Ashutosh Ramnarayan Neekhra (born 10 November 1967), known professionally as Ashutosh Rana, is an Indian actor, poet, television presenter, author, and singer who works predominantly in Hindi films, in addition to Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films. He is known for his portrayal of negative roles and has received several awards including a Filmfare OTT Award and two Filmfare Awards.
Besides his acting career, he is an author and philanthropist. Some books written by him include 'Maun Muskaan Ki Maar' and 'Ramrajya'.
Rana was born on 10 November 1967 in Gadarwara, Madhya Pradesh. He lived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in his childhood. He graduated from the Dr. Hari Singh Gaur University of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. He is the cousin of Rameshwar Neekhra, an Indian politician. He is married to actress Renuka Shahane.
Rana appeared in the television serial Swabhimaan, which was followed by serials such as Farz, Sazish, Jax Kabhi, Waris. He anchored the TV show, Baazi Kiski. He has also hosted Sarkaar Ki Duniya, a reality show which took place on Mango Island in Karwar, Karnataka. In 2010, he featured in the Star Plus show Kaali- Ek Agnipariksha, where he played the negative role of Thakral.
Rana received recognition for his negative role in Dushman, where he played a cold blooded psychopathic killer. Throughout his career, he has predominantly played negative and supporting roles. He has won two Filmfare Awards for Best Villain for his performances in Dushman and Sangharsh.
Apart from featuring in Hindi films, he has appeared in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada language films.
In 2021, he won the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Web Original film for his performance as a grief-stricken father in Pagglait.