Jayant Kripalani
Biography
Jayant Kripalani is an Indian actor, director, writer, and trainer who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre, and advertising. With a career spanning several decades, he is regarded as one of the early faces of Indian television and a versatile creative professional known for both performance and writing.
He is best known for his roles in popular television series such as Khandaan, Mr. & Mrs., and Ji Mantriji (2003), the Indian adaptation of the British sitcom Yes Minister. In addition to acting, he wrote the screenplay for Shyam Benegal’s film Well Done Abba (2009). He also received critical attention for his performance in The Hungry (2017), an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus.
Early Life and Education
Jayant Kripalani graduated from Jadavpur University with a degree in English Literature. His academic background played an important role in shaping his interest in writing, storytelling, and performance, all of which became central to his professional life.
Career
Advertising and Creative Work
Before becoming widely known as an actor, Jayant Kripalani worked in the advertising industry. He held senior positions at major agencies such as JWT, Grant Kenyon & Eckhardt, and RK Swamy BBDO, where he served as a senior creative director. His work in advertising contributed significantly to his understanding of communication, scripting, and direction.
Television Career
Jayant Kripalani was among the first generation of Indian television actors during the 1980s. He gained early recognition through serials such as Khandaan, which helped establish him as a familiar face on Indian television.
He later appeared in a variety of television genres, including comedy and horror. Notably, he played a vampire in the popular horror anthology Aahat. His comedic performances in Mr. & Mrs. and Ji Mantriji were especially well-received. Ji Mantriji, which aired from 2000 to 2002, remains one of his most recognized works, where he portrayed a sharp, satirical character in the political comedy series.
Film Career
Jayant Kripalani has appeared in several notable Indian and international films, mostly in character roles. His performances are marked by restraint, intelligence, and credibility.
His film credits include:
Heat and Dust (1983), directed by James Ivory
Rockford
Alag: He Is Different… He Is Alone…
Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008)
3 Idiots (2009), where he played the head of an interview panel
In The Hungry (2017), a dark adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, Kripalani’s performance was widely noted for its intensity and theatrical depth.
Writing and Direction
Jayant Kripalani has made significant contributions as a writer and director. He wrote the screenplay for Well Done Abba (2009), a socially relevant film directed by Shyam Benegal.
He also wrote the script for the original television series Ghar Jamai, which aired during the early years of Indian television. Another notable project was PC aur Mausi, a mini television series that humorously explored generational prejudice and technological change in India during the mid-1980s, focusing on the arrival of personal computers in Indian households.
Among his earlier works was an educational television program for children that explored scientific curiosity through the theme “Why Is Water Wet?”, presented in an engaging and accessible format. He has also served as a quiz master for an infotainment television quiz show.
Theatre and Training
Jayant Kripalani remains actively involved in theatre and is respected as a trainer and mentor for aspiring actors. His stage work and teaching reflect his deep engagement with performance, language, and character development.
