or health issues reported in early 2026; remains one of the most loved & consistent TV actors in India.

Social Media & External Links