Kharaj Mukherjee is one of the most popular and versatile actors in Bengali cinema. Born on 7 July 1963 in Rampurhat, Birbhum, West Bengal, he has built a career that spans more than four decades. Known for his natural acting style and sharp comic timing, he has entertained audiences in both Bengali and Hindi films.
He began his journey in theatre at a young age and later moved into films, making his debut in Hulusthul (1980). Over the years, he has acted in more than 100 films, playing roles that range from comedy to serious drama. His performances in movies like Bhooter Bhabishyat, Patalghar, and Projapoti earned him critical acclaim, while his role as Inspector Chatterjee in Kahaani (2012) made him a familiar face in Bollywood.
Kharaj Mukherjee Age, Wife, Career, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kharaj Mukherjee |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Playback Singer |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1963 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 63 years |
| Birthplace | Rampurhat, Birbhum, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion/Caste | Hindu, Brahmin |
| Education | St. Lawrence High School, Kolkata; B.A. from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Protiva Mukherjee (Pratibha Mukherjee) |
| Children | One son – Tamaghna Mukherjee (Biku Mukherjee), musician |
| Debut Film | Hulusthul (1980) |
| Notable Bengali Films | Patalghar (2003), Bhooter Bhabishyat (2012), Kishmish (2022), Boomerang (2024) |
| Notable Hindi Films | Parineeta (2005), Kahaani (2012), Special 26 (2013), Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017), Dhadak (2018), Jolly LLB 3 (2025) |
| Web Series | Rahasya Romancha (2019–2020), Ray (2021), Byadh (2022) |
| Awards | Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award (2004), Batuk Nandi Memorial Award (2021), Tele Cine Award (2023), BFTA Award (2023) |
| Hobbies | Kitchen gardening |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| @graminstra1963/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Kharaj_Mukherjee |
Early Life and Background
Kharaj was born on 7 July 1963 in Rampurhat, Birbhum district of West Bengal. He grew up in a culturally rich environment where art and tradition were part of everyday life. His family belonged to the Brahmin caste, and they followed traditional rituals like Kali Puja at home.
His childhood was shaped by Kolkata’s vibrant culture. The city’s theatre scene inspired him, and by the age of 16, he was already performing on stage. His first play, Bhushundir Mathe, gave him confidence to pursue acting seriously. Despite belonging to a conservative family, Kharaj’s passion for acting was strong enough to overcome social expectations.
Physical Appearance
Kharaj Mukherjee has a simple and relatable personality. Mukherjee stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. Kharaj’s black eyes and salt-and-pepper hair reflect his age and experience. Unlike glamorous stars, Kharaj’s charm lies in his natural look and expressive face, which makes him perfect for both comic and serious roles.
His appearance has never been about style or fashion. Instead, it is his ability to transform into characters that makes him stand out. Whether playing a police inspector in Kahaani or a comic father in Projapoti, his physical presence adds authenticity to his roles.
Family and Personal Life
Kharaj’s personal life is as inspiring as his career. He married Protiva Mukherjee (also known as Pratibha Mukherjee) on 19 January 1993. Since Protiva belonged to a different caste, his father initially opposed the relationship. However, on his deathbed, Kharaj’s father accepted her, which remains a deeply emotional moment in his life.
The couple has one son, Tamaghna Mukherjee, popularly known as Biku Mukherjee. Biku is a talented drummer and percussionist, carrying forward the family’s artistic legacy. Kharaj often shares how proud he is of his son’s achievements in music. The family lives in Kolkata and maintains a close bond.
Education
Kharaj studied at St. Lawrence High School, Kolkata, where he was known for his lively personality. Later, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. His education gave him exposure to literature and drama, which shaped his acting style.
Interestingly, before becoming a full-time actor, Kharaj worked with Indian Railways. This job gave him financial stability, but his heart was always in theatre and films. His decision to leave a secure job and chase acting shows his courage and determination.
Career Beginnings
Kharaj Mukherjee’s journey into films started with theatre. At just 16 years old, he performed in the play Bhushundir Mathe. This early exposure gave him confidence and helped him understand the power of live performance. His theatre background shaped his natural acting style, which later became his strength in films.
His film debut came in 1980 with Hulusthul, a Bengali movie. Like many newcomers, he faced struggles in the early years. Roles were limited, and recognition was slow. But Kharaj never gave up. He continued to work in small parts, building his reputation as a dependable actor. His patience and dedication eventually paid off, as he began to get noticed for his comic timing and expressive acting.
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Breakthrough in Bengali Cinema
The turning point in his career came with films like Patalghar (2003) and Bhooter Bhabishyat (2012). These movies showcased his versatility. In Patalghar, he not only acted but also sang, which earned him the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award in 2004 for playback singing. This recognition proved that he was more than just a comic actor; he was a complete performer.
Over the years, Kharaj became a familiar face in Bengali cinema. His roles in Kishmish (2022) and Boomerang (2024) further strengthened his position. Audiences loved his ability to switch between humour and serious emotions. He became the go-to actor for directors who wanted a character with depth and relatability.
Entry into Hindi Cinema
Kharaj’s talent was not limited to Bengali films. He successfully entered Bollywood with Parineeta (2005), where his performance was appreciated. His role as Inspector Chatterjee in Kahaani (2012) made him popular among Hindi film audiences. The film’s success brought him national recognition.
He continued to appear in Hindi films such as Special 26 (2013), Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017), Dhadak (2018), and most recently Jolly LLB 3 (2025). In each role, he brought authenticity and humour, making even small parts memorable. His Bollywood journey proved that language was never a barrier for true talent.
Web Series and Short Films
With the rise of digital platforms, Kharaj adapted quickly. He appeared in popular web series like Rahasya Romancha (Hoichoi, 2019–2020), Ray (Netflix, 2021), and Byadh (Hoichoi, 2022). These projects introduced him to younger audiences who consume content online.
He also acted in short films such as Zubaan (2023), showing his willingness to experiment with new formats. His presence in web series and short films proves his versatility and ability to stay relevant in changing times.
Awards and Achievements
Kharaj’s long career has been recognised with several awards. In 2004, he won the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for playback singing in Patalghar. This was a rare honour for an actor who also proved his talent in music.
In 2021, he received the Batuk Nandi Memorial Award, which is given to actors who make a lasting impact in Bengali cinema. His performance in Projapoti (2023) earned him two major honours — Best Supporting Actor at the Tele Cine Awards and Best Actor in a Comic Role at the Bengal Film and Television Awards (BFTA). These awards highlight his ability to shine in both serious and comic roles.
Personality and Hobbies
Kharaj is known for his warm and approachable personality. Colleagues often describe him as someone who brings humour and positivity to the set. His comic timing is natural, and his ability to make people laugh is one of his strongest qualities.
Outside films, he enjoys kitchen gardening. This simple hobby reflects his down-to-earth nature. He also loves food and is a non-vegetarian. These small details make him relatable to fans, who see him not just as an actor but as a person with everyday interests.
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