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Ajay Mehta
Ajay Mehta
Ajay Mehta
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Ajay Mehta (/ˈɑːdʒeɪ ˈmɛtə/ AH-jay MET-ə) () is an Indian actor based in North America, known for his deep baritone voice.[2]

Key Information

Early life and education

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Mehta was born in New Delhi, India and he was educated in New Delhi, in Mayo College and St. Stephen's College.[3] According to a 2010 interview, he wanted to be an actor since he was three and a half years old and participated in plays while attending college.[4]

Career

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He has appeared in many television shows, including The Mentalist, Eli Stone, Without a Trace, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, NCIS, Anger Management, The Middle, Rules of Engagement, Nip/Tuck, Numb3rs, CSI: NY, Royal Pains, Modern Family, The Good Place, Rectify and Outsourced. He played a Middle Eastern ambassador on 24. He played Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit in the television movie Too Big to Fail, which was broadcast in the United States on HBO.[5] He appeared as an auctioneer on 2 Broke Girls in September 2012, and as the prime minister of India in G.I. Joe: Retaliation in 2013. He also appears in the video game Far Cry 4.[citation needed]

In 2007, Ajay was cast as an ad campaign spokesman for Fiber One brand products.[6]

From 2012 to 2014, he guest starred as Lacey's father, Sanjay on the TV show Anger Management. Starring alongside Charlie Sheen, Selma Blaire, Martin Sheen, and Brian Austin Green.

Partial filmography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ajay Mehta

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ajay Mehta (born July 15, 1958) is an Indian-American actor and producer known for his supporting roles in Hollywood films and television series, often portraying characters of South Asian descent. Born in , , Mehta was educated at the prestigious , a private boarding school, and St. Stephen's College at . He credits his parents for his success, particularly his father, Baij Nath Mehta, a war hero who went missing in action during the 1962 . After graduating, Mehta relocated to Hong Kong, where he worked as a continuity announcer and scriptwriter for Pearl's English-language programming, including cameos in television dramas and commercials. He made his American acting debut in 1989 on NBC's miniseries Around the World in 80 Days. Over the course of his career, Mehta has built a diverse portfolio in both film and television, collaborating with high-profile actors such as in People I Know (2002), in (2001), and in Trainwreck (2015). Mehta gained wider recognition for his role as the cabbie in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man (2002) and as the Indian Leader in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013). His television credits include recurring roles as Waqas Al-Jamil in The Good Place (2016–2020) and Tarun Lahiri in The Mindy Project (2015–2017), alongside guest appearances in Modern Family, And Just Like That... (2021) as Ashok Patel, and voice work as Ajit Prasad in the animated series Pantheon (2022). He has also contributed to video games like Far Cry 4 and animated projects such as Johnny Bravo.

Early life and education

Childhood in New Delhi

Ajay Mehta was born on July 15, 1958, in , . He grew up in a middle-class military family marked by resilience and artistic influences. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Baij Nath Mehta, was a decorated war hero who commanded the and went during the 1962 , leaving a profound impact on the young family. Mehta's mother, who raised him as the youngest of three children alongside an elder sister and brother, also shared a passion for the with her husband; the couple often acted together in regimental plays, directing and writing playlets that exposed the household to theater, poetry, and singing. Public details on his siblings remain limited, respecting family privacy, though they provided strong support during his upbringing. From an early age, Mehta's childhood in was shaped by this cultural environment, igniting his interest in performance. He recalled wanting to become an since he was three and a half years old, inheriting his father's enthusiasm for the stage. This fascination led to initial participation in school plays and extracurricular activities conducted in English, , and , where he explored creativity and honed basic acting skills amid the vibrant arts scene of the city. These formative experiences in New Delhi, before transitioning to formal education at Mayo College, a prestigious boarding school, instilled a deep appreciation for Indian theater traditions and laid the groundwork for his future pursuits.

