Friday, 10 May 2013

Dev Anand

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Original Name:  Devdutt Pishorimal Anand
Date of Birth (Birthday):  26 September, 1923
Zodiac Sign:  Libra
Eye Color:  Black
Hair Color:  Black
Birth Place:  Gurdaspur, Punjab
Religion:  Hindu
Education:  English literature from the Government College, Lahore
Marital Status:  Married
Languages:  Hindi, English
Contact Address:  Navketan Films Anand, 42 Pali Hill Zig Zag Road, Bandra(W), Mumbai 400 050
Dev was born Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand on 26 September 1923[6] in the Shakargarh tehsil of the Gurdaspur district in Punjab (British India) (present-day Narowal district of Pakistan). His father Pishori Lal Anand was a well-to-do advocate. Dev was the third of four sons born to Pishori Lal Anand. One of Dev's younger sister is Sheela Kanta Kapur, who is mother of Shekhar Kapur. His older brothers were Manmohan Anand (Advocate, Gurdaspur Dist. Court) and Chetan Anand and younger one was Vijay Anand. Dev Anand spent his early years in Gharota village near Gurdaspur, Gurdaspur town. He did his schooling till matriculation from Sacred Heart School, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh (then in Punjab) and went to college Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh before going to Lahore to study.[7][8] Later Dev completed BA degree in English Literature from the Government College, Lahore in British India.

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Career

After completing BA degree in English Literature from the Government College, Lahore (then in British India, now in Pakistan),Dev Anand left his hometown for Bombay in the early 1940s. He began his career in the military censor's office at Churchgate, for a monthly salary of Rs. 165. Later he joined as a clerk in an accountancy firm for a salary of Rs. 85.[9] He joined his older brother, Chetan, as a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA).Dev Anand aspired to become a performer after seeing Ashok Kumar's performance in films like Achhut Kanya and Kismat.[10] Dev Anand quoted in an interview that "I remember when I gatecrashed into the office of the man who gave me the first break, he kept looking at me – Babu Rao Pai of Prabhat Film Studios. At that time he made up his mind that this boy deserves a break and later mentioned to his people that ‘this boy struck me because of his smile and beautiful eyes and his tremendous confidence."[11] Then he was soon offered the lead role in Prabhat Films' Hum Ek Hain (1946), a film about Hindu-Muslim unity, where Dev Anand played a Hindu boy and was paired opposite Kamala Kotnis.[12] While shooting the film in Pune, Anand befriended the actor Guru Dutt. Between them, they agreed that if one of them was to become successful in the film industry, they would help the other to be successful. They formed a mutual understanding that when Anand produced a film, Dutt would direct it and when Dutt directed a film, Anand would act in it.[13]

Late 40s and romance with Suraiya

Dev Anand and Nargis starred in Birha Ki Raat (1950).
In the late 1940s, Anand was offered a few roles starring as the male lead opposite singer-actress Suraiya in woman-oriented films. He considered himself to be very lucky to get a chance to star opposite such an established actress and accepted the offers. While shooting these films, he became romantically involved with Suraiya. The two of them were paired in seven films together: Vidya (1948), Jeet (1949), Shair (1949), Afsar (1950), Nili (1950), Do Sitare (1951) and Sanam (1951), all of which were successful at the box office. In these films, Suraiya was always first-biller in the credits, indicating that she was a bigger star than Anand. She fell in love with him during the shooting of the song Kinare kinare chale jayen ge from the film Vidya—while shooting the scene, the boat they were in capsized, and Anand saved Suraiya from drowning. Their entire affair was conducted in a clandestine manner, with friends like Durga Khote and Kamini Kaushal going out of their way to engineer secret rendezvous. On the sets of the film Jeet, Anand finally proposed to Suraiya and gave her a diamond ring worth Rs 3,000. Her maternal grandmother opposed the relationship as they were Muslim and Anand was Hindu, and so, Suraiya remained unmarried. They stopped acting together after her grandmother opposed their partnership, and Do Sitare was the last film in which they appeared.[14][15] Although the films he starred in with Suraiya had been successful, the producers and directors of those films attributed their success to the acting prowess and screen presence of Suraiya. Anand began looking for an opportunity to play the main male lead in a film where his acting skills could be demonstrated, so as to dispel scepticism about his acting abilities.

Break and the 1950s

Anand was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar. He spotted Anand hanging around in the studios and picked him as the hero for the Bombay Talkies production, Ziddi (1948), co-starring Kamini Kaushal, which became an instant success. After Ziddi's success, Anand decided that he would start producing films. It was in the film Ziddi, where the first-ever Kishore-Lata duet, Yeh Kaun Aaya Karke Yeh Sola Singhar, was recorded.[16] This duet was an instant hit, and from here, on both the playback singers' association with Dev Anand began. It continued for next four decades. His association with Kishore Kumar started when the former sang the first solo of his playback singing career – Marne Ki Duayen – picturised on Dev Anand in the movie Ziddi. Dev had forged a very strong bond of friendship with Kishore Kumar during the making of the film. In 1949, he launched his own company Navketan Films (which means "newness"), which, as of 2011, had produced 35 films.[17]
Dev chose Guru Dutt as director for the crime thriller, Baazi (1951). The film, starring Dev Anand, Geeta Bali and Kalpana Kartik was a trendsetter, regarded as the forerunner of the spate of urban crime films that followed in Bollywood in the 1950s. The film Baazi saw debut of Kalpana Kartik (aka Mona Singh) as the lead female actress and Guru Dutt as a director. The collaboration was a success at the box office and the duo of Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik were offered many films to star in together. They signed all the film offers and subsequently the movies Aandhiyan, Taxi Driver, House No. 44 and Nau Do Gyarah went on to become big hits too. During the making of film Taxi Driver, the couple fell in love and Dev proposed marriage to his heroine Kalpana. In 1954, Taxi Driver was declared a hit and the two decided to marry in a quiet ceremony. The couple had a son, Suneil Anand in 1956 and later a daughter, Devina, was born. After her marriage, Kalpana decided not to pursue her acting career further. Nau Do Gyarah was the couple's last movie together.
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A rapid-fire style of dialogue delivery and a penchant for nodding while speaking became Dev's style in films like House No. 44, Pocket Maar, Munimji, Funtoosh, C.I.D. and Paying Guest.[18] In the 1950s his films were of the mystery genre or light comedy love stories or were films with social relevance like Ek ke baad ek and Funtoosh.His style was lapped up by the audience and was widely imitated. He starred in a string of box office successes for the remainder of the 1950s opposite newcomer Waheeda Rehman in C.I.D., Solva Saal, Kala Pani, Kala Bazar and Baat Ek Raat Ki. Waheeda first became a star with C.I.D becoming a hit.[19] In 1955 he also co-starred with Dilip Kumar in Insaniyat. With his acting in Kala Pani (1958), as the son who is willing to go to any lengths to clear his framed father's name, he won his first Filmfare award for Best Actor for the film.[20] He attempted films of tragic genre occasionally like Pocket Maar (1956), Kala Pani (1958), Bombai Ka Baboo (1960) and Sharabi (1964) and tasted success with them. Dev also played a few characters with a negative shade, like in Jaal(1952) where he played a smuggler, then as an absconding gang member in Dushman, as a black marketer in Kala Bazar.[21] Apart from his pair with Suraiya and Kalpana Kartik, his pair with Nutan and Waheeda Rehman was popular among the audiences in late 50’s and 60’s. His films Rahee and Aandhiyaan, were screened along with Raj Kapoor's Awaara. From the early fifties till mid sixties, the trio of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand ruled the roost.

