Deepak Parashar (दीपक पाराशर) is an Indian actor and model born on 2 April 1952 in Pune, Maharashtra. He attended school in Pune and pursued education before entering modelling, where his tall, athletic build and handsome features set him apart. He is widely recognised as the first-ever winner of Mister India (1978) — the inaugural edition of what would become one of India's most prestigious pageants. His Mister India win opened doors to Bollywood, and he made his film debut in Hamara Sansar (1979), followed by Bade Dilwala (1983), Aap To Aise Na The (1980), and Aansoo Aur Muskan (1985), primarily in lead and supporting roles. He built a significant television career through Doordarshan serials including Humraahi in the 1990s. He also appeared in Priyadarshan's British-Indian period epic Jodhaa Akbar (2008, as Sujamal, an uncle of Akbar) and in many subsequent supporting roles across Hindi film and television. In November 2006, he entered Bigg Boss Season 1 on Sony TV as one of its original housemates. He was evicted in Week 2 (Day 13), finishing thirteenth overall.
Winning Mister India 1978 — India's first Mr. India — and competing internationally; lead role in the popular Hindi TV serial Humraahi (Doordarshan, 1990s); Bollywood films including Aap To Aise Na The (1980) and Bade Dilwala (1983); British-Indian film Jodhaa Akbar (as Sujamal, 2008); Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 contestant (2006); finishing thirteenth overall.