Greatest Indian Actors with Unique Style (Never before Never after)
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Tamil superstar from a poor family in Tamil Nadu, India. His father worked on the railways.
On the day of his birth his father, Chiniah Pillai, follower of Mahatma Gandhi, was jailed for participating in the Independence movement in Nellikuppam (Tamil Nadu, India). He was frequently in and out of jail, and was raised by his mother, Rajamani Ammal.
He joined theatre groups when he was young. He earned his screen name 'Sivaji' after acting in C.N. Annadurai's play 'Sivaji Kanda Indhu Rajyam', a historical play on the Maratha Emperor Shivaji.
He made his film debut in Parasakthi (1952) as Gunasekharan. He became an icon of the DMK party who made DMK films (founded by C.M. Annadurai).
He entered politics in the mid-50s where he joined the Congress party and then defected to support the opposition Janata Dal.
He is most well know for his mythological and patriotic portrayals, like in his most famous films like Karnan(mythological) and Veerapandiya Kattabomman (patriotic).
His main rival was MGR (M.G. Ramachandran) and together they dominated the Tamil film industry in the 1960s and 70s.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
One of the most beloved, charismatic and accomplished actors as well as one of the most imaginative and pathbreaking directors in the history of Indian cinema, Dev Anand was a leading man for more than five decades in over 110 motion pictures and continues to bestride Indian film fraternity even after his passing. He gave a new dimension to that magical state known as Stardom. And for his exemplary work he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001 by the President of India. From the time he embarked on his career as a Film Actor in the mid-forties till his demise, his movies had been a journey filled with enriching experiences for the 'Evergreen Living Legend' of Indian Cinema. And he had always remained eternally youthful by his remarkable ability to live always in the present and the future; never in the past.
Also, as head of his film production company Navketan International Films, which was founded in 1949, Anand introduced a multitude of talent to the Indian Film Industry by way of actors, directors, music composers and cinematographers. He introduced new talent to cinema and experimented with new ideas for movies. He also headed one of the finest Film Sound Post-Production facilities in India - Anand Recording Studios - which has to its credit more than 3,000 Indian feature films that have been mixed/ surround mixed for worldwide release.
Anand won two Filmfare Awards - India's equivalent of the Oscars - in 1958 for his performance in the film "Kala Paani" (Black Water) and in 1966 for his performance in Navketan International Films' "Guide". "Guide" went on to win Filmfare Awards in five other categories including 'Best Film' and 'Best Director' and was sent as India's entry for the Oscars in the foreign film category that year. He co-produced the English Version of "Guide" with the Nobel Laureate Pearl S. Buck ("The Good Earth"). Eventually, his creative sensibilities got the better of him and he started writing and directing his own movies.
In 1993, he received a Filmfare 'Lifetime Achievement Award' and in 1996 he received a Screen Videocon 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. Then in 1997 he was given the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images Award for his Outstanding Services to the Indian Film Industry. In 1998, he was given a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Ujala Anandlok Film Awards Committee in Calcutta. In 1999, he received the Sansui 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his 'Immense Contribution to Indian Cinema' in New Delhi. In the year 2000, he was awarded the Film Goers' 'Mega Movie Maestro of the Millenium' Award in Mumbai. And then in July 2000, in New York City, he was honored by an Award at the hands of the then First Lady of the United States of America - Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton - for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema'. And again Anand was awarded the Indo-American Association 'Star of the Millennium' Award in the Silicon Valley, California. The President of India honored Anand with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award on India's Republic Day - January 26th, 2001. And yet again, Donna Ferrar, Member New York State Assembly, honored him with a New York State Assembly Citation for his 'Outstanding Contribution to the Cinematic Arts Worthy of the Esteem and Gratitude of the Great State of New York' on May 1st, 2001.
Most recently, in April 2003, Anand was given a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the F.I.F.A. Committee in Johannesburg, South Africa. For an Indian Movie Icon who has hobnobbed with royalty, heads of State and celebrities, he did it all.
Anand passed away on December 3rd, 2011 in London's Washington Hotel, aged 88.
There are some who might remember Anand for not hanging his boots at the right time like his rival Dilip Kumar. But for millions of his admirers, both India and overseas, he shall remain the embodiment of someone who just never learnt to give up and being one of the pivotal figures who shaped the destiny of Indian Cinema in its formative years post independence and with his peerless intellect combined with his killer good looks gave it a footing on the map of world.- Actor
- Writer
- Editor
Kulbhushan Pandit, also known as Raaj Kumar, was a distinguished Indian actor renowned for his unique dialogue delivery.
Kumar completed his education and joined as a Sub-Inspector with the Bombay Police in the late 1940s. Although he began his career in law enforcement, his passion for acting led him to the film industry.
Kumar debuted as an actor in 1952 with the movie Rangili (1952). He appeared in the 1957 Oscar-nominated film Mother India (1957) before going on to star in more than 70 Hindi movies throughout a four-decade career.
Kumar gained recognition for his breakthrough in the 1957 film Nausherwan-E-Adil (1957), in which he played the role of Prince Naushazad. He was noted for portraying unglamorous and gritty characters, such as his role as a mill worker in Paigham (1959).
One of his most memorable performances, for which he bagged a Filmfare Award under the category of Best Supporting Actor, was his role as a cancer patient in Dil Ek Mandir (1963).
He also starred in movies like Waqt (1965), Heer Raanjha (1970), Pakeezah (1972), and more.
For a time after that, between the late 70s and early 80s, he worked in films that did not do very well before he made a successful comeback with Kudrat (1981). He went on to act in films like Ek Nai Paheli (1984), Itihaas (1987), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Mahaveera (1988), and more.
Kumar married Jennifer Pandit, an Anglo-Indian who worked as an air hostess. They had three kids: Vastvikta Pandit, his daughter who made her acting debut in 2006, and sons Panini Rajkumar and Puru Rajkumar, who both became actors.
Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar, with whom he had acted in Paigham, reunited on screen in Subhash Ghai's Saudagar (1991) in 1991 after 32 years. Tirangaa (1992) was his final hit movie, and God and Gun (1995) was the last film he acted in.
Kumar succumbed to throat cancer and passed away on July 3, 1996.Raaj Kumar started his career as an Inspector at Mahim police station, Mumbai. It is said that he never saluted his senior officers.[4] Later he turned to movies.
Raaj Kumar was noticed in his earlier films like Rangeeli, Aabshar, Ghamand, and Lakhon Mein Ek, but it was as Prince Naushazad in Sohrab Modi’s Naushervan-e-Adil that he became famous. In his brief role as the husband of Nargis in Mother India, he achieved prominence. He followed this with the unglamorous role of a mill worker in Paigham. He was cast with Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor and Balraj Sahni in B.R. Chopra’s Waqt. In Sridhar’s Dil Ek Mandir, Raaj Kumar essayed the role of a cancer patient.
He also won the Filmfare Award in Best supporting actor category for movies Dil Ek Mandir and Waqt.
From his screen debut in Rangeeli to God & Gun, his was a fruitful journey of memorable characters in 60-odd films- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
The Grandfather & Great Custodian of Indian Motion Pictures!
Ashok Kumar was one of India's most famous actors for over half a century, from before independence to the cusp of the new millennia!
