One of the first colleges of Delhi University, Ramjas College has already entered its 100th year. The college celebrated this milestone with much grandeur. In these 100+ years college has engendered a long list of notable alumni. And who doesn’t like flaunting this list. We bring to you ten famous personalities that all Ramjasites can go boasting about –
- Vikas Bahl
One of the most distinguished directors in our film industry, Vikas Bahl has garnered many accolades including three national awards and a Filmfare award. Best known for his movie Queen, Bahl was born and brought in Delhi and after graduating from Ramjas, he pursued a degree in MBA from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. Starting his career with advertising, he founded Phantom Films in 2011, known for critically acclaimed movies like Masaan, Lootera, and NH10.
2. Chaudhary Brahm Prakash
Delhi’s first Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash was also an eminent freedom fighter. He played vital roles in the Satyagraha and Quit India movements and was also imprisoned several times. He also made immense contributions as the Union Minister of Food, Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives. He raised the cause of rural development and empowerment of weaker sections and organized various village and agriculture cooperatives.
3. Sarup Singh
An academic turned politician, Sarup Singh was first appointed as Governor of Kerala and then of Gujarat in 1990.He graduated from Ramjas College with a degree in English in the year 1938 which was followed by a masters in the subject. He remained a faculty member at Kirori Mal College and went on to become the Vice Chancellor of the University in 1971.
4. Angaraag Mahanta
Angaraag Mahanta better known as Papon is a singer and composer from Assam. With music singing in his genes, he was introduced to it early in his childhood. He is also, the founder and the lead singer of the folk-fusion band called Papon and The East India Company. He has not only mesmerized the world of folk music but also Bollywood with his songs Jeiyen Kyun and Moh Moh ke Dhaage topping the charts.
5. Raj Kumar Gupta
Raj Kumar Gupta is a film director and writer who made his debut with the critically acclaimed movie Aamir. The director who is known for unconventional style of films is an ex-Ramjasite and has had movies like No One Killed Jessica and Black Friday in his cap.
6. Shekhar Suman
A history graduate from this almost 100+ year old college, Shekhar Suman is an eminent television personality and a film actor. His show Dekh Bhai Dekh was one of the most popular Indian comedy shows of its time. He was also a part of various reality shows like The Great Indian Comedy Show, Great Indian Laughter Challenge and talk show Movers &Shakers.
7. Khalil Joseph
An Indian export to the American acting industry, Khalil Joseph was born in Delhi and introduced to the stage at an early age of five. He attended St Columba’s School in Delhi and then attained a bachelors in English from Ramjas College. He left India in 1999 for America to learn more about acting where he pursued a masters in Fine Arts from University of California. He is a huge fan of the legendary Bruce Lee whose work inspired him to train in martial arts.
8. Manoj Bajpai
A two time National Award winner, Manoj Bajpai wanted to become an actor since his childhood. Hailing from Bihar, he moved to Delhi at the age of seventeen to join National school of Drama where he was rejected for three times. But he continued theatre while studying in college. He then joined Barry John’s acting workshop and later was ironically offered a teaching position at the National School of Drama. He is known for his unconventional acting and for movies like Gangs of Wasseypur, Zubeidaa, Pinjar and Rajneeti.
9. Prakash Jha
Known for his socio-political films, Prakash Jha is a producer and a director known for movies like Rajneeti, Gangajal, and Apaharan. Hailing from Bihar, he came to Delhi to pursue a degree in Physics from Ramjas College but left studies after one year to become a painter in Mumbai but later ended up in film making. Not only is he involved in politics having been contested elections but also, runs an NGO called Anubhooti that works towards cultural development, health care and disaster management in Bihar.
10. Somnath Bharti
The AAP leader, Somnath Bharti, is a former lawyer who practiced at the Supreme Court of India and Delhi high court. He is a member of Delhi Legislative Assembly since 2014. He studied maths at Ramjas College and completed his post-graduation from IIT before taking up law. The resignation of the AAP government was pre-empted by Bharti’s personal resignation against accusations of vigilantism. He was in controversy again when his wife accused him of domestic abuse.