Background
He was born in 19 June 1962 (age 53 years) Kannur, Kerala, to Reba Vidyarthi, a Kathak dancer of Bengali origin and Govind Vidyarthi, a Malayali theatre personality from Thalassery, Kannur.
He was born in 19 June 1962 (age 53 years) Kannur, Kerala, to Reba Vidyarthi, a Kathak dancer of Bengali origin and Govind Vidyarthi, a Malayali theatre personality from Thalassery, Kannur.
He is noted for his antagonist characters. Ashish got his surname from his father, who took on the surname "Vidyarthi" as a tribute to freedom fighter Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi who died in Kanpur riots during the time of partition of India. He had a presence in the theatre circuit but he was first noticed by television audience in Sai Paranjpye comedy series Hum Panchi Ek Chawl Ke.
He started acting in minor roles in regional television serials.
Vidyarthi"s film career began with a supporting role in the Kannada Film Anand. Later, he starred with Suresh Gopi in Hijack (1991).
His break in Hindi films came with Naajayaz and Baazi.
Won 1995: National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Drohkaal 2005: Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu: Athanokkade 1996: Bengal Film Journalists" Association - Best Actor Award (Hindi): Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin 1997: Star Screen Award for Best Villain: Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin Nominated 1996: Filmfare Best Villain Award for Drohkaal 1997: Filmfare Best Villain Award: Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin 2014: SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Shivajinagara.
