Nalneesh Neel – Bollywood character artist who played Pandu in ‘Chhichhore’

Nalneesh Neel is a character artist of Hindi cinema, who also plays comic roles. In 2019 he appeared in two commercially successful films – Chhichhore and Manikarnika. His comic role as Pandu in Chhichhore was well appreciated. He is an experienced theatre artist and stage actor who also owns a theatre production company named SRS Entertainment, under which he stages plays. He was seen in brief roles in Bollywood flicks such as Raees, Veerappan, Monsoon Shootout, Fukrey Returns, Shuddh Desi Romance etc, and also a few short films like Acche Din, Umeed, Bhor, The Foreigner etc. He also appeared in web series – III Smoking Barrels, and a few more.

Nalneesh Neel is an acclaimed actor from Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh (born in 1987). After studying from Bharatendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, Lucknow it was not easy for him to make a mark in the entertainment industry, as he belonged to a non-filmy background. He started off his professional career in theatre and then started accepting movie roles and short films. He came to Mumbai in 2010.

As a film actor he was first seen in 2013 rom-com, Shudh Desi Romance, where he played a brief role of Tara’s suitor. It was his first credited role, and he has played minor roles on big screen before. He was next seen in the short film, Acche Din, and his performance brought him to limelight. Since then he got attention from casting directors who offered him roles in Bollywood films, short films etc. His supporting role in Gulabo Sitabo was also well received. He has appeared in a few TV ads and a couple of ad campaigns related to Indian economy. 

Nalneesh Neel – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He won Critic’s Choice Best Actor (Male) for his role in the short film, Achchhe Din at Acharya Tulsi Short Film Festival in Mumbai.

2. As a theatre personality, his recent home production is Ek Haseena Paanch Diwane.

3. Since young he used to watch movies in VCD players and used to imitate actors with their dialogues. Gradually his passion towards films grew stronger.

4. Initially he took formal training started under Dilip Anand of Shahjahanpur, who also trained Rajpal Yadav, belonging to the same district. After that he got admission to Lucknow’s Bhartendu Natya Academy.

5. A brief role in Ata Pata Laapata was his first appearance, which he got after a lot of struggles and auditions. Later he acted in Kya Super Kool Hain Hum, Shooter, and Manjunath – all in uncredited roles, before getting first break through Shuddh Desi Romance.

6. To give realistic performance in the short film – Bhor, he didn’t bath for a few days.