Ranjit Chowdhry — Indian stage, film and television actor (1955–2020)

Career and notable roles

Chowdhry’s screen work included appearances in Indian cinema as well as in American television and films. In the United States he was seen in episodes of the sitcom The Office, where he played the character Vikram, and he had a role in the television drama Prison Break. In feature films he portrayed Dr. Gupta in the Hollywood film Last Holiday. In Indian cinema he is remembered for roles such as Sabhi in the romantic comedy Baton Baton Mein.

• The Office — guest appearance as Vikram in two episodes.
• Prison Break — small recurring part as Dr. Gudat.
• Last Holiday — supporting film role as Dr. Gupta.
• Baton Baton Mein — role in an Indian feature film.

Beyond film and television, Chowdhry maintained links with theatre and stage work, a common foundation for many Indian actors of his generation. Theatre experience informed his timing and character choices and helped him transition between screen formats and cultural contexts.

Chowdhry was born and raised in Mumbai, a city that has long been the centre of India’s film and theatre industries. His career illustrates a path taken by several Indian performers who combine domestic work with occasional international projects, bringing a distinct presence to supporting roles in global productions.

Death and legacy

Ranjit Chowdhry died on 15 April 2020 in a Mumbai hospital from gastrointestinal bleeding. Reports of his death and brief accounts of his career appeared in news coverage at the time; for one contemporary notice see a news report. While he did not often occupy leading-man billing, his contributions as a dependable character actor are cited by colleagues and viewers who recall his memorable small roles in both Indian and international screens.

Chowdhry’s career offers an example of a working actor whose range included stage and screen, domestic film and television, and selected appearances in international projects. His work continues to be noted by fans of the productions in which he appeared and by observers of crossover careers between Indian cinema and Western television.