Veteran Bollywood Versatile actor Paresh Rawal has been appointed as the new chairman of National School of Drama (NSD). The prestigious institute announced the news on Thursday on its verified Twitter account.

“We are glad to inform Hon’ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn has appointed renowned actor & Padma Shri @sirpareshrawal as chairman of @nsd_india. NSD family welcome the legend to shower his guidance to NSD for achieving new heights”.

Widely respected for his versatility, he has impressed with numerous award-winning art-house performances as well as roles as the villain and the comedian in mainstream Bollywood films. Paresh Rawal was honoured with a Padma Shri in 2014 and he won the National Film Award in 1994 as Best Supporting Actor for “Woh Chokri” and “Sir”.

Rawal told in an interview “Yes, it is confirmed that I have been appointed Chairman of NSD. I am very happy! I have been doing theatre for the past 48 years. I started doing plays and stage performances since 1972. So, I know the performance part as well as the structural part of it, the training, what it requires to prepare everyone in every aspect of theatre — the performing arts,”.

“It will be a great opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experience with future generations. I am really looking forward to it. I am ready to take responsibility and face the challenges along with it. It is a happy day for me and I want to look forward to my new role. Thank you” he further added.

However, he is also widely known for his outstanding performance in the biopic Sardar (1993) where he essayed the titular role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, acclaimed nationally and internationally.

Among his many popular roles are Naam (1986), Shiva (1990), Tamanna (1996), Aitraaz (2004), Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008), OMG: Oh My God! (2012), and Table No. 21 (2013).

He is particularly loved for his comic roles in commercial entertainers including Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Aankhen (2002), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), Garam Masala (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Malamaal Weekly (2006), Welcome (2007), and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010).ye! (2008), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010), OMG – Oh My God! (2012), Welcome Back (2015), Dharam Sankat Mein (2015), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Sanju (2018), Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi (2018) and Made in China (2019).

Meanwhile, his upcoming movies are Coolie No. 1, Hungama 2, Toofan and Aankh Micholi and hera pheri 3.