Who Is Vishal Bhardwaj? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Vishal Bhardwaj was born on August 4, 1965, which makes him 59 years old in 2025. Renowned for his impactful storytelling and musical compositions, he has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. With a unique blend of cinematic artistry and musical talent, Bhardwaj stands out as a prominent figure in Bollywood. He is well-recognized for his adaptations of Shakespearean plays, including "Maqbool," "Omkara," and "Haider."
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1965 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Vishal Bhardwaj's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Vishal Bhardwaj stands tall at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and maintains a weight of around 75 kg (165 lbs). His health and well-being remain a priority as he continues to immerse himself in creative pursuits. While specific body measurements are not publicly documented, his charismatic personality combined with his distinctive sense of style often draws attention.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Vishal Bhardwaj is happily married to his long-time partner, Rekha Bhardwaj, who is also a talented singer and composer. The couple shares a deep bond, often collaborating on various projects. They have a son named Aasmaan Bhardwaj, who is carving his own path in the film industry. While there have not been publicized accounts of dating beyond his marriage, the couple continues to be supportive of each other's careers.
His mother Satya Bhardwaj was a homemaker, and his father Ram Bhardwaj was a sugarcane inspector. His father also wrote poetry and lyrics for Hindi films. He and his family lived in Najibabad until he completed class five in school. They later moved to Meerut, where he played cricket for the state's under-19 team.
His thumb broke during a practice session one day before an inter-university tournament, leaving him unable to play for the year. The same year, his father died, leaving him unable to continue his cricket career.
Net Worth and Salary
Vishal Bhardwaj's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $30 million. His income largely stems from his successful endeavors in filmmaking, music composition, and various awards and accolades. With an impressive portfolio that includes critically acclaimed films and soundtracks, Bhardwaj has secured a prominent place in the industry and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle.
In 2009, Bhardwaj directed the action film Kaminey starring Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The film follows the rivalry between identical twins, one with a lisp and one with a stammer. He bought the story for this film from a Kenyan writer. It opened to positive reviews from critics upon release.
Anupama Chopra gave a rating of 4 out of 5 and wrote "Kaminey is the best Bollywood film I've seen this year. It's an audacious, original rollercoaster ride.
Written and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, Kaminey requires patience and attention but the pay off is more than worth it." Kaminey was also a financial success, earning over inr 700000000 worldwide. The film earned Bhardwaj his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director and Best Music Director.
Career, Business and Investments
Bhardwaj's career took off in the late 1990s, and he quickly became a household name in Indian cinema. Aside from directing and composing, he has ventured into production, founding his own production company, VB Pictures. As of 2025, he continues to explore innovative storytelling methods and invest in new talents in the film industry. His portfolio boasts numerous hit films, and he is often regarded as a mentor to budding filmmakers and musicians.
Bhardwaj started playing harmonium for friends who were ghazal singers. After a few years, he took up a job with a music company called CBS in Delhi. He later went to Mumbai to become a music composer, and he only took to directing films to create the opportunity to compose music.
His interest in film direction was kindled after watching Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) and Krzysztof Kieślowski's television series Dekalog during a film festival in Thiruvananthapuram.
Social Network
Vishal Bhardwaj has a substantial social media presence, with millions of followers across various platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. He uses these platforms not only to promote his work but also to share insights into his personal life, creative process, and thoughts on the industry. His engagement with fans and followers reflects his down-to-earth personality and love for storytelling.
Bhardwaj made his directorial debut with the children's film Makdee (2002), starring Shabana Azmi, Makarand Deshpande and Shweta Prasad. The film tells the story of twin young girls and an alleged witch in a mansion. It was screened in the Critics' Week (Spotlight on India) section at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.
Education
Vishal Bhardwaj pursued his education in music and later graduated from the National School of Drama in New Delhi, where he honed his skills in acting, direction, and production. His academic background, coupled with his natural talent, has played a critical role in shaping his career in the arts.
In 1995, Bhardwaj made his debut as a music composer for the children's film Abhay. He went on to compose music for Fauji (1995) and Sanshodhan (1996). In 1996, he served as the music director for Gulzar's Maachis, for which he received the Filmfare R. D.
Burman Award for New Music Talent and his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. The film depicted the transformation of boys into terrorists during the Punjab insurgency in Punjab in the 1980s. The soundtrack composed by Bhardwaj became an anthem for politically restive college youth at that time.
He later collaborated with Gulzar on TV serials such as Alice in Wonderland and Gubbare. His further projects included Betaabi (1997), Tunnu Ki Tina (1997), Satya (1998) and Hu Tu Tu (1999). At the 46th National Film Awards, Bhardwaj received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for his critically acclaimed score in Godmother (1999).
