Maniesh Paul (born 3 August 1981) is an Indian actor, tv host, anchor, model and singer. Starting his career as an RJ and VJ, he moved to acting before taking up stand-up comedy and hosting.

Early life and background

Paul was born and brought up in New Delhi to a Punjabi family originally from Sialkot to Delhi, involved in the financial business. He did his schooling from Apeejay School, Sheikh Sarai New Delhi. After his schooling, he did his B.A. in Tourism from College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University. then he lived with his grandmother in Chembur, Mumbai. He did his schooling from Apeejay School, Sheikh Sarai New Delhi. After his schooling, he did his B.A. in Tourism from College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University. then he lived with his grandmother in Chembur, Mumbai.

Career

Paul started his career in Delhi, as a host, compering cultural events in schools and colleges. Later he shifted to Mumbai, where his first break was hosting ''Sunday Tango'' on Star Plus in 2002. He also remained a VJ with Zee Music,Later he entered channel Star One's ''Ghost Bana Dost'' to play the role of a ghost. Paul has acted in many serials such as ''Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi'' on NDTV Imagine, ''Zindadil'' on ZeeNext, ''Ssshhhh...Phir Koi Hai'' on Star One, ''Wheel Ghar Ghar Mein'' and ''Kahani Shuru with Love Guru'' on Zee TV and ''Kuchh Cook Hota Hai'' on 9X. However, finding it unsatisfying, he quit daily soaps and was even out of work for eight months in 2008.Though he had appeared in cameo roles such as in the Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif-starrer ''Tees Maar Khan'' (2010), Paul made his debut in a lead role of the computer geek ''Mickey'' in '' Mickey Virus'' (2013) which received a lot of appreciation.Subsequently, Paul started his career as a television host and presenter, and gained recognition after hosting ''Saa Ree Gaa Maa Paa Chhote Ustaad'', and later also appeared in the stand-up comedy series ''Comedy Circus''. He also hosted ''Dance India Dance Li'l Masters'' on Zee TV. He also participated in ''Star Ya Rockstar'', a celebrity singing show on Zee TV, and co-hosted the celebrity dance-reality competition ''Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7'' on Colors TV with Ranvir Shorey.He was also the host of Science of Stupid (IND) version. He also hosted ''Dance India Dance Li'l Masters'' on Zee TV. He also participated in ''Star Ya Rockstar'', a celebrity singing show on Zee TV, and co-hosted the celebrity dance-reality competition ''Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7'' on Colors TV with Ranvir Shorey.He was also the host of Science of Stupid (IND) version.In 2011, Paul won the Best Anchor award for Zee TV's ''Dance India Dance Li'l Masters''.Paul has also hosted ''Science of Stupid'' on National Geographic. Over the years, Paul has hosted numerous award shows. In 2018, he hosted Sony TV's ''Indian Idol 10''. Next, he hosted Star Plus's ''Nach Baliye 9''.

Early career

Paul started his career in Delhi, as a host, compering cultural events in schools and colleges. Later he shifted to Mumbai, where his first break was hosting ''Sunday Tango'' on Star Plus in 2002. He also remained a VJ with Zee Music,

Acting career

Later he entered channel Star One's ''Ghost Bana Dost'' to play the role of a ghost. Paul has acted in many serials such as ''Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi'' on NDTV Imagine, ''Zindadil'' on ZeeNext, ''Ssshhhh...Phir Koi Hai'' on Star One, ''Wheel Ghar Ghar Mein'' and ''Kahani Shuru with Love Guru'' on Zee TV and ''Kuchh Cook Hota Hai'' on 9X. However, finding it unsatisfying, he quit daily soaps and was even out of work for eight months in 2008.Though he had appeared in cameo roles such as in the Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif-starrer ''Tees Maar Khan'' (2010), Paul made his debut in a lead role of the computer geek ''Mickey'' in '' Mickey Virus'' (2013) which received a lot of appreciation.

Personal life

He is married to Sanyukta Paul (m. 2007), who is a Bengali. They met each other in their school and started dating in late 1998. Soon, their families got to know each other and they finally got married in 2007. They have a daughter born in 2011 and a son born in 2016.