Academic background and early acting interests

Ajay Mehta attended Mayo College, a prestigious boarding school in Ajmer, Rajasthan, after initial schooling at St. Columba's High School in New Delhi. There, he actively participated in dramatic activities, performing in plays conducted in English, Hindi, and Urdu, which sparked and nurtured his early passion for acting. This involvement in the school's dramatic societies provided a foundational platform for exploring performance, building on the cultural interests fostered by his family upbringing in New Delhi. Mehta later enrolled as a day scholar at St. Stephen's College, University of , where he pursued studies in . The college environment further encouraged his theatrical pursuits, allowing him to engage in productions that refined his skills, including the distinctive deep voice for which he later became known. Drawing inspiration from his father's involvement in acting, directing, and writing playlets—as well as broader Indian dramatic traditions through multilingual plays—Mehta's student years solidified his commitment to the craft. Having expressed a desire to become an since the age of three and a half, Mehta decided to pursue professionally following his graduation from St. Stephen's College in the late . This period marked the culmination of his academic journey and early theatrical experiences in , setting the stage for his subsequent career endeavors.

Career

Early professional beginnings

Following his education at St. Stephen's College in , where he nurtured an early interest in theater through college productions, Ajay Mehta relocated from to in the late to pursue opportunities. Mehta made his professional debut in the 1989 NBC miniseries Around the World in 80 Days, portraying a role opposite in a scene filmed in , after which he moved to . His entry into film followed with the independent comedy Lonely in America (1991), directed by and starring , where he took on a supporting comedic role that explored the struggles and humor of Indian immigrant life in the United States. To establish his presence in the industry, Mehta participated in theater and smaller stage productions in New York, including a notable performance as Mr. Shah in the 1999 American premiere of East Is East at the . As an Indian actor navigating Hollywood in the 1990s, Mehta encountered challenges such as into stereotypical ethnic roles, which he countered by advocating for diverse characterizations—like doctors, diplomats, and tycoons—and modifying his accent under directors' guidance to broaden his opportunities.

Breakthrough in film and television

Ajay Mehta's breakthrough into mainstream Hollywood came with his role as the cabbie in Sam Raimi's (2002), a blockbuster film that grossed over $825 million worldwide and introduced him to a global audience as one of the minor but memorable supporting characters in the superhero genre. This appearance marked his entry into high-profile American cinema, transitioning from earlier independent and regional projects to major studio productions. Mehta further elevated his profile with the portrayal of the Indian Prime Minister in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), directed by , where he appeared alongside stars like and in a film that earned $375 million at the . His diplomatic character added international intrigue to the action narrative, highlighting his ability to embody authoritative figures in ensemble casts. On television, Mehta gained recognition for guest roles that demonstrated his versatility in dramatic contexts, including the Middle Eastern ambassador in season 6 of 24 (2007), a high-stakes thriller series known for its real-time format. He also played CEO in the HBO film (2011), an Emmy-nominated depiction of the that featured and , earning praise for its ensemble authenticity. Mehta's recurring television roles further showcased his range across comedy and drama, beginning with Tarun Lahiri, Mindy's father, in (2015–2017), where he appeared in four episodes of the Fox/Hulu sitcom, bringing warmth and cultural nuance to family dynamics. Subsequently, he portrayed Waqas Al-Jamil, the demanding father of Tahani Al-Jamil, in five episodes of (2016–2020), contributing to the NBC series' acclaimed blend of philosophy and humor that won multiple Emmys. These performances solidified his presence in prestige television, allowing him to explore both comedic timing and dramatic depth.

