Randeep Hooda Height, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Randeep Hooda

• Randeep Hooda is an Indian film actor, equestrian, theatre artist, and social worker.

• Due to his parents’ transferable jobs, he spent most of his childhood with his maternal grandmother. During an interview, while talking about his childhood, he said,
  

  I am a Jat born in Jassia village and brought up in Rohtak, where I lived with my nani. My parents lived in different countries where my father worked as a surgeon. I would visit my parents during holidays and would travel alone.. As a child, I used to run from my school in Rohtak to my village to just hang out with animals as I found solace in them. I was most attached to my nani, who died two years ago. She was so omnipresent in my life and yet, towards her end when she was sick, I could not be with her as I had no work and did not have the luxury to travel whenever I wanted to.”

  

  Randeep Hooda’s childhood photo with his mother and sister

• While he was studying in a boarding school, he was quite a mischievous kid. His schoolmates used to call him Randeep Don Hooda. ^[11]The Indian Express
  

  Randeep Hooda’s old photo

• Since childhood, he was inclined towards sports and used to participate in various sports like swimming, polo, and equestrian. Later, he left participating in sports.
  

  Randeep Hooda with his school swimming team

• To pursue higher studies, he shifted to Australia. Along with his studies, he did a few odd jobs and worked as a waiter, dishwasher, and taxi driver for almost two years. After completing his graduation, he returned to India, and he did a marketing job with an airline. ^[12]The Times of India

• Hooda then worked as a model in a few modelling assignments. In an interview, while talking about it, he said,
  

  When I returned to Delhi, I started modelling with Suneet Verma and started doing a play with Suneet Tandon. But I had an altercation, a bad drink and drive case, had almost killed myself and was laid up in bed for five months, so the play never happened.”

• He then shifted to Mumbai and did his first TV commercial for which he received Rs 1500. ^[13]The Times of India In an interview, he shared how he spent that money, he said,
  

  Out of that `1500, I drank alcohol worth Rs 750 that very night, because as soon as I landed in Mumbai, I got my first commercial. I went to celebrate in a bar and got really drunk. But after that there was no work and I spent my days living behind people’s couches – getting out of the house before they woke up, and getting in after they had slept to avoid embarrassment. But gradually things started happening, I started getting movies and life became a little stable.”

• Once, Randeep got a call from one of his friends who asked him to give an audition for the Hindi film ‘Monsoon Wedding’ (2001). He auditioned for it and got a supporting role in the film.

• After his debut film, he started getting many film offers, but he refused them because the Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma promised him a lead role in his Bollywood film “Ek.” To ensure his commitment, Ram used to pay Randeep Rs 35,000/month for three years, but the film got shelved.

• After almost four years he appeared in the Hindi film ‘D’ (2005). He then acted in Hindi films such as ‘Darna Zaroori Hai’ (2006), ‘Risk’ (2007), ‘Ru Ba Ru’ (2008), and ‘Karma Aur Holi’ (2009) which did not help him in getting recognition in the Hindi film industry.
  

  Darna Zaroori Hai film poster 

• Randeep gained popularity with the Hindi film ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ (2010) in which he played the character of ACP Agnel Wilson.

• In 2013, he did a gay kissing scene in two Hindi films i.e. ‘Bombay Talkies’ and ‘John Day.’

• He then acted in the Hindi films ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’ (2011), ‘Jannat 2’ (2012), ‘Highway’ (2014), ‘Kick’ (2014), and ‘Main Aur Charles’ (2015) which did well at the box office.
  

  Randeep Hooda in Highway

• In 2016, he appeared in the Hindi biopic ‘Sarbjit’ for which he went through a shocking transformation; as he lost around 18 kg in just 28 days. During the premiere of the film, a reporter asked Randeep did he feel overshadowed by the presence of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the film. Randeep gave him a rude reply and asked him to shut up. ^[14]ABP News

• In 2016, he became the first celebrity to be selected as the brand ambassador for Mumbai Fire Brigade.
  