Romance hero image in the 60s

In the sixties, Dev Anand acquired a romantic image with films like Manzil and Tere Ghar Ke Samne with Nutan, Kinaare Kinaare with Meena Kumari, Maya with Mala Sinha, Asli-Naqli with Sadhana Shivdasani, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai and Mahal with Asha Parekh and Teen Deviyaan opposite three heroines Kalpana, Simi Garewal and Nanda. In the film Teen Deviyaan, Dev Anand played a playboy.
His first colour film, Guide with Waheeda Rehman was based on the novel of the same name by R. K. Narayan. Dev Anand himself was the impetus for making the film version of the book. He met and persuaded Narayan to give his assent to the project.[22] Dev Anand tapped his friends in Hollywood to launch an Indo-US co-production that was shot in Hindi and English simultaneously and was released in 1965. Guide, directed by younger brother Vijay Anand, was an acclaimed movie. Dev played Raju, a voluble guide, who supports Rosy (Waheeda) in her bid for freedom. He is not above thoughtlessly exploiting her for personal gains. Combining style with substance, he gave an affecting performance as a man grappling with his emotions in his passage through love, shame and salvation.
He reunited with Vijay Anand for the movie Jewel Thief, based on thriller genre which featured Vyjayanthimala, Tanuja, Anju Mahendru, Faryal and Helen and was very successful. Their next collaboration, Johny Mera Naam (1970), again a thriller, where Dev was paired opposite Hema Malini was a big hit.[19] It was Johnny Mera Naam which made Hema Malini a big star.[23]
In 1969 he was a member of the jury at the 6th Moscow International Film Festival.[24]

Directorial debut and the 70s

His directorial debut, the espionage drama Prem Pujari, was a flop but has developed a cult following over the years.The film introduced Zaheeda and had Waheeda Rahman as the lead female artiste. He tasted success with his 1971 directorial effort, Hare Rama Hare Krishna which talked about the prevalent hippie culture. His find Zeenat Aman, who played the mini-skirt sporting, pot-smoking Janice, became an overnight sensation. Dev also became known as a filmmaker of trenchantly topical themes. This same year, he starred with Mumtaz in Tere Mere Sapne, an adaptation of A. J. Cronin's novel, The Citadel. The film was directed by Dev's brother, Vijay and was also successful. In 1971 he paired again with Zaheeda in Gambler which went on to become a success.
In the 1970s, Raj Kapoor started playing roles of father in films like Kal Aaj Aur Kal in 1971 and Dharam Karam in 1974 and had put lot of weight and films with Dilip Kumar as lead hero were failures at the box office . Some of the hurriedly-made films with Dev Anand as the leading man—three each opposite Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman and Yeh Gulistaan Hamara with Sharmila Tagore became flops and posed a threat to his career as leading man. But he delivered commercial hits again with young heroines Yogeeta Bali and Raakhee in Banarasi Babu (1973), Hema Malini in Chhupa Rustam (1973) and Amir Garib (1974),[25] Zeenat Aman in Heera Panna(1973), Warrant(1975)[26] and Darling Darling(1977) and Parveen Babi in Bullet(1976). The presence of his discoveries in the 1970s—Zeenat, and later Tina Munim, in films and his good onscreen chemistry with beautiful young stars like Raakhee, Parveen Babi, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman in various films boosted Dev's image as the evergreen star even though he was well into his fifties.

Political activism during the Emergency in the late 70s

Dev Anand has also been politically active. He led a group of film personalities who stood up against the Internal Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. He actively campaigned against her with his supporters in Indian parliamentary elections in 1977. He also formed a party called the "National Party of India", which he later disbanded.
The 1978 hit Des Pardes, directed by Dev Anand was the debut movie of actress Tina Munim and this film’s success gave him the tag of evergreen hero. He was 55 but he shared very good chemistry with the 20-year old Tina Munim. Dev Anand was offered lead role in Man Pasand by director Basu Chatterjee. Dev Anand’s successful run at the box office continued in the 1980s with Man Pasand, Lootmaar (both opposite Tina Munim), Swami Dada (1982) being both critically acclaimed and box office hits.

Later career

Though Dev Anand’s demand as the lead hero had not decreased even in the 1980s, he decided that it was the right time to introduce his son Suneil Anand in films as the hero. He launched his son in the Kramer vs. Kramer inspired Anand Aur Anand (1984), which was produced and directed by Dev Anand himself and had music by R.D. Burman. He expected the film to do well but the film was a box office disaster and Suneil Anand decided not to act in films any more.
But films with Dev Anand as the lead hero Hum Naujawan (1985), Lashkar (1989) continued to be box office success and was appreciated by critics.[27] Awwal Number (1990), where Dev Anand co-starred with Aamir Khan became an average grosser. Aamir said in an interview that Awwal Number is the only film he signed without reading the script because it was being directed by his senior Dev Anand. Aamir quoted “Dev saab was an icon for many generations and entertained us throughout his life.[28] He was already 60 years old in 1983 when he acted with Padmini Kolhapure in Swami Dada but looked half his age and shared a good on screen chemistry. In 1989, his directorial venture Sachche ka Bolbala was released. Though critically acclaimed, it was a commercial failure.
Since the 1990s except for Awwal Number, rest of the eight films directed by him were box office failures. But Sau Crore (1991) and Censor (2000) were critically acclaimed. His last film Chargesheet (2011) was panned by critics across the board. The only two hero film he acted in were Insaniyat in 1955 with Dilip Kumar and Return of Jewel Thief with Dharmendra in 1996. He also starred in English films like The Evil Within(1970) where he was paired opposite Vietnamese actress Kieu Chinh and Zeenat Aman[9] and Guide (English Version). Off the 114 Hindi films he appeared in 6 decades, Kahin Aur Chal (1968) had a delayed release in early 1970s and multistarrer film Ek Do Teen Chaar (1980) remained unreleased and Shrimanji (1968) had him in guest appearance and 82 were box office hits and 29 were commercial failures. By 2011, he held the record for being the second actor from Hindi films who has played the central solo lead character in maximum films—104, with first being Rajesh Khanna who played author backed solo lead hero in maximum films 106.