As a young assistant to Bengali film-maker Himanshu Rai, he got his start in acting by accident when he volunteered to substitute for the lead actor, Jeevan Naya (1936), who fell ill before production on the film Achhut Kanya (1936) was to start. Kumar was terrified of acting in the first place, especially opposite lead actress Devika Rani, known as 'the dragon lady' for her smoking, drinking, cursing and legendary hot temper. After finishing shooting, Kumar continued with overseeing the process of the film with editing, mixing and processing. His unexpected acclaim to his role had him in demand for more acting roles, which he pursued in a few more 'Bombay Talkies' with Devika Rani.
His breakthrough performance was in Kismet (1943) which ran for three years in Bombay and Calcutta and was one of the first Hindi language mega-hits of India and gained him national fame through his charismatic performances and his talented singing. From then onwards, Kumar became a sought-after actor who appeared in over 200 Hindi and a few other Indian language films, playing romantic leads or threatening villains and making Rs.300-400 a month during the 1940s and 1950s.
Although his roles gradually decreased to supporting and minor parts as he got older and suffered more ill health, his popularity in India never diminished and he was often in demand for cameos and live convention appearances. From the 1990s to his death, he lived in a comfortable retirement in Bombay with a slew of Indian films to show for his work.Ashok Kumar ( Bengali অশোক কুমার গাঙ্গুলী, 13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001) also fondly called Dadamoni in Bengali, was an Indian film actor. Born Kumudlal Ganguly in Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency he attained iconic status in Indian cinema. The Government of India honoured him with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Bhushan in 1998 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Reverently called Dadamoni (affectionate term for elder brother), he was born in Bhagalpur and educated at Presidency College of the University of Calcutta, Kolkata). He started his career in Bombay (Mumbai), albeit accidentally, with the Bombay Talkies production Jeevan Naiya in 1936. The male lead, Najam-ul-Hussain, went absconding with the heroine Devika Rani, the director's wife who returned later on. The director and studio head, Himanshu Rai, in retaliation dismissed the hero and called upon his laboratory assistant Ashok Kumar to take the part and thus began a six-decade-long acting career. However, it was his subsequent venture with Devika Rani in Achhut Kanya in the same year that set him up for the big league. The movie itself stands out as one of the heralding social dramas of pre-independence Indian film. It was the story of a Brahmin boy falling in love with a girl from the so-called untouchables in Indian society. It was a big hit and started the trend of socially committed films.- M.r.radha is known for Kaduvulai Kandan (1963).Madras Rajagopala Radhakrishnan Naidu (b. 14 April 1907 - 17 September 1979), popularily known by his stagename M. R. Radha was an Indian film actor and politician. He was given the title of "Nadigavel" for his acting prowess. After a successful career on stage in his early years, he acted in films from the 1930s to the 1970s, and then, giving up films, he went back to his first love
Radha came out of his house at very earlier age due to his a fight with his mother as she refused to give him extra piece of fish to eat.Radha was a popular theatre artist who made more than 5000 stage shows. Starting at the age of 10, where he appeared in small roles, grew to a level that stories for dramas were custom made for him. Radha gained popularity with the success of his stage play Ratha Kanneer. When he acted in the film version of the play, he quickly gained star status. Ratha Kanneer gave Radha international recognition and an award. Recently, Ratha Kanneer has been remade by Upendra from Karnataka. Ratha Kaneer is his most famous work, and receieved acclaim by veteran actors Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachan and others, saying" that it was one of the most brilliant performances in Indian film history, and that no other actor could ever duplicate that role.
With his versatile acting, Radha played roles of both villains and comics. After the 1950s, film-makers created roles especially for him, and he often stole the limelight from other actors. He was an active member of the Dravidian movement, and was known for his atheistic views. Towards the end of his career, however, he started acting in Hindu devotional movies like Velum Mayilum Thunai. He often used to ridicule atheism in these movies. - Actor
- Sound Department
Nagesh was born on 27 September 1933 in Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu, India. He was an actor, known for Nammavar (1994), Dasavatharam (2008) and Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya (1996). He was married to Regina. He died on 31 January 2009 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Nagesh (born Nageswaran C. Krishna Gundu Rao; 27 September 1933 – 31 January 2009), was a Tamil film actor, mostly remembered for his roles as a comedian during the 1960s. He is regarded as one of the most prolific comedians in Tamil cinema.
Nagesh was born in a Kannada family from Dharapuram, Erode. He was educated in Madras and worked as a clerk in the Indian Railways before entering Tamil film industry. He acted in over 1,000 Indian films from 1958 to 2008, performing in variety of roles as comedian, lead roles, supporting actor and antagonist. He died on 31 January 2009.
In a stark contrast to the comic roles he performed, Nagesh's personal life was wrought with suffering. After losing his father at an early age, Nagesh had to endure a weak financial situation and family ostracism which plagued him throughout his life. The film Server Sundaram, a rags to riches story in which Nagesh plays the lead role, is believed to be roughly based on the real life story of the actor.
Despite being primarily a comedian, Nagesh was rated highly as a character actor by his peers. Nagesh's style of comedy was largely inspired by Hollywood actor Jerry Lewis. Similarities between Nagesh and Lewis earned Nagesh the sobriquet "Jerry Lewis of India".
Rise to stardom
Server Sundaram marked Nagesh's rise to prominence. The film was about a restaurant waiter "server" Sundaram who struggles to make his ends meet. He is in love with Radha (K. R. Vijaya), the daughter of the owner of the hotel in which he is working. The film is about how with the aid of his rich friend Raghavan (R. Muthuraman), "server" Sundaram gets a chance to act in movies and eventually, emerges as a rich and prominent actor. However, he is heartbroken when he learns that Radha is actually in love with Raghavan. While Nagesh drives viewers into laughter with his comical antics in the early scenes, his sensitive portrayal of a failed lover in the second half of the movie too earned widespread appreciation. The rags-to-riches story in the movie was actually based on Nagesh's own life. With Server Sundaram, Nagesh earned critical acclaim for versatility.