  Randeep Hooda as brand ambassador for Mumbai Fire Brigade

• Randeep Hooda was then roped in to play the role of Havildar Ishar Singh in a Hindi film based on the battle of Saragarhi. Later, the film got shelved. In 2019, the Hindi film ‘Kesari’ starring Akshay Kumar was released on the same concept. In an interview, when Randeep was asked to comment on it. He said,
  

  It hurt that the audience could not see what would probably have been a more authentic version with more real emotions of the story. That apart, you learn to move on. Through the journey, I learnt the principles of Sikhism and I’m a better person now.”

  

  Randeep Hooda (left), Akshay Kumar (centre), and Mohit Raina (right) as Havildar Ishar Singh

• On 28 March 2022, Hooda announced that he would appear in the Hindi film ‘SwatantraVeer Savarkar’ in which he will play the role of the Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
  

  Randeep Hooda in and as SwatantraVeer Savarkar

• Apart from acting in films, he has been associated with the ‘Motley Theatre Troupe.’ The theatre group was started by the Indian veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Randeep has performed in various Hindi theatre plays like ‘Kali Shalwar Aur Kuchchh Kahaniyan’ and ‘Arms and The Man.’ During an interview, while talking about it, he said,
  

  My first stint with theatre was in school, where I was asked to wear a lion mask and roar for several minutes. My parents came to see me with a lot of expectations and sadly, they couldn’t even recognise me on stage because of the mask.”

  He continued,

  Juggling between the two [theatre and films] does get difficult, but I don’t see myself ever give up Theatre. It’s got a deeper connect with who I really am. So, if films give you the wings to fly, Theatre is a reality check, it keeps you grounded. Films can give you the satisfaction of feeling like a hero, but theatre gives you the real satisfaction of being an actor.”

  

  Randeep Hooda in a theatre play

• While he was working in theatre, Naseeruddin Shah asked him to restart his training in equestrian which he had left in school. After almost 17 years, he restarted his training and participated in various equestrian competitions. During an interview, while talking about it, Randeep said,
  

  After I did a few movies in Mumbai, I had some money. Naseer bhai (Naseeruddin Shah) goes riding and he told me about an amateur riding club. Naseer bhai and Milan Luthria (filmmaker) seconded my application. I began riding once again. I bought a handsome horse but despite my best efforts, he died in my arms two months later. Being the Jat that I am, I bought three more horses out of vengeance.”

  He continued,

  My first stint with horses happened when I was in class eight at the Motilal Nehru School of Sports in Haryana, but thereafter I didn’t ride horses for 17 years. A couple of years ago, I was at a stage when I had done movies in quick succession but they were not releasing on time. As an actor, I had given my best to every performance, but I felt I was not getting my due. I wanted a breather. I turned to horses and it was great leveller; they are addictive for sure.”

  

  Randeep Hooda and Naseeruddin Shah

• His first equestrian competition was at one of the Chandigarh Horse Shows. During an interview, he talked about competing in equestrian competitions. He said,
  

  I started at the Chandigarh Horse Show, and then competed at Bangalaru, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. These are not race horses, but show horses. At my first competition, I rode Ranji, who had developed a bad habit of running away when he had to jump. I wanted to keep a low profile at the competition but I was given an elaborate introduction as the actor from D etc. After all this build-up, when Ranji was approaching the jump, he turned 180 degrees and ran away. I was disqualified. I hid behind a tree for hours together.”

• He has more than eight horses named Ranji, Dreamgirl, and Johnny Walker. In an interview, he talked about his horses. He said,
  

  I forget the world when I’m on horseback. Each of my horses is as good as a human being. Ranji is like a brother. If I whistle, Ranji will pick up his ears and find me. Raja, who is 20 years old, can teach me a thing or two about racing. With Simply Supreme and Johnny Walker, I’m the master. If I had to go through fire or water then Johnny Walker would just do it for me.”

  

  Randeep Hooda with his horses

• He owns a Polo team named “Royal Rooster” which he started in 2014. As of 2022, he is the only Indian actor to compete in the equestrian, polo, and show jumping.
  

  Randeep Hooda’s Royal Roosters Polo Team

• He did his training in equestrian under Colonel SS Ahalawat (show jumping) and Brigadier Bishnoi (dressage).

• Randeep has also worked as a journalist. In 2009, he worked for a column in Asian Correspondent named “In The Script” as a guest contributor. In 2011, he worked for The Times of India as a blogger. One of his blogs “Racism against Indians in Australia” was based on the violence faced by the Indians in Australia.