Comparisons with Gregory Peck

Often compared to the famous actor Gregory Peck the world over,[29] Dev Anand said that he didn't feel ecstatic bearing the tag line bestowed on him in his hey days. "When you are at an impressionable age you make idols. But when you grow out of the phase, you develop your own persona. I don't want to be known as India's Gregory Peck, I am Dev Anand".[30]
Acquainted to the Bollywood actor, Peck's personal interactions with him spanned four to five long meetings in Europe and Mumbai.[30][31][32]
Dev Anand and Suraiya met Peck for the first time at Mumbai's Willingdon Club,after the Filmfare Awards in 1954, on Peck's stopover in the city from a schedule at Sri Lanka after shooting for Purple Plane. He knew of the 'Indian Star' as an actor, more so probably because of his romance with Suraiya was grabbing the headlines, and they had a chat. The second time they met in Rome when Dev Anand was on his way back from the Venice Film Festival, he visited him on the sets of Roman Holiday. "I was returning from the Venice film fest. I stopped my car and joined the crowd watching the shoot, hoping that his eyes would fall on me. As expected, he nodded and I walked up to him. He remembered me and we exchanged pleasantries." The third meeting was at London on the sets of Moby Dick. However, Suraiya asked for an exclusive meeting with her idol at her house. Though Anand says jealousy was natural for anyone in love, he didn't mind that he was not invited. "I didn't quite feel anything. It wasn't as if they were going to fall in love or make love. Even if they would have, it wouldn't have mattered. I was mature enough. Moreover, he wasn't my rival. I too was a big star by then," says Anand.

Critical appraisal

Dev Anand has directed 19 films and produced 35 films of which 7 directorial ventures and 18 films respectively were commercially successful at the box office. He wrote the story for 13 of his films. Critics say his directorial ventures have always been ahead of its time. Dev Anand's films are well known for their hit songs. He is known to have been an active participant in the music sessions of a number of his films. His association with music composers Shankar-Jaikishen, O. P. Nayyar, Kalyanji-Anandji, Sachin Dev Burman and his son Rahul Dev Burman, lyricists Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Neeraj, Shailendra, Anand Bakshi, and playback singers Mohammed Rafi, Hemant Kumar and Kishore Kumar produced some very popular songs. S.D Burman, R.D Burman, Rafi, Pran and Kishore Kumar were his closest friends from film industry.[33][34]
In September 2007, Dev's own autobiography Romancing with Life was released at a birthday party with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.[35] In February 2011, his 1961 black and white film Hum Dono was digitised and colourised and released.
Dev Anand is credited with giving actors like Zarina Wahab in Ishq Ishq Ishq, Jackie Shroff in Swami Dada, Tabu in Hum Naujawan and Richa Sharma(Sanjay Dutt’s first wife) a break into the film industry, discovered Zeenat Amaan, Tina Munim and encouraging music composer Rajesh Roshan.[9] Amit Khanna started his career with Navketan as executive producer in 1971 and had been secretary to Dev Anand in 70's. He adds, "The uniqueness of Navketan today is that it's the only film company in the world still run by the one who started it."[36] Shatrughan Sinha disclosed in an interview that it was Dev Anand who gave him a break in films by giving a role in 'Prem Pujari' and since Dev had given Sinha a very small role in that film, he compensated for it by giving Sinha another role in his next film 'Gambler'. Sinha quoted "Later on we worked together in 'Sharif Badmash' and it was really a privilege to work with him,".[37] It was under Dev Anand's Navketan Banner where Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Waheeda Rahman, S.D. Burman, Jaidev, Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Yash Johar, Shekhar Kapur, Kabir Bedi were given breaks into Hindi films and Dev launched actors Zaheera, Zaheeda Hussain, Zarina Wahab, Natasha Sinha, Ekta Sohini, Sabrina.

Death

Dev Anand died in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London at the age of 88 on 3 December 2011 (4 December 2011 by Indian Standard Time) of a cardiac arrest.[38][39][40] His death came just months after the release of his last film, Charge Sheet.[41] Anand was reportedly in London for a medical check up at the time of his death.[42] Condolences poured in from all corners of the Indian film industry, with most of them remembering his positive attitude towards life.[41][43] On 10 December, his funeral service was held at a small chapel in London after which his casket was taken to the Putney Vale Crematorium in South West London for cremation. His ashes were returned to India for immersion burial in the Godavari River.[44]

Awards, honours and recognitions

Civilian award

  • 2001 – Padma Bhushan (India's third highest civilian award from the Government of India)[45]

National Film Awards

Winner
  • 1965 – National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for Guide
  • 2002 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award for cinematic excellence[46]

Filmfare Awards

Winner
  • 1959 – Best Actor for Kala Pani[47]
  • 1967 – Best Film for Guide[48]
  • 1967 – Best Actor for Guide[48]
  • 1991 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award[49]

National honours and recognitions

  • 1996 – Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 1997 – Mumbai Academy of Moving Images Award for his Outstanding Services to the Indian Film Industry
  • 1998 – Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ujala Anandlok Film Awards Committee in Calcutta[50]
  • 1999 – Sansui Lifetime Achievement Award for his 'Immense Contribution to Indian Cinema' in New Delhi[51]
  • 2000 – Film Goers' Mega Movie Maestro of the Millennium Award in Mumbai[52]
  • 2001 – Special Screen Award for his contribution to Indian cinema
  • 2001 – Evergreen Star of the Millennium Award at the Zee Gold Bollywood Awards on 28 April 2001 at the Nassau Coliseum, New York[53]
  • 2003 – Lifetime Achievement Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema" at IIFA Award in Johannesburg, South Africa[54]
  • 2004 – Legend of Indian Cinema Award at Atlantic City (United States)[55]
  • 2004 – Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of his contribution to the Indian entertainment industry[56]
  • 2005 – Sony Golden Glory Award[57]
  • 2006 – ANR National Award by the Akkineni International Foundation[58]
  • 2006 – Glory of India Award by IIAF, London[59]
  • 2007 – Punjab Ratan (Jewel of Punjab) Award by the World Punjabi Organisation (European Division) for his outstanding contribution in the field of art and entertainment.[60]
  • 2008 – Lifetime Achievement Award by Ramya Cultural Academy in association with Vinmusiclub[61]
  • 2008 – Lifetime Achievement Award by Rotary Club of Bombay[62]
  • 2008 – Awarded at the IIJS Solitaire Awards[63]
  • 2009 – Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema at the Max Stardust Awards[64]
  • 2009 – Legend Award was given to Dev Anand by Rajnikanth[65]
  • 2010 – Phalke Ratna Award by Dadasaheb Phalke Academy[66]
  • 2010 – Rashtriya Gaurav Award[67]
  • 2011 – Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman from the Government of Madhya Pradesh[68]
  • 2011 – NDTV Indian of the Year's Lifetime Achievement Award with Rahul Dravid[69]

International honours and recognitions

  • In July 2000, in New York City, he was honoured by an Award at the hands of the then First Lady of the United States of America, Hillary Rodham Clinton, for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema'.[70]
  • In 2000, he was awarded the Indo-American Association "Star of the Millennium" Award in the Silicon Valley, California.
  • Donna Ferrar, Member New York State Assembly, honoured 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 1 May 2001.
  • In 2005, he was honoured with a "Special National Film Award" by the Government of Nepal at Nepal’s first NationIndian film festival in Stockholm.
  • In 2008, he was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Provost of Highland Council in Inverness, Scotland to celebrate 10 years since he first worked in the Scottish Highlands. He spent several days in the area, en route to Cannes, as a guest of the Highlands and Islands Film Commission.

