Vishal Kotian is an Indian television actor born on 13 February 1985 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He grew up in the Dagdi Chawl neighbourhood of Mumbai under financially modest circumstances, famously selling movie tickets outside theatres in Worli as a child to support himself — an experience he has spoken about openly. He began his acting career in the late 1990s with television comedy and mythology shows, including Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (1998) and Ssshhhh...Koi Hai (2001). His career turning point came with Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal (2014) on BIG Magic, where his portrayal of the witty Birbal made him a household name. He reprised the role in Akbar Ka Bal Birbal (2020). He has also appeared in mythological epics such as Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev (2013) and Mahabharat (2014), as well as Vighnaharta Ganesh (2019). In 2021, he entered Bigg Boss 15 (Hindi). In January 2026, he entered Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6, hosted by Riteish Deshmukh, and finished as the second runner-up at the grand finale on 19 April 2026.

Playing Birbal in the long-running TV comedy Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal (BIG Magic, 2014) and its spin-off Akbar Ka Bal Birbal (2020); his stint on Bigg Boss 15 (Hindi); finishing as second runner-up on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 (2026).

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