Manish Khanna

Born: 11 May 1946

Manish Khanna has been quietly ruling the Indian TV world since 1993, proving that you don't need Bollywood blockbusters to build a solid career. The Uttar Pradesh-born actor has made a name for himself through some seriously memorable antagonistic roles, especially in the supernatural drama space. His portrayal of Ankush Raheja in the original Naagin was iconic, and he followed that up with equally compelling villain turns in Naagin 2 as Akhilesh Raheja. Beyond the serpent saga, Khanna has shown his range with roles in shows like Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil and Phir Laut Aayi Naagin, establishing himself as one of TV's go-to guys when you need a character with some serious edge. What makes Manish Khanna stand out is his ability to bring complexity to negative characters—he never plays them as one-dimensional baddies, which is a refreshing change in an industry that often relies on stereotypes. His contribution to Indian television has been significant, helping elevate some shows from being just another drama to genuinely gripping viewing. In recent years, his role as Shamsher Kapoor in Udaariyaan showcased his continued relevance and adaptability, proving that after three decades in the game, he's still got the chops to captivate audiences and keep them invested in his character's twisted motivations.