Filmography

Further reading

  • Cinema Modern: Navketan Story, by Sidharth Bhatia. Harpercollins, 2011. ISBN 978-93-5029-096-5.

Danny Denzongpa

Date of Birth (Birthday):  February 25, 1948
Zodiac Sign:  Pisces
Eye Color:  Black
Hair Color:  Black
Birth Place:  Sikkim, India
Religion:  Hindu
Marital Status:  Married
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Danny had his early schooling in the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim (the 22nd state of India since 1975), thereafter completed his schooling from Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital, Uttarakhand in 1964. Denzongpa's love of horses and horse riding began at an early age, as his family was into horse breeding.
He nursed an ambition to join the Indian Army and won the Best Cadet award from West Bengal and participated in the Republic Day parade. In an interview to The Times of India newspaper, he said that he had qualified for prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune but withdrew admission to join Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Actress Jaya Bhaduri, his classmate at FTII, Pune decided to change his name to a simpler sounding "Danny" as his original name was tough to be pronounced by other students. The name has stuck since.[2]

Film and singing career

During his early film career, Danny used to practice learning Hindi by talking to the ocean. The Urdu came in handy in films such as Sawan Kumar's Sanam Bewafa and Mukul Anand's Khuda Gawah.
Danny's film career spans more than 4 decades. In the 1970s, he played relatively smaller roles which got him noticed. After his performance in the film Lahoo Ke Do Rang, he started getting more significant lengthy roles. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Danny mainly featured as the lead negative character opposite all the leading actors of those times such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborthy, Vinod Khanna, Anil Kapoor and Sunny Deol.
He had his first major role which he played in B.R.Chopra's 'Dhundh'(1973). This role shows his power, followed by 'Kanoon Kya Karega'. His other most applauded negative characters are in Andar Baahar (1984) as Shera, Aandhi Toofan (1986), Bhagwaan Dada (1986) as Gangwaa, Agneepath (1990) as Kancha Cheena, Hum (1991) as Bakhtawar, Ghatak: Lethal as Kaatya, Krantiveer (1994) as Chatur Singh and Pukar (2000) as Abhrush
He started out with B-grade movies such as B.R. Ishara's Zaroorat in 1971,[3] and later moved on to Mere Apne and Kala Sona where he played more positive roles. He then went on to play the roles of the villain numerous times. Some of the antihero roles he played were an unscrupulous politician, corrupt policeman, traitor, and mingy landlord. He got his major break in Gulzar's Mere Apne and later in B R Chopra's Dhund where he played a crippled and frustrated husband. It is said Danny was the first choice to play the iconic role of Gabbar Singh in the film Sholay. However since he was away on the shoot of Feroz Khan film Dharmatma, eventually Gabbar's role went to Amjad Khan. One of his critically acclaimed roles as a villain came when he played the role of Bakhtawar, a don bent on revenge in Mukul Anand's Hum. He was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain.
He is an accomplished singer having sung with Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhonsle, three stalwarts of Indian music. He has released Nepalese songs and has sung for Nepalese movies. His two most famous songs recorded in 1970s but still hit are "Chiso Chiso Hawama" ("In the cool air") and "Manko kura lai bandhi narakha..."("Do not keep the words of the heart tied").
He wrote and acted in the Nepali film Saino which was super hit. His nephew Ugyen Chhopel directed it. He has sung its title song and a duet with Deepa Narayan, wife of Udit Narayan. Later, this film was made in Hindi as Ajnabi as a telefilm for Doordarshan. He has sung a Nepali duet with Asha Bhosle, "Aghi aghi topai ko golaa, pachhi pachhi machinegun bhararara." His all-Nepali songs are hits and audience like them even today: "Hiun vanda chiso, Aago vanda taato..." ("Colder than snow, hotter than fire.."), "Naachana hoi maichyan hau nachana" ("Dance o lovely girl"), "Jhimkai deu pareli manma bajchha mitho murali..." ("Please blink your eyes and sweet sound of flute plays in the heart), Rato rani pulhya etc. are his few hit numbers.
He is also a painter, a writer and a sculptor.
In the past decade, Danny gave stellar performances in movies such as Asoka and 16 December (2002).[citation needed] He then went on to appear in the successful Tamil film, Enthiran, co-starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai in the leads. Denzongpa played the antagonist role of Bohra, a prominent scientist who transforms Chitti (played by Rajinikanth) into an evil robot. Upon release, the film won critical and commercial acclaim.[citation needed]
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Personal life

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. Since the 2000s (decade), he has become more selective of the roles he plays.In 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.

Awards and honours

  • 2003: Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.
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Filmography

