Vijay Arora, the Meghnad of 'Ramayan': From a Struggling Film Career to TV Stardom

In the Indian television world, Ramanand Sagar's epic serial 'Ramayan' remains etched in people's memories to this day. Every character in this series has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, and one of the prominent names among them is Meghnad, brought to life by the late actor Vijay Arora. Vijay Arora's serious acting style and impressive screen presence made this character so special that even today, people remember him as Meghnad from 'Ramayan'. However, his film journey was filled with struggles and ups and downs. Vijay Arora began his career with the 1972 film 'Jarurat', where he played the lead role alongside Zarina Wahab. Following this, he worked in several prominent Bollywood films, including 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' (1973), which earned him widespread recognition for his role. This film gave him overnight recognition. This period of his career was quite significant, as he worked with many leading actresses of the time, including Parveen Babi, Moushumi Chatterjee, Jaya Bhaduri, and Waheeda Rehman. However, he did not achieve the stardom he had hoped for. Over time, he started receiving fewer lead roles in films and had to settle for side roles. A significant turning point in Vijay Arora's life came when he got the opportunity to play Meghnad in Ramanand Sagar's serial 'Ramayan'. This series not only changed his fortune but also gave him recognition in every household. His acting style, voice, and dialogue delivery as Meghnad in 'Ramayan' impressed the audience so much that people began to recognize him as Meghnad in real life as well. The character he portrayed remains alive in people's memories, and Meghnad's name is prominently mentioned among the notable characters of 'Ramayan'. Before 'Ramayan', Vijay Arora had established himself as a successful actor in Bollywood in the 70s and 80s. He was counted among the handsome and talented actors of his time. His filmography includes several successful films, such as 'Jarurat', 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat', and other notable movies. However, due to the lack of stardom, he stopped receiving major roles in films, after which he shifted towards TV series. Vijay Arora's personal life was also filled with ups and downs. He struggled during the initial phase of his career, but his role as Meghnad in 'Ramayan' brought him a new identity and success. His acting skills and determination have earned him an immortal place in Indian television history. Even today, people remember his acting through 'Ramayan' and pay tribute to him as a talented actor.