6 Incredible performances of Raghubir Yadav that you shouldn’t miss

With a career spanning almost 36 years, Raghubir Yadav has impressed us with his incredible performances with 8 of his movies being India’s official submission for the Oscars. Raghubir Yadav is also a noted theatre actor. He is an alumnus of the National School of Drama and has been a part of over 70 plays.

This brilliant actor has essayed a variety of roles that have left a long-lasting impression among audiences -from Loknath in Newton, Dr Srivastav in Piku and Bhura from Lagaan to multiple television serials. Yadav has also received two International Awards as Best Actor -The Silver Peacock Award and The FIPRESCI Critics Award, Venice. The actor was recently seen in the web series titled Panchayat in the role of a mild-mannered Pradhanpati.

As the veteran actor turned 64, we have compiled a list of his best performances you can watch online:

Francis Massey in Massey Sahib

Massey Sahib was Raghubir Yadav’s debut movie. The actor did establish himself as a capable and highly talented one with his earnest performance as an ambitious clerk. The performance won him two International awards, Best Actor at the 1987 International Film Festival of India and FIPRESCI Critics Award for Best Actor at the 1986 Venice International Film Festival.

Chillum in Salaam Bombay!

The winner of two National Film Awards, this movie also showcased one of the best performances of Raghubir Yadav. The character of an aimless drug addict portrayed by Yadav was well received by the audiences and critics as well. The movie explored how the city of dreams also had another, broken side.

Karim in Firaaq

It is hard to grab the audience's attention towards you when sharing screen with legendary actors such as Naseeruddin Shah, but Raghubir Yadav managed to do it in Firaaq. His role of Karim, Khan Sahib’s (Naseeruddin Shah) loyal but whining aide was much appreciated for its excellent portrayal.

Loknath in Newton

Loknath was an officer who did not dream of changing the world, he just wanted to exist. And even though he was tired, Loknath cheerfully accepted everything, Yadav’s character in Newton can be explained as a representation of the average, stereotypical Indian workforce, who wants nothing more, nothing less.

Pradhanpati in Panchayat

Pradhanpati might have had all the arrogance of being the most powerful man in the village, but he was mild-mannered and had none of the cruel characteristics that can come with power. Raghubir Yadav’s portrayal of Pradhanpati won him the Best Supporting Actor (Male) (Comedy Series) at Filmfare OTT Awards 2020.

Bhura in Lagaan

Raghubir Yadav essays the role of the farmer Bhura in Lagaan. When he starts playing the game, we quickly realise that he is naturally adept at fielding, thanks to years of practice of running behind chickens. From his naive, almost comical acceptance of his newly discovered talent to the unmistakable hope he places in Bhuvan's scheme, Yadav convincingly portrayed Bhura's emotions even though his screen time was limited.