  • Naam Hai Boss (2013) .... Mentor of Boss Filming (Expected to release on 18th October 2013)
  • Enthiran (2010) ... Professor Bohra (Tamil)
  • Acid Factory (2009)
  • Luck (2009) ... Tamang
  • Karzzzz (2008)
  • Chamku (2008)
  • Big Brother (2007)
  • Hattrick (2007)
  • Frozen (2007)
  • Jaan Ki Baazi (2006) (post-production)
  • Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004) ... Colonel Ashfaque Khan
  • Shikaar (2004)
  • Sandhya (2003)
  • Parwana (2003)
  • Ek Hindustani (2003) ... Special Appearance
  • Soch (2002) .... Nautiyal
  • Ab Ke Baras (2002) ... CBI Officer Sikander Baksh
  • 16 December (2002) ... Vir Vijay Singh
  • Yeh Mohabbat Hai (2002) ... Aman Khan
  • Moksha (2001) ... Bachelor Simon
  • Indian (2001) ... Shankar Singhania
  • Lajja (2001) ... Gajendra
  • Asoka (2001) ... Virat
  • Pukar (2000) ... Abhrush
  • Officer (2001) ... Pratap Rai/Dushyant Singh
  • Tune Mera Dil Le Liya (2000)
  • Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (1999) ... Jabhal Khargoshi
  • Dahek: A Burning Passion (1999) ... Jabbar Bahkshi
  • Kohram (1999) ... Minister Virbhadra Singh
  • Zulm O Situm (1998) ... Sikander
  • Vinashak - Destroyer (1998) ... Jailer Lankeshwar
  • China Gate (1998) ... Maj. Ranjir Singh Gurung
  • Udaan (1997 film) ... Mr. Rana
  • Seven Years in Tibet (1997) ... Regent
  • Dhaal: The Battle of Law Against Law (1997) ... Advocate Indrajit
  • Diwan[disambiguation needed] (1997)
  • Himalay Putra (1997) ... Rana
  • Ghatak: Lethal (1996) ... Katya
  • Rajkumar (1996)
  • Army (1996) ... Naagraj
  • Shastra (1996) ... Babu
  • Barsaat (1995) ... ACP Neghi
  • Sarhad: The Border of Crime (1995)
  • Vijaypath (1994) ... Dilawar Singh
  • Chauraha (1994) ... Baba Bhatti
  • Krantiveer (1994) ... Chatursingh
  • Mohabbat Ki Arzoo (1994) ... Jagpal Singh alias Jaggu dada
  • 1942: A Love Story (1993)
  • Dhartiputra (1993)... Major Hisht
  • Gurudev (1993) ... Khakan
  • Prateeksha (1993) ... Dinesh Khanna
  • Sangram (1993) ... Madhu's father
  • Tahqiqaat (1993) ... Bhanu Pratap
  • Drohi (1992) ... J.P. Sethi (Raghav's boss)
  • Balwaan (1992) ... Bhai
  • Khule-Aam (1992) ... Insp. Uday Singh/Insp. Ranvir Singh Rathod
  • Khuda Gawah (1992) ... Khuda Baksh ... aka God Is My Witness
  • Lakshmanrekha (1991) ... Birju
  • Vishnu-Devaa (1991) ... Thakur Shamsher Singh/Samppat
  • Hum (1991) ... Bakhtawar
  • Sanam Bewafa (1991) ... Sher Khan
  • Bahadur (1991) ... Bahadur (Bengali)
  • First Love Letter (1991) ... Thakur Ajit Singh
  • Yodha (1991) ... Daaga/Justice Dharmesh Agnihotri
  • Agneepath (1990) ... Kancha Cheena
  • Pyaar Ke Naam Qurban (1990) ... Prince Yeshwant Singh
  • Baaghi (1990)
  • Chingariyan (1990)
  • Jagira (1990)
  • Shandaar (1990) ... Dhaga
  • Shesh Naag (1990)
  • Shehzaade (1989) (uncredited) ... Thakur Roshan Singh
  • Jung Baaz (1989) ... Mahakal
  • Kasam Suhaag Ki (1989)
  • Galiyon Ka Badshah (1989) ... Inspector Vijay
  • Khoj (1989)
  • Saaya[disambiguation needed] (1989)
  • Ustad (1989)
  • Commando (1988) ... Ninja
  • Shoorveer (1988) ... Shankar
  • Ek Hi Maqsad (1988) ... Inspector. Deepak
  • Mardon Wali Baat (1988) ... Raja Sunder Singh
  • Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988)
  • Janam Janam (1988)
  • Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988) ... J.P.
  • Mera Shikar (1988)
  • Paap Ki Duniya (1988) ... Pasha
  • Yateem (1988) ... Girivar Prasad Mathur
  • Itihaas (1987)
  • Faqir Badshah (1987)
  • Aag Hi Aag (1987) ... Daulat Singh/Choudhury
  • Deewana Tere Naam Ka (1987) ... Shambhu
  • Chambal Ka Badshah (1986) ... Sultan
  • Bhagwan Dada (1986) .... Shambu Dada
  • Adhikar (1986) ... Vishal's lawyer (special appearance)
  • Allah Rakha (1986)
  • Maha Shaktiman (1985) ... aka Maharudra (India: Bengali title)
  • Yudh (1985) ... Gama Maating/Mr. Chinoy
  • Jawaab (1985) ... Seth. Jagmohan
  • Aandhi Toofan (1985)
  • Aitbaar (1985) ... Inspector Barua
  • Oonche Log (1985) ... Thakur Maan Singh
  • Patthar Dil (1985) ... Jung Bahadur
  • Andar Baahar (1984) ... Shera
  • Farishta (1984)
  • Boxer (1984) ... Dharma
  • Jagir (1984) ... Danny
  • Kanoon Kya Karega (1984)
  • Manzil Manzil (1984) ... Gautam (Pahadi Baba)
  • Mera Dost Mera Dushman (1984)
  • Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1984)
  • Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye (1983)
  • Lovers[disambiguation needed] (1983)
  • Ganga Meri Maa (1983)
  • Andha Kanoon (1983) ... Akhbar Ali
  • Raj Mahal (1982)
  • Kachche Heere (1982) ... Arjun
  • Love Story (1981) ... Ram Dogra
  • Chunaoti (1980)
  • Kali Ghata (1980) ... Kishore
  • Abdullah (1980)
  • Bandish (1980) ... Kapil Kumar
  • Bulundi (1980)
  • The Burning Train (1980)
  • Choron Ki Baraat (1980)
  • Phir Wohi Raat (1980) .... Ashok
  • Griha Pravesh (1979) Danny
  • Aaj Ki Dhara (1979) Danny
  • Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979)
  • Lal Kuthi (1978) (Bengali)
  • Devta (1978) ... Inspector Lawrence
  • Naya Daur (1978)
  • Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka (1977) ... Vikram (Jamunadas' son)
  • Abhi To Jee Lein (1977) ... Danny
  • Chandi Sona (1977)
  • Khel Khiladi Ka (1977)
  • Mit Jayenge Mitane Wale (1977)
  • Paapi (1977) ... Abdul
  • Fakira (1976) ... Munna/Ajay/Toofan
  • Kalicharan (1976)
  • Laila Majnu (1976) ... Prince Bahksh
  • Sangram (1976) ... Salim/Altaf
  • Dharmatma (1975) ... Danny
  • Aakhri Dao (1975) ... Robert
  • Apne Rang Hazaar (1975)
  • Kala Sona (1975)
  • Ponga Pandit (1975) ... Rocky
  • Raftaar (1975)
  • Rani Aur Lalpari (1975)
  • Zorro (1975)
  • Chor Machaye Shor (1974)
  • 36 Ghante (1974) ... Dilawar Khan
  • Khotte Sikkay (1974) ... Danny
  • Dhund (1973) ... Thakur Ranjit Singh (crippled husband)
  • Khoon Khoon(1973) ... remake of Dirty Harry (English)
  • Milap (1972)
  • Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972) ... Raja
  • Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972)
  • Mere Apne (1971) ... Sanju
  • Zaroorat (1971)

As director
  • Phir Wohi Raat (1980)
  • Ram (RoneM).