The success of Server Sundaram ensured that Nagesh was one of the most sought-after actors in the 1960s. At the height of his career, he acted in as much as 35 movies in a single calendar year, at one time, shooting for six movies simultaneously. He appeared in a cameo in the 1965 mythological Thiruvilayadal in which he portrayed the poor, simpleton temple priest Dharumi. The soliloquy which Dharmi indulges in, within the temple precincts, is regarded as one of the unforgettable scenes of Tamil cinema. He followed the success with supporting roles in films as Kaadhalikka Neramillai where he wants to direct a film under his own production house named OHO PRODUCTIONS(but till climax he didn't make film), Anbe Vaa, Shanthi Nilayam, Pattanathil Bhootham and Vietnam Veedu. He played the role of Mohan in Major Chandrakant which was a popular hit and won for its lead actor Sundararajan, the nickname "Major" Sundararajan. His portrayal of the detestable pimp Vaidhy in Thillana Mohanambal was noted for the way in which Nagesh blended humour with villany. In most of his films as comedian, Nagesh paired with the actress Manorama. In 1967, Nagesh acted in his first Hindi movie Farz
And Apart from performing in supporting roles, Nagesh also acted as the main protagonist in a number of movies. Server Sundaram is one of them. Another performance which is well-remembered is his role as the poor struggling orphan Maadhu in Ethir Neechal. His sensitive and sympathetic portrayal of Maadhu evoked comparisons with top character actors of the day. Jayakanthan chose Nagesh to play the lead in the 1966 film Yaarukkaha Azhudhan overlooking Sivaji Ganesan.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
M.G. Ramachandran (1917-1987), popularly known as MGR, dominated like no other, the films and politics of India's Tamil Nadu state. A charismatic actor and philanthropist, he commanded the idolatrous adulation of millions of Tamilians and became Tamil Nadu's chief minister. His achievements in 3 fields, namely films, philanthropy and politics were remarkable considering his humble origins in Sri Lanka. Raised in poverty by a widowed single mother, he had nothing more than his good looks when he got his first break in "Sati Lilavati", a Tamil film of the late 1930s. In the 1940s and 50s, the Tamil film industry was being transformed by screenwriters like Annadurai, Karunanidhi and others belonging to the Dravidian movement. MGR starred in many of the movies they helped make. Annadurai became his mentor and MGR joined the DMK, Annadurai's new Dravidian party. His films made MGR a matinee idol among Tamilians. He also started monetarily helping people in need, sowing the seeds for his reputation as a philanthropist. When Annadurai died as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, MGR's rival Karunanidhi assumed office. MGR accused him of defalcation and was kicked out of the DMK. In 1977, MGR's ADMK (later renamed AIADMK) party was swept into power. In his first term, MGR cleaned up corruption and carried out reforms like having an income limit for backward class people to be eligible for the reserved seats in government colleges and jobs. His reforms proved unpopular, so MGR became another corrupt Indian politician having learned not to rock the boat. Tamil Nadu stagnated during the rest of his reign. Yet his mesmerized legions of fans continued to vote him into power. His death in 1987 created a power vacuum that soon brought his old nemesis, the corrupt Karunanidhi, back into power. MGR was a complex man who triumphed over poverty and tried to improve the lot of the people who revered him. However, in the end, he was a god that failed.- M.N. Nambiar was born on 7 March 1919 in Kannur, Malabar, British India. He was an actor, known for Nadodi Mannan (1958), Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973) and Marmayogi (1951). He was married to Rukmani Devi . He died on 19 November 2008 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.M. N. Nambiar (Malayalam: എം എന് നമ്പ്യാര്, Tamil: எம். என். நம்பியார்; 5 March 1919 – 19 November 2008), born Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar, was a film actor in Tamil cinema and had been in the film industry for more than 50 years.
Though he started as a hero but started donning the role of a villain - so much so that today his name is almost eponymous with the Kollywood villain. Nambiar has worked with seven generations of actors from Balaiyah to Manoj (Bharathiraaja's son).
His first pay was Rs.3 in the "Boys Company." He would retain Re 1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. A man of very limited needs, he has not eaten outside of his house. He is extremely health conscious.
He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in ‘Digambara Samiyar.’ His arresting performance in films such as ‘Manthiri Kumari,’ ‘Velaikkari,’ ‘Ayirathil Oruvan,’ ‘Thillana Mohanambal,’ ‘Missiamma’ and ‘Nenjam Marappadillai’ paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades.[2]
A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film `Jungle' (with Rod Cameron, the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil `Kanavane Kankanda Deivam.'
After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays — `Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play `Kalyana Supermarket.'
M.N. Nambiar was a rare personality who was a cruel ruthless fellow in the screen and a very pious man in the real life. He was pure vegetarian and a teetotaler. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri Ayyappan. He has had a long association with the temple, and visited the shrine more than 65 years over the last half a century; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy. His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.[3]
His favourite films remain `Aayirathil Oruvan' with MGR, `Ambikapathi' with Sivaji Ganesan, `Missiyamma' with Gemini Ganesan, `Nenjam Marappathillai' directed by Sridhar and `Thooral Ninu Pochu' with Bhagyaraj. This was the film that made him do character roles, something that he continued to do till his death. He also acted as hero in two films `Kalyani' and `Kavitha' produced by Modern Theatres.
He has done stage, films and also serials such as `Velan.' When it comes to acting, he supposedly likes all the actors; but of special mention are M. R. Radha and Savitri. Both, in his opinion, were brilliant in their own way. - Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
Ajit Khan was born on 27 January 1922 in Golconda, Hyderabad State, British India. He was an actor, known for Zanjeer (1973), Awara Badal (1964) and Shareef Budmaash (1973). He died on 22 October 1998 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.Ajit Khan, a popular villain of Bollywood movies, was known for his stylish and peculiar delivery of dialogue. His famous catch-phrases - "Mona darling, smart boy," "Lili don't be silly," "mona loot lo sona" - became a rage.[1] Ajit Khan is also credited for starring as a lead actor in popular Bollywood movies such as Nastik, Bada Bhai, Milan, Baradari, and later as a second lead in Mughal-e-Azam and Naya Daur, to name a few.
Ajit, who ran away from home to Mumbai after selling his college books, started his career in films in the 1940s. Luck did not favour him in the initial stages. He began with the 1946 movie Shahe Misra, acting opposite Geeta Bose, and also did films such as Sikander (van mala), Hatimtai (1947), Aap Beeti (Khursheed), Sone Ki Chidiya (Leela Kumari), Dholak (Meena Shori) and Chanda Ki Chandni (Monica Desai) as leading hero, but flopped. He did most of films (15) with Nalini Jaywant. Ajit switched over to play the villain. His first movie as a villan was Suraj and with films such as Zanjeer and Yaadon Ki Baraat, there was no looking back for him.
In the mid-seventies he had acted in over 57 films, mostly as a villain. His dialogue delivery remains popular even to this date. His colleagues in the film industry —l eading personalities who have acted with him, grown seeing him in Mumbai — have expressed deep sorrow over the death of the legendary actor.
Writer Javed Akhtar, who scripted Zanjeer, said: "Like Bachchan, Ajit found a new image as villain after Zanjeer. He started a new innings in his career though he was an established hero in the fifties. His villainy started a new trend. Here was a new villain who was soft-spoken yet forceful. We wanted to give a different image to villainy which matched the hero."- Actor
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Additional Crew
Jeevan Dhar was born on 24 October 1915 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, British India. He was an actor, known for Professor Pyarelal (1981), Kanoon (1960) and Mahabharat (1965). He died on 10 June 1987.Jeevan, born as Omkar Nath Dhar (Kashmiri: ओमकार नाथ धर (Devanagari), اومکار ناتھ دھر (Nastaleeq)) (born October 24, 1915 in Srinagar - died June 10, 1987),[1] was a Kashmiri Indian Hindi film actor who acted as Narad Muni in mythological films of the 1950s.Later he essayed the role of a villain in many films of the 60s, 70s and 80s. His son Kiran Kumar is also an actor.
