Amit Behl: A Legend Beyond the Spotlight
Amit Behl stands as a monumental figure in the Indian entertainment industry, commanding respect across film, television, theatre, and OTT platforms. With a career spanning over three decades, his journey is one of relentless passion, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to the arts. More than a master storyteller, Amit is an actor whose every role resonates deeply, redefining the benchmarks of versatility and dedication in the entertainment world.
The evolution of excellence
Amit’s journey began with a strong academic foundation, graduating in electronic engineering ,specialising in Bio Medical Engineering and later pursuing postgraduate studies in management at Delhi University.He worked in top level positions with ICIM Fujitsu,Towa Optics Japan,Blue Star Ltd & GE Medical. However, the call of the arts proved irresistible. He trained under the legendary Ebrahim Alkazi at the Living Theatre Academy of Drama and began his acting career at Mumbai’s iconic Prithvi Theatre. His performances have since captivated audiences across the globe in Hindi, Urdu, English, Marathi, and Gujarati. Collaborations with luminaries such as Gulzar, Lillete Dubey, and Neena Gupta have enriched his career, while his association with Germany’s Gripps Theatre and UNESCO’s Wolfgang Kolneder has showcased his global impact.
Theatre: a global luminary
Theatre has been the cornerstone of Amit Behl’s artistic journey. His performances, whether at Prithvi Theatre or on international stages, have set benchmarks for excellence. Working with stalwarts like Feroze Abbas Khan, Salim Arif,Rajendra Gupta,Avijit Dutt,Neena Gupta,Shubha Khote,Aamir Raza Hussain,Joy Micheal and Gulzar, Amit has consistently delivered spellbinding performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. His collaborations with UNESCO projects and Germany’s theatre movement further highlight his commitment to the craft.
Television: a household icon
With nearly 150 television serials to his credit, Amit Behl is one of Indian television’s most celebrated actors. His roles have left an indelible mark, making him a household name across generations. His versatility and authenticity have been recognized by accolades like the Indian Telly Awards for Best Actor in 2008 and 2009 and the Zee Rishtey Award in 2017.
Cinema and OTT: a chameleon on screen
Amit Behl’s cinematic journey includes over fifty feature films, showcasing his versatility across genres and languages. As the entertainment industry evolved, he embraced digital platforms, making significant contributions to web series, advertisements, and documentaries. His resonant voice has lent depth to countless podcasts, ad films, and international features, solidifying his reputation as one of the most sought-after voice-over artists.
Leadership with purpose
Amit Behl’s leadership extends beyond the screen. As General Secretary of the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) from 2015 to 2024, he tirelessly advocated for artists’ rights and welfare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amit was instrumental in keeping the morale of the acting community high, especially among daily wage actors who were hit hardest in the creative arts space. He not only provided food and ration to those in need but also delivered lessons on mental health and anti-anxiety techniques, offering motivational words to help actors survive the storm. Additionally, as part of the Media and Entertainment Skill Council’s Vidyadaan programme initiated by Subhash Ghai, Amit offered invaluable support to students, ensuring continuity in learning and skill development during challenging times.
Mentor, educator, visionary
Amit Behl’s influence extends to academia and public speaking. A regular speaker at prestigious events like the Mumbai Literature Festival, Pune International Literature Festival, and UPES Dehradun, he inspires audiences with his insights on art and culture. As a visiting faculty at institutions like Symbiosis and Whistling Woods,MET Mumbai,We School,Mumbai etc,Amit has nurtured aspiring talents, sharing his expertise in media and entertainment.His core subjects are Content mapping across,film,tv,theatre & SVOD.He also teaches on Media,culture & society.He is a renowned teacher on business of Indian M & E ecosystem.He is on the advisory panel of MET,Dr DY Patil school of creative & liberal arts,Navi Mumbai,Pimpri Chinchwad University-Pune,RV University-Bengaluru etc.
He has been a sought after master of ceremonies,TedX speaker,Moderator,anchor for various festivals,educational institutions,media conclaves,literature,theatre,film festivals etc.
Awards and recognition
Amit Behl’s stellar career has earned him numerous accolades, including the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar for Most Versatile Actor in 2024, the Dadasaheb Phalke Foundation Award in 2024, and the Rashtra Shakti Award in 2021. His contributions have been celebrated with honors like the Lions Best Debut Award in 1994, the Onida Pinnacle Award in 1995, and the Star Parivaar Awards in 2004 and 2013. Recognized for his contribution to artistes’ welfare, Amit was honored by Symbiosis International University in 2022 by Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur.He has won various awards initiated by the Indian Television Academy,Indian television.com,Zee Rishtey awards,Star Screen awards etc.He won the Bengal Film Journalists best actor award in 1995.He has also received several awards for his work in television,theatre & short films at national & international festivals.
The soul of Indian entertainment
Amit Behl stands as a colossus in the entertainment world—a man whose artistry is matched only by his vision. His legacy transcends performance, inspiring generations to embrace the arts with passion and purpose. Larger than life and timeless in his brilliance, Amit Behl remains a phenomenon, an actor, and a leader whose contributions continue to shape the cultural landscape.
He has recently been awarded a honorary doctorate by Stanford University USA,in creative vision,entertainment leadership,skilling & artist advocacy.He is on the board of advisors at MET mumbai & the hon general secretary of the Media & Entertainment Skills council under the honourable PM’s skill india movement.He is on the jury of most film,tv & web awards.He is now the chief mentor of IICS(Indian institute of creative skills),under NSDC,FICCI & the ministry of skill development & entrepreneurship.
Production & Creative management:He was the founder creative director of Shri Ashtavinayak Cine vision Ltd,he has produced created content for Hungama,Doordarshan,Zee tv,pocket films,Amazon Mini,YouTube etc.