Chandrachur Singh

http://www.paksmile.com/photos/bollywood/actors/images/chandrachur-singh/chandrachur-singh-4.jpg 
Nick Name:  Rocky
Commonly Known Name:  Chandrachur Maachis Singh
Date of Birth (Birthday):  11 October, 1968
Zodiac Sign:  Libra
Hair Color:  Black
Birth Place:  Delhi
Education:  Schooling From Delhi
Languages:  Hindi, English, Punjabi
Contact Address:  6th Floor, Oakland Park, Off Lokhandwala Complex, Versova, Mumbai 400 061
Chandrachur Singh is a native of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. He was born on 11 October 1968 in New Delhi, India. He belongs to a very affluent family. His father is an ex-MLA from Khair (Aligarh) and his mother is the daughter of the Maharaja of Bolangir in Orissa. He attended The Doon School, Dehradun and St. Stephens, New Delhi.[2] He was a music teacher in Doon School before his acting career took off.

Personal life

Singh has two younger brothers: Aditya Singh and Abhimanyu Singh.[3] He married Avantika Kumari, daughter of Ajai Singh of Glenmoor Cottages, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. She was educated at the Lawrence School, Sanawar.[4] Their son is named Shraanajai Singh.

http://www.funbaz.com/members/mems/chandrachursingh/gallery/images/chandrachur-singh-pic-8-415.jpg 

Career

Chandrachur Singh made his acting debut in 1996 in Tere Mere Sapnewhich was produced under Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited. [2] Later that year he starred alongside Tabu in Maachis for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.[5] He appeared in several films which failed to do well but he had success with his lead roles in the multi-starrers Daag: The Fire (1999) opposite Sanjay Dutt, Kya Kehna (2000) opposite Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan and Josh (2000) opposite Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan.
After initial successes, his career went into a low, because of multiple dislocation of his shoulder joint, which he suffered while water skiing in Goa. Because of the pain on his shoulder, he couldn't work out or stay fit which caused him to gain weight and lose roles. His last few releases included Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (2001), Bharat Bhagya Vidhata (2002) and the delayed release Sarhad Paar which was shot in 2002 and released in 2006. All three films did average business at the box office.
In 2012, he made a comeback with Chaar Din Ki Chandni. The film featured Tusshar Kapoor, Kulraj Randhawa, Anupam Kher, Om Puri and Farida Jalal in lead roles amongst others. Chaar Din Ki Chandni received mixed response from critics, and turned out to be a flop at most places in Box office India. From 2012–present, he has joined Bollywood once again as an actor. He is currently working on his second comeback, titled Zilla Ghaziabad which has been delayed for years, however scheduled to release in August 2012.

http://i.bollywoodmantra.com/albums/events/movie-screening/chaar-din-ki-chandni-movie-screening/chandrachur-singh___427297.JPG 

Awards

  • 1996: Winner – Filmfare Best Debut Award, for Maachis
  • 2000: Nominated – Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award, for Kya Kehna

Filmography

Year Film[1] Role
1996 Tere Mere Sapne Rahul Mehta
Maachis Kripal Singh 'Pali'
1997 Betaabi Sameer
1998 Sham Ghansham Sham
1999 Dil Kya Kare Som Dutt
Daag: The Fire Ravi Varma
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka Abhay Sinha
2000 Josh Rahul
Kya Kehna Ajay
2001 Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa Ravi
2002 Junoon
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Shabbir Jehangir Khan
2005 Mohabbat Ho Gayi Hai Tumse
2006 Sarhad Paar Ravi
2009 Maruti Mera Dost
2011 Kemiti Ae Bandhana (Oriya movie)
2012 Chaar Din Ki Chandni
2013 Zilla Ghaziabad
2013 The Reluctant Fundamentalist (film)
2014 Hum Tum Aur Ghost 2

Boman Irani

Date of Birth (Birthday):  1962
Height:  6'2"
Weight:  92 Kg
Eye Color:  Black
Hair Color:  Black
Religion:  Muslim
Marital Status:  Married
Languages:  Hindi, English
Hobbies:  Photography
Contact Address:  51 L, Paradise, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 02
Contact No.:  91-22-3634976
http://img.india-forums.com/wallpapers/1024x768/12351-boman-irani-looking-confused.jpg
Boman Irani (Hindustani pronunciation: [boːmaːn iːraːnːiː] Gujarati: બોમન ઇરાની; born 2 December 1959) is an Indian film and theater actor, voice artist and photographer. Irani is sometimes referred to as the David Walliams of India.
Irani was born into a Parsi family on December 2, 1959, in Mumbai.
He finished his schooling from St. Mary's School. He is a graduate of Mithibai College in Mumbai. After his polytechnic diploma course, he joined the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and worked there as a waiter and room service staff.[1] Thereafter, he joined his mother to run their ancestral bakery shop between Novelty and Apsara Cinema in South Mumbai.
Irani turned to photography in 1987 and continued until 1989. He is a professional photographer.

http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/10/nov/boman-irani.jpg 

Career

Irani began his acting career in theatre and moved to film in 2000. Irani gained attention for his role in the 2003 comedy Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. He later appeared in Lage Raho Munna Bhai for which he received several IIFA award nominations and in 3 Idiots opposite Aamir Khan which earned him a Filmfare Award and a Star Screen Award for Best Actor in a Villainous Role. He is the host of Bollywood Ka Boss.

Theatre career

Acting had been a passion to Boman even during school and college days inspired by his great friend Mahan Shri Chandan kr. Singh. He trained under acting coach Hansraj Siddhia from 1981 to 1983 and adopted professional acting methods inspired by Chandan Singh. Irani preferred British theatre, and he soon developed different accents.
Irani's mentor was Alyque Padamsee — the veteran theatre actor best known for his role as Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Gandhi. He was introduced to Padamsee by Shiamak Davar.[1][2] Irani's earliest theatrical appearance was in Roshni where he played a cameo at the Regional Theatre in Versova. He followed this up with serials like Family Ties and Mahatma vs Gandhi, playing Gandhi after the role was turned down by Darshan Jariwala. His most illustrious play till date has been I am not Bajirao which ran for 10 years.[1]
His busy film career has slowed his theatre career but, despite this, Irani continues to perform on stage whenever possible. He has over 40 plays to his credit — around 15 of them as the lead character.[3]

http://sim.in.com/2/a2348be44ac1adc4accecbe09d0a662d.jpg 

Film career

Irani started out in a number of advertisements like Fanta, Ceat and Krackjack biscuits (as Mr. Jack of the Krack and Jack duo[4]).
With Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. Irani became really popular. His role as J. Asthana earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Comedian.His comic as well as minor antagonist type role in 3 Idiots is also still remembered. Since then Irani has essayed many comedic hits (Main Hoon Na, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dostana, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Waqt: The Race Against Time, No Entry, 3 Idiots, Housefull, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Housefull 2 and Cocktail), supporting (Veer-Zaara, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Lakshya, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Sorry Bhai!, Page 3, My Wife's Murder), and negative roles (Don: The Chase Begins Again , Don 2: The King Is Back, Eklavya).
Irani hosted the IIFA Awards with actor Ritesh Deshmukh in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Toronto.[5] He has been on Kaun Banega Crorepati with Sanjay Dutt. He is considered as a remarkable actor these days.