His debut was in a big budget film called Fashionable India. He became notable though for his roles in Romantic India in 1935, Afasana in 1946 and Station Master in 1942. Jeevan appeared in several Dev Anand film from 1946–1978 and in Manmohan Desai movies like Amar Akbar Anthony and Naseeb. He also starred in the Punjabi film Teri Meri Ek Jindri. He died in 1987 at the age of 72- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Utpal Dutt was born on 29 March 1929 in Barisal, Bengal Presidency, British India [now Bangladesh]. He was an actor and director, known for The Stranger (1991), Gol Maal (1979) and Bhuvan Shome (1969). He was married to Shobha Sen. He died on 19 August 1993 in Calcutta, West Bengal, India.Utpal Dutt (About this sound utpôl dôtto (help·info)) (29 March 1929 – 19 August 1993) was an Indian actor, director, and writer-playwright. He was primarily an actor in Bengali theatre, where he became a pioneering figure in Modern Indian theatre, when he founded the 'Little Theater Group' in 1947, which enacted many English, Shakespearean and Brecht plays, in a period now known as the 'Epic theater' period, before immersing itself completely in highly political and radical theatre. His plays became apt vehicle of the expression for his Marxist ideologies, visible in socio-political plays like, Kallol (1965), Manusher Adhikar, Louha Manob (1964), Tiner Toloar and Maha-Bidroha. He also acted over 100 Bengali and Hindi films in his career spanning 40 years, and remains most known for his roles in films like Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Shome (1969), Satyajit Ray’s Agantuk (1991), Gautam Ghose’s Padma Nadir Majhi (1993) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's breezy comedies such as Gol Maal (1980) and Rang Birangi (1983).[1][2][3][4]
He received National Film Award for Best Actor in 1970 and three Filmfare Best Comedian Awards. In 1990, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Theatre, awarded him its highest award the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for lifetime contribution to theatre.- Actor
- Director
- Composer
Amjad Khan was a renowned Bollywood actor and film director, widely popular for his performance as Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975). He went to both R. D. National College and St. Andrew's High School in Bandra.
Khan was the president of the Actors Guild Association and took a keen interest in the matters of the film industry. As a youngster, Khan acted with his father, Jayant, in movies like Nazneen (1951) and Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1957).
With the film Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973), he first appeared as a professional silver-screen performer. When he played Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975), he transformed the stereotypical Bollywood bad guy into a new genre icon. Gabbar transformed into him preparing for the role- this has been his most famous role of all time.
In Prakash Mehra's Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), he portrayed the part of Dilawar, a gangster. He was also cast in several other movies, including Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), Ganga Ki Saugand (1978), Des Pardes (1978), Dada (1979), Chambal Ki Kassam (1980), Naseeb (1981), Satte Pe Satta (1982), and Nastik (1983).
In films like Yaarana (1981) and Laawaris (1981), he portrayed likeable protagonists. In addition to his dramatic roles, he branched out and performed comedic roles in the films Qurbani (1980), Love Story (1981), Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986).
In the Hindi parody film Ramgarh Ke Sholay (1991), helmed by Ajit Dewani, he once again played the part of Gabbar Singh, and the film became an unexpected blockbuster.
He debuted as a director with Chor Police (1983), in which he also co-starred with Parveen Babi, Shatrughan Sinha, Kader Khan, and Shakti Kapoor. His film Ameer Aadmi Ghareeb Aadmi (1985) was released in 1985- it was a great commercial success. He also appeared in a small role in [link= tt0154591 in 1973.
He won the best supporting actor in the BFJA Awards for Sholay in 1976. Apart from that, he won best supporting actor at the Filmfare awards for Dada (1980) and Yaarana (1982). Khan also won best performance in a comedic role at the Filmfare awards for Maa Kasam (1986).Amjad Khan (Urdu: امجد خان, Hindi: अमजद ख़ान; 12 November 1940 – 27 July 1992) was an acclaimed Indian actor and director.He worked in over 130 films in a career spanning nearly twenty years. He enjoyed popularity for his villainous roles in Hindi films, the most famous being the unforgettable Gabbar Singh in the 1975 classic Sholay and of Dilawar in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.
In 1975 he was offered the role of dacoit Gabbar Singh for the film Sholay (literally meaning flames) by Salim who was one of its writers. For preparation for the role, Amjad read Abhishapth Chambal, a book on Chambal dacoits written by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri (actress Jaya Bhaduri's father). Amjad shot to stardom with the movie. His portrayal of Gabbar Singh is considered by many to be the first depiction of pure evil on the screen in Indian Cinema: a totally evil character who doesn't make excuses for his evil. His mannerisms and dialogues have become an integral part of Bollywood lexicon and spawned numerous parodies and spoofs. Sholay went on to become a blockbuster. Although it boasted an ensemble cast of superstars including Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar,[3] he stole the thunder with his unorthodox and eerie dialogue delivery that was perfectly apposite to the total lack of empathy his character was supposed to convey. Even today people fondly remember his dialogues and mannerisms. He later appeared in advertisements as Gabbar Singh endorsing Britannia Glucose Biscuits (popularly known as "Gabbar Ki Asli Pasand"), and it was the first incidence of a villain being used to sell a popular product.
After the success of Sholay, Khan continued to play villain roles in many subsequent Hindi films in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s — superseding, in terms of popularity and demand, the earlier Indian actor, Ajit — portraying more sophisticated and urbane criminal bosses, mastermind of bank robberies, murders and conspiracies to seize power. He often acted as villain opposite Amitabh Bachchan as the hero.
Khan was also acclaimed for playing many unconventional roles. In the critically acclaimed film Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) (based on the novel of the same title) by Munshi Premchand and directed by Satyajit Ray, Khan played the helpless and deluded monarch Wajid Ali Shah, whose kingdom, Avadh, is being targeted by British colonialists from the British East India Company. It is the only movie in which he dubbed a song. He played many positive roles in films such as Yaarana (1981) and Laawaris (1981) as Amitabh's friend and father respectively. In the art film Utsav (1984), he portrayed Vatsayana, the author of the Kama Sutra. In 1988 he appeared in the Merchant-Ivory English film The Perfect Murder as an underworld don. He excelled at playing comical characters in films such as Qurbani (1980), Love Story, and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986). In 1991, he reprised his role as Gabbar Singh in Ramgarh Ke Sholay, a parody of the legendary film which included look-alikes of Dev Anand and Amitabh Bachchan.
He ventured into directing for a brief period in the 1980s directing and starring in Chor Police (1983), which was a success, and Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985) which failed to do well at the box office.
Amjad was the president of the Actors Guild association. He was respected in the film industry. He would intervene and negotiate disputes between actors and directors/producers. One such dispute occurred when Dimple Kapadia agreed to play a mother role and later backed down. The entire film producer community tried to boycott her. Amjad intervened on behalf of the Actors Guild.- Actor
- Director
One of the earliest and best-loved comedians of Indian Cinema, Johnny Walker brought smiles and amusement to all whenever he was on film. Christening himself after the famous Scotch whisky, Walker would drive audiences wild with laughter with his squeaky voice, pencil-thin moustache and his now-classic drunken antics. Everyone, cast, crew and audience alike, loved his iconic image of the hero's comic and often drunk sidekick, who would cause comedy to occur in the film. Ironically, his drunken image was a stark contrast to his real-life persona, which was that of a sober and humble soul
He was born Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi on May 15, 1923. The son of a textile mill worker, he did not find life easy; he was one of a family of fifteen members, out of which five relatives died young, and the mill where his father worked closed down, causing the family to come to Bombay. There Kazi tried his hand at several jobs, and eventually secured a post as a bus conductor in the B.E.S.T (Bombay Electric Supply and Transport) bus service.