• Hooda has been associated with various social services. He walked the ramp for a charity fashion show in September 2010. In 2012, he associated with an anti-suicide initiative along with other Indian celebrities like Imtiaz Ali, Rahul Bose, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Nishikant Kamat. In 2018, he helped the Indian NGO Khalsa Aid group to provide assistance to the survivors of the Kerala floods. He also helped needy people during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Randeep has initiated in helping various clean Indian campaigns.
  

  Randeep Hooda distributing food with the Khalsa Aid Group

• Randeeep has dated Indian actresses Sushmita Sen and Neetu Chandra. In an interview, he was asked about his break-up with both the actresses. While talking about his break up with Sushmita Sen, he said,
  

  The biggest part of my relationship with her for over three years was my relationship with her daughter, Renee. I missed only one theatre rehearsal in my life as Sushmita wanted me to not go and that is the worst thing I did in terms of my value system. I was exposed to fame although I was on the sidelines as I was not a star. The break-up was the best thing that happened to me and I realised that I gave it too much time in my life.”

  He continued,

  It’s not good to be in a relationship if you can’t contribute. Being just a taker can never work out. Unless I have the time and mental space to enjoy togetherness, I don’t want to be in a relationship. I’ve had some wonderful people in my life. And I’m trying to keep that equation healthy. But I’m not in the frame of mind to have a spouse right now. I am honest about it.”

  Randeep was not open about his relationship with Neetu Chandra, but after their break-up, Neetu talked about her relationship with Randeep. She said,

  See, when you’re in a relationship, you cannot just talk about the whole relationship because there’s another person involved. Also, I don’t feel comfortable enough to discuss my personal life. I feel that my work will not be spoken about. As it is, I choose to do quality work which comes lesser. But, I would always say that even in my relationship in the past, I have learnt a lot.  Also, I have to say this on record that a lot of seriousness for my profession as an actor has come from him. It’s been a chapter of my life. I’m thankful and happy also at the same time that I’m out of it and doing other things. But, I have high respect for him and it won’t go which is fine.”

  When Randeep was asked to comment on his break up with Neetu, he said,

  Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for a bigger goal. It is not the end of the road for me and I may find solace again in my personal relationships. Right now my life consists of only my make-up, sets and characters.”

• Randeep Hooda is one of the favourite actors of the Indian Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra.
  

  Randeep Hooda with Neeraj Chopra

• Hooda once wanted to have a kid through surrogacy, but his father advised him that child needs a mother for better growth. So, he quit the idea of surrogacy. ^[15]Bollywood Shaadis

• He loves travelling and doing nature photography in his leisure time. In an interview, while talking about it, he said,
  

  Travelling I do enjoy travelling, but mostly it’s for work. Now I will be going to the jungles. I have never really been on a holiday in my life because its pointless. You are with you. No matter where you go its just a change of scenery. And after a while it’s you. You are sitting on the beach, you in the snow, you over there, its got nothing but you. So I never went on holiday. But when I work, I tend to travel, when I do that, I like to take pictures behind in the scenes. I like to go to local villages, wherever we are.”

  

  Randeep Hooda during his jungle safari

• He has been an animal lover since his childhood. He used to get street dogs to his house and even used to spend the majority of his time with them. He has adopted a street dog ‘Candy’ as his pet.
  

  A collage of Randeep Hooda with animals

• Randeep once talked about quitting smoking. ^[16]NDTV In an interview, he said,
  

  It’s been very difficult. I used to smoke three times more when I was on the sets, especially between the shots. Now, I drink water, eat something or chew a gum when I am really tempted to light up. I started smoking at a very early age, even before I was 18. But I am yet to conquer my temptation fully.”

• Randeep often consumes alcohol at parties and events. ^[17]Femina

• He has been featured on the cover of many popular magazines such as Stardust, Cine Blitz, Femina, and Filmfare.
  

  Randeep Hooda featured on the cover of Stardust magazine

• He has walked the ramp for many ace Indian fashion designers.
  

  Randeep Hooda as a show stopper in a fashion show

• He has also featured in TV commercials like BetterU Shaving Gel, Villain perfume, and Hyundai Tucson car.