Personal life

Irani is a Parsi and follows the religion of Zoroastrianism. He speaks English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali and Marathi fluently. Irani is a member of the Parsee Television Actors Community and is its secretary. This community includes others such as Cyrus Broacha. He is married to Zenobia, with whom he has two sons, Danesh and Kayoze Irani.

Awards

  • 2004 - Winner: Screen Weekly Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role; Munnabhai M.B.B.S.
  • 2007 - Nominated: Filmfare Best Villain Award; Lage Raho Munnabhai
  • 2010 - Winner: Star Screen Award for Best Villain; 3 Idiots
  • 2010 - Winner: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award; 3 Idiots
  • 2010 - Winner: IIFA Best Villain Award; 3 Idiots

Filmography

Year Film Role Other notes
2001 Everybody Says I'm Fine! Mr. Mittal
2002 Let's Talk Nikhil
2003 Darna Mana Hai Hotel owner
Boom Diamond Dealer Cameo Appearance
Munnabhai M.B.B.S. Dr. J. C. Asthana Nominated, Filmfare Best Comedian Award
2004 Main Hoon Na Principal Nominated, Filmfare Best Comedian Award
Lakshya Mr. Shergill
Veer-Zaara Jahangir Hayaat Khan
2005 Page 3 Deepak Suri
Waqt: The Race Against Time Natu
My Wife's Murder Inspector Tejpal Randhawa
No Entry Minister P.J. Gupta
Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara Public Prosecutor
Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak Michael Burnett / Santa Claus
Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow Yashwant Dayal
Bluffmaster Dr. Bhalerao
Mr. Prime Minister

Being Cyrus Farokh Sethna
2006 Shaadi Se Pehle Dr Rustam
Pyare Mohan Tony Alias Dholakia
Yun Hota To Kya Hota DCP Special appearance
Lage Raho Munna Bhai Lucky Singh Nominated, Filmfare Best Villain Award
Khosla Ka Ghosla Kishen Khurana
Don - The Chase Begins Again DCP DeSilva / Vardhaan
2007 Eklavya: The Royal Guard Rana Jayawardhan
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. Oscar Fernandes
Heyy Babyy Bharat Sahni
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal Tony Singh
2008 Woodstock Villa

Love Story 2050 Professor Yatin Khanna / Uncle Ya
Kismat Konnection Rajiv Batra Guest appearance
Rishton Ki Machine

Dostana M (Murali)
Yuvvraaj Dr P.K. Banton
Sorry Bhai! Navin
Maharathi AD Merchant
2009 Luck by Chance Dinaz Aziz Cameo Appearance
Little Zizou Boman Pressvala
99 Rahul
Kambakkht Ishq Doctor Cameo Appearance
Perfect Mismatch Mr. Patel
Fruit and Nut Maharaja Harry Holkar
Durbar

Front Page

3 Idiots Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Virus) Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
Mungilal Rocks

2010 Well Done Abba Arman Ali / Rahman Ali
Teen Patti
Special Appearance
Hum Tum Aur Ghost Kapoor
Mirch Asu Hotmal
Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai
Special Appearance
Housefull Batukbhai Patel
2011 F.A.L.T.U Principal Sharma Special Appearance
Game O. P. Ramsay
Love Breakups Zindagi Sheila's Dad Cameo Appearance
Don 2: The King is Back Vardhaan Nominated, IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role
2012 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu Rahul's father
Housefull 2 Batook Patel
Tezz Sanjay Raina
Ferrari Ki Sawaari Deboo
Cocktail Randhir kapoor(Randy)
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Farhad
Student of the Year
Guest Appearance
Joker Blue guy with beard; performs veneration
2013 Happy New Year 1 out of 5 guys in film
Jolly LLB Advocate Rajpal as star advocate in film
2013 Attharintiki Daaretu
Telugu debut film

Balraj Sahni

http://cineplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/balraj-sahni.jpg 
Original Name:   Yudhishthir Sahni
Date of Birth (Birthday):  May 1, 1913
Zodiac Sign:  Taurus
Eye Color:  Black
Hair Color:  Black
Birth Place:  Rawalpindi, Punjab, British India
Religion:  Hindu
Marital Status:  Married
Balraj Sahni (Punjabi:ਬਲਰਾਜ ਸਾਹਨੀ Hindi: बलराज साहनी) (1 May 1913 – 13 April 1973), born Yudhishthir Sahni (Hindi: युधिष्ठिर साहनी), was a famous Hindi film actor. He belonged to a Punjabi Khatri family[citation needed] from Bhera now in Punjab, Pakistan. He was the brother of Bhisham Sahni, noted Hindi writer, playwright, and actor. It is quite surprising that such a great actor did not receive even a single award for his memorable roles.
Sahni went from his native Rawalpindi to study at Lahore. He completed his Masters degree in English Literature from Lahore and then went back to Rawalpindi and joined his family business. He also held a Bachelor's degree in Hindi, followed by a Masters in English from Punjab University.[1] Soon after, he married Damayanti Sahni.
In the late 1930s, Sahni and his wife left Rawalpindi to join Tagore's Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan in Bengal as an English and Hindi teacher. It is here that their son, Parikshit Sahni was born, when his wife Damayanti was doing her Bachelors degree.[2] He also went to work with Mahatma Gandhi for a year in 1938. The next year, Sahni, with Gandhi's blessings, went to England to join the BBC-London's Hindi service as a radio announcer. He returned to India in 1943.
Balraj Sahni with his wife Damayanti, 1936.

Career

Sahni was always interested in acting, and started his acting career with the plays of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA).[1] He started his film career in Mumbai with the film Insaaf (1946), followed by Dharti Ke Lal directed by KA Abbas in 1946, Door Chalein in 1946, and other films. But it was in 1953, with Bimal Roy's classic Do Bigha Zameen, that his true forte as an actor was first recognised. The film won the international prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
He followed it up with an encore in the 1961 classic Kabuliwala penned by Tagore.
Sahni's wife Damayanti died at a young age in 1947, who was the heroine of his film, Gudiya (1947) and two years later he married his first cousin, Santosh Chandhok, later known as an author and television writer.
Sahni's acting was very well liked and appreciated in all his films. He acted opposite top heroines like Padmini, Nutan, Meena Kumari, Vyjayantimala, and Nargis in films like Bindya (1960)Seema (1955), Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), Sutta Bazaar (1959), Bhabhi Ki Chudiyaan (1961), Kathputli (1957), Lajwanti (1958) & Ghar Sansaar (1958). However, he is perhaps best remembered by the current generation for the picturisation of the legendary song Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen from the movie Waqt (1965) on him. Sahni appeared opposite Achala Sachdev in the number.
He also starred in the classic Punjabi film Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar (1970) as well as the critically acclaimed Satluj de kande.
His performance as the angst ridden but stoical Muslim man who refuses to go to Pakistan during partition in his last film Garam Hawa has often been called his best performance by critics. Balraj, however, could not see the completed film himself to rate his own performance, as he died just the next day after he finished dubbing for Garm Hava. The last lines he recorded for the film, and hence his last recorded lines are, Hindi:- "Insaan Kab Tak Akela Jee Sakta Hai?" which can be translated in English as:- "How long can a man live alone?"
http://www.bookchums.com/author_photos/AU_2012033003:13:38.jpg