Kazi would often be seen working on the Dadar bus depot. Sometimes he would entertain his passengers with antics that would send them into splits of laughter, and he had an uncanny ability for inventing such routines on the spot. This knack got him spotted by actor/writer Balraj Sahni, who was writing Gamble (1951) for Guru Dutt at the time. Sahni introduced Kazi to Dutt, who was so impressed by Kazi's performance as a drunk that he immediately wrote a role for him into his directorial film Gamble (1951).
His performance in Gamble (1951) was so well received that Walker and Dutt would later on work together in films. Dutt cast him in some of his own memorable films; some of Walker's most loved roles are Master the pickpocket in C.I.D. (1956) and the masseur Abdul Sattar in Thirst (1957). Walker always had the best comic lines and the most popular and hummable tunes in Dutt's films. Dutt and Walker were also the best of friends and often went out on expeditions together, and on Dutt's suicide Walker was deeply shocked and grieved by the loss of his friend.
His popularity reached such heights that he got his own film, Johnny Walker (1957)! He was also hired by other directors to act in their own films, the most notable of these being B.R. Chopra's Naya Daur (1957), Bimal Roy's Madhumati (1958) (the latter for which he won his first Filmfare Award), and K. Asif's Mughal-E-Azam (1960). Despite his fame, he was a humble soul and kept a low profile
He slowly began to fade out in the 1960s, as Mehmood took over as the new king of comedy. He kept working in films, though, most notably in Shikar (1968), for which he won his second and final Filmfare Award; and in Anand (1971), where he was unusually seen in a serious role and even more unusually excelled in it, showing the remarkable talent he still held.
His last role was as a make-up artist in Kamal Haasan's Chachi 420 (1997). He was, naturally, seen with a bottle of alcohol! It was a fitting curtain call for Bollywood's original king of comedy...- Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Pran was one of the leading character actors of Indian cinema. He was born on 12 February,1920 at Delhi. Pran was educated at different places namely Kapurthala, Unnao, Meerut, Dehradun and Rampur as his father late Lala Kewal Krishnan Sikand was a Government Civil Contractor for the construction of roads and bridges. Pran started his career by learning photography in Lahore. A chance meeting with a film producer, got him his first break in 'Yamla Jat' in 1940.
Married in 1945 to Shukla, he had two sons Arvind and Sunil, and one daughter Pinky. At partition in 1947, Pran came to Mumbai and restarted his film career after a brief struggle. He acted in over 400 films in a variety of roles. As a villain, in films like 'Ram Aur Shyam' people shuddered with fear and hated him, and yet loved him as the good, unforgettable 'Mangal chacha' in 'Upkar'. He went on to star in films with the leading actors of various decades from Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra to Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol and Salman Khan. He was among the highest paid and most sought after character actors of his time, starring in some of the biggest and most acclaimed films of all time.
Being a sports lover and a good sportsmen he had his own football team "Dynamos Football Club" which he financed for a number of years in the fifties. Along with his film career he had been engaged in a number of Social activities, including the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Maratha Sikshan Sanatha, Film Industry Welfare Trust. He had organised charity events and cricket matches, as well as the 'Hope 86' and 'Hope 87' shows for the needy people in the film industry.
Under the patronage of the Late, His Excellency Nawab Ali Yawar Jung, Pran presented a number of charity shows for the refugees of Bangladesh and for the deaf and dumb.
In an illustrious career of over six decades, Pran was bestowed with many awards including 4 Filmfare Awards, Villain of the Millennium honour from Stardust, Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award from the Government of India in 2000 and the DadaSaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement (highest honour for cinema in India) from the Government of India in 2012. He died on 12 July 2013 at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Danny, who married Gawa Denzongpa, a Sikkimese princess and niece of the last chogyal from her hometown of Gangtok, currently resides in Juhu in Mumbai. He likes to listen to Nepali folk music especially Nepali flutes. In recent times he has become more selective as to the roles he plays. He does not work in March, April, and May as they are hot. The movies he chooses, he works on his own terms. He has a son named Rinzing and a daughter named Pema. His brother owns a bouj and beer factory in Melli, Sikkim.- Actor
- Music Department
Prem Chopra is an actor in Hindi and Punjabi films. Prem Chopra was born to a Hindu Punjabi family in Lahore on 23 September 1935 to Ranbirlal and Rooprani Chopra. He was third of six children.His father worked at the attorney-general's office. He was brought up in Shimla. His father wanted him to be a IAS officer but Chopra pursued performing arts in College and graduated in arts from Punjab University. Shimla had a strong theater movement in the period 1957-1961 and Chopra reveled in it. He watched a lot of Hindi and English movies and, after graduation, came to Bombay in the early 1960's and joined the Times of India's circulation department due to his art's degree. Simultaneously, he kept visiting studios and tried to get a break in films.
He kept trying to get a break in films. Prem Chopra made his debut in Bollywood with the Bharat Bhushan-starer Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh in 1960, which didn't do well. In 1960 he got a Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh opposite established star Jabeen Jalil and the film won a National Award and got Prem noticed.But he didn't have much hit Hindi films till 1964 with exception of his debut Punjabi hit films Karnail Singh and Sapni.
Next in 1964 he played Sukhdev in Shaheed, one of his rare positive leading roles which became hit.His performances from 1965-67 in hit films like Sikandar E Azam ,Nishan,Kunwari,Teesri Manzil ,Mera Saaya and Upkar showcased his versatility. After Teesri Manzil and Upkaar he was flooded with films as a villain. Prem Chopra continued working with TOI, when already he was part of box-office hits like Nishan,Sikandar E Azam in 1965 and Sagaai, Mera Saaya in 1966. After Upkaar in 1967 he left The Times of India. As a villain, he gained fame all round India when he acted with Superstar Rajesh Khanna in Do Raaste. The duo of Rajesh-Prem worked in 19 films from 1969 till Ghar Parivaar in 1991.In the critically acclaimed comedy film Hulchul (1971), played the lead hero in this suspense thriller and was not a villain and Prem was leading man in Kunwari(1966), Samaj Ko Badal Dalo(1970). Prem Chopra played the main lead in 1970 box-office hit small budget comedy film Samaj Ko Badal Dalo as lead hero and was paired opposite Tamil actresses Kanchana and Shardha. The song sung by Rafi and pictured on Prem Chopra -Tum Apni Saheli Ko Itna Bata Do Ki Usse Koi Pyar Karne Laga Hai from this 1970 film continues to be popular. His peak period in Hindi films as a villain has been from 1967 to 1991. After 1999, he appeared as a villain in very few films. He took up positive character roles from 1999 and started getting more positive roles from 2005.His screen space got reduced in the films after 2005.
Chopra regards his best roles and costumes were in Shaheed (1965), Sikander-e-Azam (1965), Kunwari (1966), Upkaar (1967),Do Raaste (1969), Purab Aur Pachhim(1970), Kati Patang (1970), Keemat(1973), Ajanabee(1974),Prem Nagar(1974), Kaala Sona (1975), Mehbooba(1976), Do Anjaane (1976),Jaadu Tona (1977), Tyaag (1977), Dostana (1980), Kranti (1981), Souten, Oonche Log (1985), Phool Bane Angaarey (1991), Bewaffa Se Waffa(1992). Prem played positive roles with large screen space in few films in 60's to 90's like in Shaheed, Kuwari, Samaj Ko Badal Dalo, Hulchul, Jadu Tona, Prem Pratigya.Later after 1999 Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and Koi Mil Gaya, Bunty aur Bubli, Virrudh, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Dhamaal, Rocket Singh, Delhi 6, Daddy Cool.had him in positive roles.
