Paresh Rawal’s younger son Aniruddh Rawal has stepped into the spotlight with Awarapan 2. The actor makes his feature-film debut as Sikandar in the Emraan Hashmi-led sequel, which released in theatres on August 14, 2026.
But Aniruddh’s entry into acting did not happen overnight. Before taking on a major screen role, he had worked behind the camera, appeared in Netflix’s Scoop and trained under veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Here’s everything to know about the new actor.
Who Is Aniruddh Rawal?
Aniruddh Rawal is the son of veteran actor Paresh Rawal and former Miss India and actor Swaroop Sampat. He is the younger brother of actor Aditya Rawal, who has appeared in films including Bamfaad and Faraaz.
While his family has a long association with Hindi cinema, Aniruddh took a somewhat different route before making his feature-film debut. He explored filmmaking from behind the camera and subsequently trained as an actor.
What Is Aniruddh Rawal’s Role In Awarapan 2?
Aniruddh plays Sikandar in Awarapan 2, a pivotal character in the story. According to NDTV, Sikandar is autistic and finds protection in his sister Zoya, played by Disha Patani, amid a troubled family environment involving their gangster father and younger brother.
The role marks Aniruddh’s big-screen acting debut, with Awarapan 2 placing him alongside Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi. The Hollywood Reporter India also identifies Sikandar as his feature-film debut.
Is Awarapan 2 Aniruddh Rawal’s First Acting Project?
Not exactly. Although Awarapan 2 is his big-screen debut, Aniruddh had previously acted in Netflix’s 2023 series Scoop. Both NDTV and The Hollywood Reporter India mention his appearance in the series before his move to feature films.
Was Aniruddh Rawal A Part Of Scoop?
Yes. Aniruddh appeared in the Netflix series Scoop before making his theatrical debut. His performance in the series was noted by The Hollywood Reporter India as part of his transition towards feature films.
Who Trained Aniruddh Rawal In Acting?
Aniruddh trained under veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. The Hollywood Reporter India reports that he underwent extensive training under Shah before making his move into acting. NDTV similarly notes that Aniruddh was mentored by the veteran actor.
Interestingly, this association goes back years. A Times of India report from 2014 also reported that Aniruddh was training under Naseeruddin Shah and had initially worked with Shah’s wife Ratna Pathak Shah in theatre.
Who Are Aniruddh Rawal’s Parents?
Aniruddh is the younger son of Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat. Paresh Rawal is one of Hindi cinema’s most acclaimed actors, known for films such as Hera Pheri, OMG – Oh My God!, Sardar and Phir Hera Pheri. Swaroop Sampat, meanwhile, won the Miss India title in 1979 and has also acted in films and television.
Aniruddh and his elder brother Aditya have both followed creative careers, although through different paths.
Who Is Aniruddh Rawal’s Brother?
Aniruddh’s elder brother is Aditya Rawal, who is also an actor and writer. Aditya made his acting debut with Hansal Mehta’s Bamfaad and later appeared in Faraaz. The Hollywood Reporter India noted the connection between the Rawal family and the Bhatt production house while reporting Aniruddh’s Awarapan 2 debut.
What Is Awarapan 2 About?
Awarapan 2 brings Emraan Hashmi back as Shivam Pandit, 19 years after the original 2007 film. Directed by Nitin Kakkar and written by Bilal Siddiqi, the sequel also stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, Atul Kumar and Aniruddh Rawal. The film was released worldwide on August 14, 2026.
Along with Aniruddh Rawal, the film features Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, Atul Kumar and Puran Gabbi.
