Born on May 19, 1974, in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, he hails from a small farming family. After graduating with a degree in chemistry, he pursued acting at the National School of Drama. Gaining initial recognition with "Black Friday" (2004) and "Peepli Live" (2010), he rose to prominence through critically acclaimed performances in "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), "The Lunchbox" (2013), and "Sacred Games" (2018). Renowned for his versatility, he is celebrated for bringing depth and authenticity to his roles.