He has ever since 1967 been a leading villain in Hindi films. The dialogs "My name is Prem, Prem Chopra" from the film Bobby and from the film Souten "Mai wo bala hu jo sheshay se pathar ko todtee hai" which closely translates to "I am that trouble which crushes stones with glass" are immensely popular.
Prem Chopra married Uma, who is the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, Prem- nath and Rajendranath in 1969 and they have three daughters: Rakita, Punita and Prerana.- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
For Amrish Puri, it was virtually the 'Summer of 42'. The actor's long simmering affair with acting found culmination when he reached his early 40s. And while his dream of playing the hero may have been thwarted, he went on to become the most loved villains of all time. He was also an artiste who redefined the dynamics for character actors. If he wowed the critics with his rough-edged portrayals in the art films of Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani, he won over the masala movie buffs with his louder-than-life histrionics. Puri with his reverberating baritone, piercing glance and dramatized dialogue delivery was a formidable figure against the hero. His costumes were all about prolific imagination and his one-liners ranging from, 'Mogambo khush hua' to 'Dong kabhi wrong nahin hota' are now part of cinema glossary. Puri even went ahead and worked in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, only to return and endorse the diversity that is Bollywood.
But behind the tough facade was a genteel person. "Upright and a true karma-yogi," as son and marine navigator Rajeev Puri describes him. "People from all walks of life loved him - even the police and the politicians." Rajeev adds, "A decade after his demise, some film or the other of his is constantly playing on channels - out of the 350 he did, 200 were hits!" And when people till date come up to him requesting for a photograph because he's the famed Mogambo's (Puri's character in Mr India) son, Rajeev realizes that Mogambo truly is larger than life, in fact beyond it.
Puri graduated from the BM College in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Puri was a leader of the RSS youth wing there and that explains why he remained a stickler for discipline and punctuality. In the '50s, he moved to Mumbai and found a job with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). There he met my mother Urmila, a Konkani, and married her. His elder brothers Chaman Puri and Madan Puri were also actors. In fact, we lived with Madanji at Kings Circle for a few years before we shifted to our Santacruz home. Puri passion was acting. He worked during the day and in the evening did amateur theatre with Ebrahim Alkazi, Satyadev Dubey, Vijay Tendulkar and Girish Karnad among others. In fact, Satyadev Dubey and he began Hindi theatre in Mumbai with plays like Hayavadana and Yugati winning him much applause. He became well known as a stage character actor, which led to him doing ads and finally films in the early '70s.
Believe it or not, Amrish Puri wanted to become a Bollywood movie star, but failed a screen test in 1953. And what a failure it was! Mr. Puri, went on to become one of the most renowned and credible villains in the history of Indian cinema. His most memorable and often quoted role is the character of 'Mogambo' (with the catchphrase "Mogambo Khush Hua"). It is still remembered fondly from Mr. India (1987).
On the silver screen, the very first time we felt that times were changing was when dad went to Jaisalmer to shoot Reshma Aur Shera (1971). It was an Ajanta Arts film directed by Sunil Dutt. A lot of new actors were being featured - Raakhee, Amitabh Bachchan, Ranjeet. Puri brought home pictures of the shoot. Puri's son must have been around 12 then and was excited watching them.
Another film, which was to change his life was Girish Karnad's Kannada film Kaadu (1973) where he played the villainous village headman. Girish Karnad handed his Filmfare Best Director trophy to Amrish as a gesture of appreciation. He was then noticed by Shyam Benegal, who featured him in his films Manthan, Nishant and Bhumika through the '70s. He also became part of Govind Nihalani's critically acclaimed films Party, Vijeta, Aakrosh and Ardh Satya. Dad had a flair for roles that betrayed authority and rode the crest of new wave cinema with his earthiness.
In 1980, director Bapu roped in dad to play Duryodhana in Boney Kapoor's Hum Paanch. Soon other filmmakers started offering him villainous roles in commercial films too. After Feroz Khan's Qurbani (1980) there was no looking back.
One film that took him to the acme of his career was Mr India (1987). As the part menacing part comical Mogambo, he won fans across audiences. Mogambo was a favorite with kids because he was a comic-strip like character. At every function he attended, dad was asked to say the Mogambo dialogue. First Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975) and later dad as Mogambo gave villainy a new status. He went on to become the highest paid villain. Earlier character actors were paid paltry sums as compared to the hero.
Puri's career spanned three decades and around 300 films. Among these his favorites remained Koyla, Vidhaata, Pardes, Chachi 420, Ghatak, Ghayal, Damini, Meri Jung and Saza-E-Kala Pani.
Off camera, his children remember their father as someone who was larger than life, someone who was strict but never unreasonable. Someone who urged us to speak the truth. He urged us to follow the three Ps - patience, perseverance and persistence.
Puri was realistic and that's why he insisted that his children seek a secure profession. He once told his son, "See, acting is my first love. I've been polishing my act for years. It took me long to establish myself. There's no need for you to be awed by the profession. You needn't risk your future. You must complete your education." That's why, I joined the Merchant Navy in 1978. I sailed for 11 years. It used to be fun watching his films on the ship.
As an actor he had a great ability to switch on and off. He was not fond of smoking, drinking or parties. His idols were Dilip Kumar, Motilal, Balraj Sahni and Amitabh Bachchan. He worked with Raj Kumar, Dilip saab, Amitji... he was like a student in front of them and had absolutely no ego. Also, a lot of youngsters began their careers with him like Ajay Devgan in Phool Aur Kaante and Shah Rukh Khan in Deewana. He was easy to work with except that he had no patience with people who didn't respect time.
Puri was particular about having nutritious food. He was largely vegetarian but enjoyed fish. He practiced yoga and was an early riser. He was one of the first members of Talwalkars gym in Mumbai. Also, he preserved his vocal chords. He stayed away from fried stuff. He'd just have a piece of sev puri when we insisted. Once he happened to shave off his hair for a Rakesh Kumar film. He was told his personality looked better that way. The bald look appealed to Steven Spielberg, who then offered him Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, where he played Mola Ram. Puri realized that with a shaved head, he could try different get ups. He was well-versed with the art of make-up and wigs. He knew the concentration of hair that a hairpiece for a 50-year-old character or a 60-year-old character would require. He also spent time with the tailors - in fact, directors often asked him to work on his costumes. He'd pick his own ties, bows, shirts for a role. He enjoyed observing people as he drove in his car. He'd keenly watch the hawaldar, the fit of his shirt, how worn out his shoes were which helped him play one in Gardish.
Puri loved watches. He owned all the possible brands. He was intrigued by its technology and the way each piece was assembled. Each time he'd go abroad, he'd visit a showroom and call me up excitedly, "Tikoo (my pet name) I've bought such a handsome looking watch!" Another fascination he had was for Mercedez Benz cars. He'd keep buying the latest editions. His family maintained his 1983 model in showroom condition.