Later life

Sahni was a gifted writer; his early writings were in English, though later in life he switched to Punjabi, and became a writer of repute in Punjabi literature.[3] In 1960, after a visit to Pakistan, he wrote Mera Pakistani Safar. His book Mera Rusi Safarnama, which he had written after a tour of the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1969, earned him the 'Soviet Land Nehru Award'. He contributed many poems and short stories in magazines and also penned his autobiography, Meri Filmi Aatmakatha. Sahni was an extremely well-read and politically conscious person.
He and P K Vasudevan Nair worked on the idea of All India Youth Federation with firebrand Delhi communist, Comrade Guru Radha Kishan to organise the first national conference of AIYF in Delhi. Their wholehearted efforts were visible as more than 250 delegates and observers representing several youth organisations of various states of India attended this session. Balraj Sahni was elected as the first president of All India Youth Federation, the youth wing of Communist Party of India. The organisation was a huge success and strong presence of the organisation was noticed by other political groups and the senior communist leaders everywhere.
Sahni also dabbled in screenwriting; he wrote the 1951 movie Baazi which starred Dev Anand and was directed by Guru Dutt. He was also a recipient of the Padma Shri Award (1969). Balraj Sahni also wrote in Punjabi and contributed to the Punjabi magazine Preetlari. Very few people know about his love for the books, In 1950's he was first to inaugurate the Library and study centre for underprivileged class in Delhi.
Sahni was undoubtedly one of the greatest actors ever to come on the Indian screen: a highly natural actor who reminded the audience of the actors like Motilal because of his simple persona and a sophisticated style of acting. He was looked up to as a role model as he was never involved in any scandal. His acting in Do Bigha Zameen and Garam Hawa were the highlights of his career. He believed in what is known as Neo-Realistic cinema.
Balraj's brother Bhisham Sahni was a well-known writer who wrote the book Tamas. His son Parikshit Sahni is also an actor. Balraj Sahni died on 13 April 1973, of a massive cardiac arrest at the age of 59. He had been depressed for some time by the untimely death of his young daughter, Shabnam.
'Punjabi Kala Kender', founded in 1973 at Mumbai by Balraj Sahni, gives away the annual Balraj Sahni Award',[4] and also the 'All India Artists' Association'.[5]
http://www.upperstall.com/files/imagecache/preview/profile/balrajsahni.jpg

Filmography

Year Film Role
1946 Door Chalen
Dharti Ke Lal
Badnami
1947 Gudia
1951 Maaldar
Humlog Raj
Hulchul The jailer
1952 Badnam
1953 Rahi Doctor
Do Bigha Zamin Shambu Maheto
Bhagyawan
Akash
1954 Naukari
Majboori
Aulad
1955 Tangewali
Seema Ashok 'Babuji'
Garam Coat Giridhari
Taksaal Jatin Mukherjee
1957 Pardesi (1957 film)
Mai Baap
Lal Batti
Kath Putli Loknath
Bhabhi Ratan
1958 Sone Ki Chidiya Shrikant
Lajwanti Mr. Nirmal
Khazanchi Radhe Mohan
Ghar Sansar Kailash
Ghar Grihasti
1959 Satta Bazaar Ramesh
Heera Moti
Chhoti Bahen Rajendra
Black Cat Agent Rajan
1960 Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere Panchu Dada
Bindya Devraj
Anuradha Dr. Nirmal Chaudhary
1961 Suhag Sindoor Ramu
Sapne Suhane
Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan Shyam
Batwara
Kabuliwala Abdul Rehman Khan
1962 Shaadi Ratau
Anpadh Choudhary Shambhunath
1964 Punar Milan Dr. Mohan/Ram
Haqeeqat Major Ranjit Singh
1965 Waqt Lala Kedarnath
Faraar Detective Officer
1966 Pinjre Ke Panchhi Yaseen Khan
Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare Khan Bahadur
Aasra Surendra Nath Kumar
Aaye Din Bahar Ke Shukla
1967 Naunihaal
Ghar Ka Chirag
Aman Gautamdas' dad
Hamraaz Police Inspector Ashok
1968 Sunghursh Ganeshi Prasad
Neel Kamal Mr. Raichand
Izzat
Duniya Public Prosecutor Ramnath Sharma
1969 Talash Ranjit Rai
Nanha Farishta Dr. Ramnath
Ek Phool Do Mali Kailash Nath Kaushal
Do Raaste Navendru Gupta
1970 Pehchan Ex-Firefighter
Pavitra Paapi Pannalal
Naya Raasta Bansi
Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar
Mere Humsafar Ashok
Holi Ayee Re
Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani
Dharti Bharat's dad
1971 Paraya Dhan Govindram
Jawan Mohabbat Dr. Sarin
1972 Shayar-e-Kashmir Mahjoor Ghulam Ahmed Mahjoor
Jawani Diwani Ravi Anand
Jangal Mein Mangal Thomas
1973 Pyaar Ka Rishta
Hindustan Ki Kasam
Hanste Zakhm SP Dinanath Mahendru
Garam Hawa Salim Mirza
1977 Jallian Wala Bagh Udham Singh
Amaanat Suresh

Works

  • Balraj Sahni: An Autobiography, by Balraj Sahni. Published by Hind Pocket Books, 1979.
Mera Pakistani Safarnama (Punjabi), Mera Russi Safarnama (Punjabi). Kamey (Labourerers) (Punjabi) Ek Safar Ek Daastaan (Punjabi)

Works based on his life

On the occasion of May Day 2013, Bahroop Arts Group, New Delhi organised A tribute to Balraj Sahni on his birth centenary at Jawaharlal Nehru University, in form of a dramatic reading from a play based on the life of Balraj Sahni by Shahid Anwar. The programme also had speakers- Dr. Kalpana Sahni (Professor emeritus , CRS,SLL &CS, JNU)and Dr.Chaman Lal (Professor emeritus, CIL,SLL&CS, JNU). Followed by a screening of the Film Do Bigha Zameen (1953), directed by renowned director Bimal Roy. Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy in lead roles.

Further reading

  • Balraj Sahni: An Intimate Portrait, by Puran Chandra Joshi. Published by Vikas Pub. House, 1974.
  • Balraj, my brother (National biography series), by Bhishma Sahni. National Book Trust, India, 1981.