From Kathmandu to Mumbai: The determined rise of actor Rohit Saraf
In short: Born in Nepal and raised in Delhi, Rohit Saraf moved to Mumbai at fifteen to fulfill his late father's ambition. Today, he is a celebrated figure in Indian cinema and television, recently earning a spot on the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list for his compelling performances.
Rohit Saraf was born on December 8, 1996, in Kathmandu, Nepal, into a Marwari-Nepali family. His formative years were spent in Delhi, but his trajectory shifted significantly at age 15 when he relocated to Mumbai alone. This move was driven by a desire to realize the dream his father, Suresh Saraf, held for him before his passing when Rohit was just 12 years old. Having completed only his 10th standard, Saraf dedicated himself entirely to his craft.
His professional journey began in television with the teen drama Best Friends Forever? before he transitioned to film. His debut came in the 2016 comedy-drama Dear Zindagi, where he portrayed the younger brother of the lead character. He later gained international exposure through the Norwegian film What Will People Say, which earned the distinction of being Norway's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards.
Saraf’s career gained momentum with roles in Hichki (2018) and the biographical drama The Sky Is Pink (2019). Critics have frequently praised his screen presence, with reviewers noting his ability to deliver solid performances even in ensemble casts like the 2020 dark comedy Ludo. His role as Rishi in the Netflix series Mismatched, which ran from 2020 to 2026, cemented his reputation for playing sincere, non-alpha romantic leads.
By 2024, Saraf secured his first lead role in a Hindi film with Ishq Vishk Rebound. His recent work includes appearances in the 2025 film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and a role in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil production Thug Life. As he prepares for his upcoming television project, The Revolutionaries, his inclusion in the 2025 Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list highlights his rapid ascent within the competitive landscape of the Indian entertainment industry.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rohit Saraf
- Also: Wikidata — Rohit Saraf · CC0
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