Known for frequently portraying menacing, sadistic villains, Puri received a huge fan mail of around 50 to 60 letters a day. Some fans would constantly sit on the footpath outside our home to catch a glimpse of him. Women also wrote to him. Many were crazy about him. But he was not a young actor. By the time he got recognition he was 45. My mom did feel possessive with all the attention being showered on him. But she understood. He was at an age where he knew what to absorb and what to keep away from. He was cautious. He did have shades of romance in his role opposite Farida Jalal in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. That subtle equation suited his age. His female co-stars liked him because he was protective about them. He'd check with the production guys whether they were comfortable or not. While he was being pampered, he wanted them to enjoy those facilities too. He was like a father figure to junior artistes too. He'd call up the producers who defaulted on their payments.
Once they were shooting at Amritsar railway station for Gadar - Ek Prem Katha. Huge crowds had gathered and there was so much noise that the shooting couldn't proceed. Sunny Deol wanted to leave. Dad took over and in his baritone said, "Allow us to do our work. I want pin drop silence!" There was a hush and the shooting resumed.
Shyam Benegal cast him in movies such as Nishant (1975), Bhumika (1977), and Manthan (1976). Yash Chopra cast him in Mashaal (1984), the same year that Steven Spielberg cast him in his best-known role outside of India, as Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). His elder brother is none other than Bollywood actor Madan Puri.
Guddu Dhanoa's Jaal The Trap for (2003) was shot in Himachal Pradesh. Unfortunately, Puri met with an accident there. He suffered serious injuries on his face and eye. He lost a lot of blood and consequently had to undergo blood transfusion. Something went wrong there because in the coming years, he developed a blood disorder (myelodysplastic syndrome). It began with weakness and reduced appetite. When he came to know about the fatality of his illness he was shaken. But he had an iron will. He wanted to project a strong side to the world. Puri knew that at age 72 there was little that he could repair and that he was ailing. Jo hona hai woh hoga - that was his stance.
Puri was keen to complete the projects on hand, even though he was in pain. His terminal illness was detected in September 2003 and by December 15, 2004, he had finished all his films - Kachchi Sadak, Mujhse Shaadi Kaoroge, Hulchul, Ksna and Aitraaz despite looking emaciated, pale, frail . He was at home for a brief period. But he didn't want to remain bedridden. When asked how he was feeling he'd just say, "Kal se behtar hoon." Then one day he had a fall at home and suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. He passed away in Mumbai on January 12, 2005 due to a brain hemorrhage
Puri had served as the President of Cine and TV Artistes Association for six years before his demise. As a mark of respect the industry remained shut for two days. The whole road from our house in Juhu to the electric crematorium at Shivaji Park was full with people. There were onlookers perched on trees and buildings.
As a tribute to him the Times Of India carried a piece, which was titled, "No guns only roses." People recall his famous dialogue in Pardes, "What's the bottom line?" Well, for me it would be never doing anything that would disappoint him.- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942 in Allahabad, British India (present-day Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India) to legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan & Teji Bachchan. He also has a brother named Ajitabh. He completed his education from Uttar Pradesh and moved to Bombay to find work as a film star, in vain though, as film-makers preferred someone with a fairer skin, and he was not quite fair enough. But they did use one of his other assets, his deep baritone voice, which was used for narration and background commentary. He was successful in being cast in Saat Hindustani. He got his break in Bollywood after a letter of introduction from the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, as he was a friend of her son, Rajiv Gandhi. This is how Bachchan made an entry in Bollywood, starting with Zanjeer, co-starred with his future wife Jaya Bhaduri, and since then there has been no looking back.
He married Jaya Bhaduri, an accomplished actress in her own right, and they had two children, Shweta and Abhishek. Shweta is married, lives a non-filmy life and has two children.
Being friends with Rajiv Gandhi, got him to decide to run for seat in the Indian National Congress (political party) from his home town but had to leave mid-term because of controversies, particularly after Rajiv and he were implicated in the now infamous "Bofors" case along with the U. K. based Hinduja Brothers.
After a four year break, he was back in the unsuccessful Mrityudaata (1997), a comeback which the actor wanted to forget. Critics written him off but his career was saved with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998). But four flops in 1999 and incurring debt of over 90 crore rupees of his sinking company ABCL saw him at an all-time low. To make matters worse, after the defeat of the Congress party, Bachchan lost considerable political support, the opposition made him a target, and his credit rating deteriorated to such an extent that a leading nationalized bank, Canara Bank, sued him for outstanding loans. He did bounce back, presenting the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire called Kaun Banega Crorepati? (2000). After a series of hits with Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Baghban (2003) and Khakee (2004), Bachchan is showing no signs of slowing down and proving the critics wrong once again.
Amitabh and Jaya were interested in getting their son Abhishek married to Karisma Kapoor, the daughter of Babita and Randhir Kapoor, they went through a formal engagement, but later broke it off.
The former Miss World and Bollywood actress, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek, were formally engaged on Sunday January 14, 2007, at the Bachchan residence in Juhu, Bombay, with the marriage taking place at the Bachchan residence on April 20, 2007.
On November 16, 2011, he became a Dada (paternal grandfather) when Aishwarya gave birth to a daughter in a Mumbai Hospital. He is already a Nana (maternal grandfather) to Navya and Agastye - Shweta's children.
He continues to be one of the busiest actors and singers in Bollywood as well as on TV, as can be seen from the commercials that he appears on, especially on Sahara One. Looks like there are no limits for this super-star and once the "Angry Young Man" of Bollywood.- Actor
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Rajinikanth has been a superstar in the Tamil movie industry since the 70s. He is one of the highest earning actors in Asia. Primarily starring in Tamil movies, he has also worked in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Hollywood movies. He was born in Bangalore (India), and was employed as a bus conductor before he joined the Madras Film Institute. He made his debut in Katha Sangama (1976) and became a star with Apoorva Raagangal (1975) . His unique acting style is characterized by trademark gestures such as flipping a cigarette in the air and catching it with his mouth. He played varied roles successfully and is considered as an actor who can easily perform action, drama, and comedy. He is not very popular for his dancing, which is considered a crucial art for actors in Indian Movies. His performances in movies such as Mullum Malarum (1978), Aarilirunthu Arubathuvarai (1979), Johny Ustad (1980) in the 70's and 80's to movies such as Kabali (2016) recently, are considered to be examples of his acting abilities. His performances as an action-superstar overshadow his critically acclaimed performances in these movies. The Government of India has honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016 for his contributions to the arts. At the 45th International Film Festival of India (2014), he was conferred with the "Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year".- Harihar Jariwala a.k.a. Sanjeev Kumar was born in a Gujrati family in 1938. He portrayed many roles irrespective of the age or the type of chararcter. The actor ballooned in size in later years of his life due to the gastronomical pleasures he had inherited by sleeping in a kitchen while he was a child (which became the cause of his death in 1985 when he died of a heart ailment). Interestingly the actor was one of the very few who didn't have any competition within the industry. Sanjeev's notable performances were in films like Sholay, Parichay, Aandhi, Angoor and the Satyajit Ray masterpiece Shatranj Kay Khiladi.
- Raghuvaran was born on 10 December 1958 in Kollankod, Palakkad, Kerala, India. He was an actor, known for Mudhalvan (1999), Amarkalam (1999) and Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997). He was married to Rohini. He died on 19 March 2008 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Raghuvaran (Malayalam: രഘുവരന് (11 December 1958 – 19 March 2008)[1] was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in movies made in South India. He became famous for his portrayal of villain and character roles in Tamil films. He has acted in more than 150 Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films. According to the Hindustan Times, "the actor had carved a niche for himself with his special style and voice modulation.
