Arjun Sarja Wiki, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Height, Weight, Affairs, and More

Arjun Sarja: Actor, Producer, Director

Quick Info

• Full Name: Srinivasa Sarja
• Stage Name: Arjun Sarja
• Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
• Weight: 80 kg (176 lbs)
• Age: 62 (as of 2024)
• Birthday: August 15, 1962
• Spouse: Niveditha Arjun (m. 1988)
• Children: Aishwarya Arjun, Anjana Sarja
• Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Writer
• Nationality: Indian
• Religion: Hinduism
• Zodiac: Leo

Early Life and Family

Arjun Sarja, born as Srinivasa Sarja on August 15, 1962, in Madhugiri, Tumkur district, Karnataka, comes from a family deeply rooted in the world of cinema. His father, Shakti Prasad, was a Kannada film actor, and his mother, Lakshmi, was an art teacher. Though he initially dreamt of becoming a police officer, his life took a different direction when he became captivated by the martial arts, especially after watching Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. He started training in Karate at the age of 16 and eventually earned a black belt. His entry into acting was a natural extension of his passion for action and performance.

Arjun’s brother, Kishore Sarja, was a renowned Kannada film director, and Arjun’s nephews, Chiranjeevi Sarja and Dhruva Sarja, are also established actors in the Kannada film industry. Arjun’s wife, Niveditha Arjun, is a former actress, and together they have two daughters, Aishwarya Arjun and Anjana Sarja.

Professional Life

Arjun Sarja made his film debut in 1979 with the Kannada movie Putani Agent 123, but his career truly took off in the early ’90s. He became a household name for his roles in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi films. Arjun is often referred to as the “Action King” for his iconic roles in action-packed films. His notable films include Gentleman (1993), which won him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, and Mudhalvan (1999), a political action-thriller that earned him critical acclaim.

In addition to acting, Arjun is also a skilled director, producer, and writer. He has directed and produced several films, including Sevagan (1992) and Thutta Mutta (1998). His contributions to the Tamil and Kannada film industries have earned him numerous accolades, including a Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor in 2012 for his role in Prasad.

Family Life

Arjun’s personal life is as notable as his career. He married Niveditha Arjun in 1988. Niveditha, a former actress, made her debut in the 1986 Kannada film Ratha Sapthami. Together, they have two daughters: Aishwarya Arjun, who made her acting debut in 2013 with Pattathu Yaanai, and Anjana Sarja. Aishwarya’s acting talents have also been recognized, and she was nominated for the SIIMA Award for Best Debutant Actress for her performance in the bilingual film Prema Baraha/Sollividava (2018). Aishwarya’s wedding in June 2024 to Umapathy Ramaiah was a grand event, celebrated by their family and friends.

Arjun also had a close bond with his late brother, Kishore Sarja, a respected director in the Kannada film industry. Arjun is a devout Hindu and is known for his devotion to Lord Hanuman. He is constructing a large Hanuman temple in the outskirts of Chennai, featuring a 35-foot statue of Lord Anjaneya.

Physical Stats

• Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
• Weight: 80 kg (176 lbs)
• Body Measurements: Chest: 44 inches, Waist: 33 inches, Biceps: 17 inches
• Eye Color: Light Brown
• Hair Color: Black

Acting Career Highlights

Arjun Sarja’s career spans more than four decades, and he has appeared in over 160 films. His breakthrough came with the film Gentleman (1993), directed by S. Shankar, where he played the role of a righteous man seeking justice. The film’s success established Arjun as a major star in Tamil cinema, and his career continued to rise with films like Karnaa (1995), Kurudhipunal (1995), and Mudhalvan (1999).

His role in Kurudhipunal was particularly noteworthy, as the film was India’s official entry for the 68th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Arjun’s versatility as an actor is evident in the wide variety of roles he has taken on, from action-packed roles in Jai Hind (1994) to more dramatic roles in films like Rhythm (2000) and Kadal (2013).

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Arjun Sarja has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Some of the most notable awards include:

• 1993: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for Gentleman
• 2012: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for Prasad
• 2013: Vijay Award for Best Villain for Kadal
• 2014: Karnataka State Film Award for Second Best Film for Abhimanyu
• 2019: Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actor for Hero
• 2023: SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for Leo

Controversies and Allegations

In October 2018, during the #MeToo movement, actress Shruthi Hariharan accused Arjun Sarja of misconduct during the filming of Vismaya (2016). The allegations sparked a defamation suit filed by Arjun, who denied the accusations. The Bangalore Police later investigated the case and found no evidence to support the claims. The case was dismissed, with statements from the film’s director and crew affirming Arjun’s professionalism on set.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Apart from acting and filmmaking, Arjun is passionate about writing and singing. He has sung in several of his films, including songs like Raasi Nalla Raasi from Mudhal Udhayam (1995) and Chittukuruvi from Parasuram (2003). He also enjoys traveling, and his favorite travel destination is Switzerland.

Arjun Sarja’s life and career are a testament to his versatility and dedication to the film industry. From action-packed roles to his work as a director and producer, Arjun continues to be a prominent figure in Indian cinema, admired by fans and peers alike.

Arjun Sarja’s journey from a small-town boy to one of India’s most respected actors is an inspiring one. With over 160 films, numerous awards, and a family legacy in the film industry, Arjun Sarja’s impact on cinema remains undeniable. Despite facing controversies, his legacy as a talented actor and filmmaker endures, and his upcoming projects, including Vidaamuyarchi, keep him at the forefront of the industry.