Voice work and commercial appearances

Ajay Mehta is recognized for his distinctive deep baritone voice, which has been a key asset in his voice acting and commercial endeavors. In the animated science fiction series Pantheon (2022–2023), Mehta provided voices for Ajit Prasad, a recurring character, and the Commodore, appearing across four episodes. His performance contributed to the show's exploration of uploaded intelligence and global intrigue, with the role highlighting his ability to convey authoritative and nuanced tones in animation. Mehta lent his voice to the 2014 video game , where he voiced the character - Kalinag, adding depth to the game's narrative set in the fictional Himalayan kingdom of Kyrat. This role involved both narration elements and character , enhancing the immersive experience of the open-world shooter developed by . As the spokesperson for ' Fiber One cereal national ad campaign starting in 2007, Mehta appeared in several commercials that emphasized the product's high fiber content through humorous scenarios, such as interactions and everyday consumer skepticism. His resonant delivery was selected to make the brand's messaging memorable and persuasive, marking one of his prominent early commercial successes. Mehta made a as an auctioneer in the episode "And the Hidden Stash" (2012), where his rapid, emphatic vocal style drove the comedic auction scene involving the protagonists' quest for hidden valuables. This minor on-screen role underscored his vocal versatility, blending spoken performance with brief visual presence in live-action television.

Production ventures and recent projects

In the mid-2010s, Ajay Mehta contributed to the comedy web series Glimpses of Greg (2015–2016), portraying Dr. Naik in an episode focused on the character's eccentric psychiatric sessions. This project, created by Jeffrey Scott Collins, served as a precursor to the feature film Poor Greg Drowning (2018), where Mehta reprised his role as Dr. Naik, the protagonist's unorthodox therapist in a story exploring personal failures and redemption. While primarily known for his acting, Mehta's involvement in these interconnected productions highlighted his growing interest in collaborative storytelling within independent comedy formats. Mehta's recent acting work has centered on guest appearances in high-profile North American television. In 2019, he played Chati , a supportive , in the pilot , a drama centered on a medical scandal and interpersonal tensions among professionals. This role underscored his versatility in portraying nuanced family dynamics in ensemble-driven narratives. By 2022, Mehta appeared as Seema's Dad (Ashok Patel) in the Max series And Just Like That..., marking a return to the universe where he previously had a minor role; his character navigated cultural expectations during a celebration episode. Fans noted the cameo as an linking back to his earlier work in the franchise. Following his 2023 advertisement, Mehta has maintained a selective schedule with uncredited appearances as of 2023. His established acting foundation has enabled these ongoing opportunities, allowing focus on roles that emphasize cultural representation without exhaustive commitments.

Filmography

Film roles

Ajay Mehta made his feature film debut in the 1990 comedy Lonely in America, where he portrayed the confectionary shop owner in a story about an Indian immigrant navigating life in . In 1998, Mehta appeared as the pharmacist in Whit Stillman's ensemble comedy , a minor role contributing to the film's depiction of young New Yorkers in the waning nightclub scene. Mehta's early 2000s roles often featured him as cab drivers or service workers in romantic comedies and blockbusters; for instance, in the 2001 film , he played the Pakistani cab driver who interacts with the protagonists during their fateful encounters in . His role as the cabbie in Sam Raimi's 2002 superhero film marked a breakthrough, providing a memorable street-level perspective on the chaos caused by the and elevating Mehta's visibility in Hollywood productions. Later in the decade, Mehta took on supporting parts in action films, including the Indian leader in Jon M. Chu's 2013 blockbuster G.I. Joe: Retaliation, where he appeared in a summit scene involving global heads of state. Mehta's more recent film work includes the 2018 independent comedy Poor Greg Drowning, in which he played Dr. Naik, a therapist figure aiding the protagonist through personal turmoil. This partial filmography highlights select feature film appearances and excludes television, voice acting, and other media; Mehta has appeared in numerous additional projects throughout his career.