He played the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, Oru Manidhanin Kadhai, about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic. He received critical acclaim for his role as Father Alphonso in the Malayalam movie Daivathinte Vikruthikal, directed by Lenin Rajendran and based on M. Mukundan's novel of the same name.
Following his beginnings on the stage, Raghuvaran turned to film with 1982's Tamil film Elavathu Manithan (Seventh Man).[2] He received several state and Filmfare Awards for his performances in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He began his career as a supporting actor in a number of films in Tamil including Mani Rathnam's Anjali as the father of an autistic child. He later played villains in Baasha as Mark Anthony, Mudhalvan as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shiva and Muthu as Ilaimaran. He later returned to supporting roles - sometimes as a father or as a mentor in films such as Alai, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Tirumalai and Bala.
He has also acted in a number of Hindi movies, such as Izzatdaar, Shiva, Lal Baadshah, Rakshak and Hitler. - Goundamani was born on 25 May 1939 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. He is an actor, known for Gentleman (1993), Indian (1996) and Malayur Mambattiyaan (1983). He is married to Shanthi Karuppaiya.Goundamani (Tamil: கவுண்டமணி ) is a Tamil film actor, comedian and screen icon. He is considered as the greatest comedian in Kollywood and is especially renowned for his alliance with fellow actor Senthil.He gained entry into the Tamil film industry, the Kollywood, at the age of 26 due to his strong theatrical background. His original name was Mani and when he played the famous role of "Oor Gounder" in one of his plays, the name got stuck and henceforth he came to be known as "Goundamani".
Goundamani was initially a solo actor and then paired up with Senthil to form a comedy duo. Widely considered[who?] as Kollywood's Laurel and Hardy, Senthil and Goundamani have now performed slapstick humour and acted more than 450 films.[citation needed]
His most famous piece of comedy is the "Vazhaipazham" (Banana) scene with Senthil in the film Karagattakaran. His famous dialogue Arasiyalla ithellam saatharanampa (meaning all these are usual in politics), from the movie Suriyan, later became one of his trademarks. He has also played the protagonist in 10 films including Raja Enga Raja and Piranthaen Valarnthaen.
Some of his memorable movies are with leading actors such as Prabhu, Sathyaraj, Karthik, Vijayakanth, Rajinikanth, Arjun, Parthiban, Jayaram, Kamal Hassan, Ajith Kumar, Sarath Kumar and Vijay. In several Tamil films, he has even accompanied the lead actor in almost all of the scenes and in a few songs.
Early days in his career he had a memorable role in 16 Vayathinile as a sidekick to Rajinikanth's "Parattai" and famous for his dialogue "pattha vechutiye paratai". Later in early 80's he had a string of hits like Unnai Nan Santhithen, and Vaidhegi Kathirundal, after which his career slumped. His career revival in Karagattakaran is attributed to comedians like Janakaraj.
His career peaked in the 1990s and producers often required his services. He also has acted in several films with double-hero subjects such as Ullathai Allitha along with Karthik and Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga. During those years, movies had plot such that Goundamani might be either a friend of the hero or a close relative and would be seen in the whole movie along with the hero (E.g.: Magudam, Maaman Magal, Pangaali, Gentleman). If this is not the case, he might have a separate track, which will be given equal importance in the movie sequence (E.g.: Chinna Gounder, Cheran Pandiyan, Sethupathi IPS). His pairing with Sathyaraj was a mega success combination and they acted together in a number of movies. Comedy track writer A. Veerappan used to write comedy tracks for Goundamani and they both became fantastic duo. A. Veerappan stayed out of field due to his ageing (This veteran used to write comedy dialogues for Actor Nagesh) since 1998 and expired in 2005. Since then, the world has not seen such a writer who would bring out Goundamani's usual excellence in dialogues and Goundamani is also largely staying out of acting. - Actor
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S.V. Ranga Rao was born on 3 July 1918 in Nuziweedu, Andhra Pradesh, India. He was an actor and producer, known for Chadarangam (1967), Mayabazar (1957) and Bala Bharatam (1972). He was married to Leelavathi. He died on 18 July 1974 in Madras, India.Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao (Telugu: సామర్ల వెంకట రంగారావు) (3 July 1918 – 18 July 1974) Popularly Known as S.V.R. was an Indian theater actor, Tollywood actor, director and producer. He was popularly known as "Viswa Nata Chakravarthi." He was known for portraying versatile roles like Ravana, Ghatotkacha, Duryodhana, Kamsa and Kichaka from Indian Mythology.
Film career
S.V.R. got an invitation from one of his relatives, B.V. Ramanandam, to play the hero in his film "Varoodhini". He immediately abandoned the job, and left for Salem to join the celluloid world. In fact, it’s a great beginning for the young man. The film "Varoodhini" was released, and in a few days people began to forget that they had ever seen such a movie. No producer dared to offer a role to him.
Soon, S.V.R. was disillusioned with the filmdom and left the Madras presidency and reached Jamshedpur, where he took up the job as a budget assistant with the Tata Company. However, his love for dramas began to bloom multifold. At this juncture, he was married to Leelavathi Badeti on 27 December 1947. In the days that followed, S.V.R. was given an opportunity to play the villain in the film, "Palletoori Pilla", produced by B. A. Subba Rao. Unfortunately, when S.V.R. was about to take a train to Chennai, his father expired. After performing the final rites, S.V.R. reached Chennai, but somebody had knocked away the villain role.
Opportunity tapped at S.V.R.'s door through Vijaya Pictures, which offered him the most memorable "Nepala Mantrikudu" role in "Pathala Bhairavi." Immediately, he came into the limelight, followed by "Pelli Chesi Choodu" (1952). Its Tamil version was also played by him.
Maya Bazaar and Nartanasala are among his movies. SVR was the second Indian actor to get an international award in Jakarta International Film Festival for his role of Keechaka in Nartanasala.
His compatriot Gummadi Venkateswara Rao once exclaimed "Fortunate are we, to have SVR born in India but SVR is unfortunate to have been born here... If he had the fortune of being born in the West he might have been one of the top actors of all time in the world".
He had a coronary failure at Hyderabad in February 1974. He was admitted to Osmania General Hospital, where he recovered with an advise to rest. Another attack on July 18, 1974 at Chennai proved fatal and the actor was dead before any medical treatment could be instituted.- T.S. Balaiah was born on 23 August 1914 in Sundankottai, Udangudi, Thoothukudi District, India. He was an actor, known for Ambikapathy (1937), Velaikkari (1949) and Thillana Mohanambal (1968). He died on 22 August 1972 in T. Nagar, India.Tirunelveli S. Balaiah (August 22, 1914 – 1972) is a Tamil film actor who is best known for the supporting roles in the Tamil film industry. He was introduced into the cine field by the director Ellis R. Dungan. He was one of the very few actors who excelled both in character roles and comic roles.
His comedies are still very famous especially his scenes in Thillana Mohanambal. Actor Sivaji Ganesan had once mentioned, Balaiah was his most admirable actor. Debut Movie: Tamil - Sathi Leelavathi (1936) - Actor
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V.K. Ramasamy was born in 1926 in India. He was an actor and producer, known for Paayum Puli (1983), Rudhra Thaandavam (1978) and Vikram (1986). He died on 24 December 2002 in India.