Television roles

Ajay Mehta began his television career with guest appearances in prominent series during the early 2000s. In 2000, he portrayed Sundeep, a minor character in the episode "" of , marking one of his early credits in dramatic television. Mehta appeared as the Ambassador in four episodes of 24 during its sixth season in 2007, playing a recurring diplomatic figure involved in international negotiations amid the show's high-stakes plot. In the 2011 HBO television movie , he depicted , the CEO of , in a role that highlighted the financial crisis's key players and corporate decision-making. His guest role as an in the 2012 episode "And the Hidden Stash" of showcased a brief comedic turn in the sitcom. That same year, Mehta guest-starred as Fahad Ranjani, a suspect in a investigation, in the The Mentalist episode "Devil's Cherry," contributing to the procedural's exploration of deception and profiling. Mehta recurred as Vish Patel, the competitive father of Alex Dunphy's academic rival Sanjay, across two episodes of —first in the 2011 episode "," where he interacts with Phil and Claire at a movie theater, and later in the 2015 episode "," emphasizing family dynamics and cultural contrasts in the comedy. From 2015 to 2017, he played Tarun Lahiri, Mindy Lahiri's traditional yet supportive father, in multiple episodes of , appearing in arcs that delved into family expectations, cultural clashes, and Mindy's romantic pursuits, including her wedding preparations and parental visits. Mehta's recurring role as Waqas Al-Jamil, a wealthy businessman and Tahani's father, spanned several episodes of from 2016 to 2020, where he contributed to the afterlife comedy's satirical take on privilege and ; this part exemplified his comedic range through humorous portrayals of elitism and familial awkwardness. In 2022, he guest-starred as Seema Patel's father in season 1 of And Just Like That..., appearing in the episode "" that explores intergenerational family ties and cultural traditions.

Video games and animation

Ajay Mehta expanded his career into for video games and following the early 2010s, leveraging his distinctive voice for authoritative and nuanced characters in . In s, Mehta provided the voice for - Kalinag, a key antagonist in the open-world shooter , released in 2014 by . This role marked his entry into gaming, where he contributed to the game's immersive narrative set in the fictional Himalayan kingdom of Kyrat. No additional credits have been reported through 2025. Mehta's animation work includes multiple roles in the 2011 special , where he voiced the Bollywood Producer, Head Tiffinwallah, and Little Thug, bringing cultural authenticity to the comedic crossover episode. His most prominent animated series role came in the AMC+ sci-fi drama Pantheon (2022–2023), voicing the recurring character Ajit Prasad, a corrupt Indian telecom billionaire appearing in episodes such as "Cycles," "Reign of Winter," and "The Gods Will Not Be Chained." He also voiced the Naval Commodore in the season 1 finale "The Gods Will Not Be Slain." These performances highlighted Mehta's versatility in animated formats exploring themes of and . Minor animation cameos or uncredited voices by Mehta remain undocumented in public credits up to 2025, with his post-2010 digital work emphasizing selective, high-profile projects in gaming and streaming .

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0576538/
  2. http://ajaymehta.tv/bio.html
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ajay_mehta
  4. http://ajaymehta.tv/
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/kim-catrall-is-a-warm-person-ajay-mehta/articleshow/7162917.cms
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/kim-catrall-was-my-first-tv-kiss-ajay-mehta/articleshow/7111231.cms
  7. https://pantheon-amc.fandom.com/wiki/Ajay_Mehta
  8. https://www.fandango.com/people/ajay-mehta-444656/biography
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/fullcredits/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1583421/characters/nm0576538/
  11. https://24.fandom.com/wiki/Ajay_Mehta
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/business/media/28adnewsletter2.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11680642/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pantheon/Ajit-Prasad/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3742988/fullcredits/
  16. https://farcry.fandom.com/wiki/Far_Cry_4_credits
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2305069/
  18. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1218780-ajay-mehta?language=en-US
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4776274/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6000570/
  21. https://www.shockya.com/news/2020/11/02/interview-jeffrey-scott-collins-talks-poor-greg-drowning-exclusive/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9698544/
  23. https://people.com/tv/sex-and-the-city-fans-spot-past-actor-in-different-role-on-and-just-like-that-reboot/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102330/fullcredits/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120728/fullcredits/
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  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705249/characters/nm0576538
  28. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1218780-ajay-mehta
  29. https://modernfamily.fandom.com/wiki/Ajay_Mehta
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13824210/
  31. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Ajay-Mehta/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2244937/fullcredits/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11680642/characters/nm0576538
  34. http://ajaymehta.tv/Pantheon/ajaypantheon.html
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