Amjad Khan's Biography

Amjad Khan was a renowned Indian actor who was known for his exceptional acting skills, baritone voice, and distinctive personality. He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of the villainous character Gabbar Singh in the blockbuster Bollywood film Sholay (1975). Amjad Khan was born on November 12, 1940, in Peshawar, in the present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. He belonged to a family of highly regarded actors and artists.

Early Life and Education

Amjad Khan was the son of the celebrated actor Jayant, who was a pioneer of the Indian film industry. Jayant had worked in several films in the 1940s and 1950s, and his performance in the film Sangram (1950) had earned him critical acclaim. Amjad Khan's mother, Begum Para, was also a well-known actress who had appeared in many Hindi films. Amjad Khan was the eldest of their three children, and he had two younger brothers, Imtiaz Khan and Inayat Khan, who were also actors.

Amjad Khan grew up in Mumbai and received his early education from St. Theresa's High School in Bandra. He then attended St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, where he completed his graduation in English literature. Amjad Khan was a bright student, and he was known for his exceptional academic performance. However, he was also interested in acting and theatre, and he often participated in college plays and dramas.

Career in Acting

Amjad Khan made his acting debut in 1971 with the film Hindustan Ki Kasam, directed by Chetan Anand. The film, which starred Raaj Kumar, Balraj Sahni, and Priya Rajvansh in the lead roles, was a war drama that revolved around the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Amjad Khan played a supporting role in the film, and his performance was appreciated by critics.

After Hindustan Ki Kasam, Amjad Khan appeared in several films, mostly in supporting roles. However, it was his performance in the film Sholay (1975) that made him a household name. Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, was a western-inspired action-adventure film that featured an ensemble cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan. Amjad Khan played the role of Gabbar Singh, a notorious dacoit and the main antagonist of the film. His portrayal of the character was highly acclaimed, and he received several awards and nominations for his performance.

After Sholay, Amjad Khan became one of the most sought-after character actors in Bollywood. He appeared in several films, playing both positive and negative roles, and his performances were widely appreciated. Some of his notable films during this period include Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Dada (1979), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Yaarana (1981), Nastik (1983), and Maa Kasam (1985).

In addition to his work in Hindi films, Amjad Khan also appeared in a few regional language films. He made his debut in Bengali cinema with the film Bandhu (1981), directed by Buddhadeb Dasgupta. He also appeared in a Marathi film called Chaukat Raja (1991), which was directed by Sanjay Surkar.

Personal Life

Amjad Khan was married to Shehla Khan, and the couple had two sons, Shadaab Khan and Seemab Khan. He also had a daughter, Ahlam Khan. Shadaab Khan is also an actor and has appeared in several Hindi films. Seemab Khan, on the other hand, is a businessman.

Amjad Khan was a devout Muslim and was known for his piety and religious beliefs. He was also a keen sportsman and was particularly fond of cricket. In fact, he had once played a match against the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

Tragically, Amjad Khan passed away 27 July 1992 at a young age of 51 due to a heart attack. He had been suffering from a heart condition for several years and had undergone bypass surgery in 1982. However, he continued to work in films and was shooting for the film Hulchul at the time of his death.

Legacy and Honors

Amjad Khan's contribution to Indian cinema is significant, and he is regarded as one of the finest character actors in Bollywood. He appeared in over 130 films in a career spanning more than two decades and was known for his versatile performances. He could effortlessly switch between playing positive and negative roles, and his performances were always nuanced and nuanced.

Amjad Khan's portrayal of Gabbar Singh in Sholay is considered one of the greatest villainous performances in Indian cinema. The character has become iconic and has been referenced and parodied in countless films and TV shows. Amjad Khan's dialogue delivery, particularly his famous line "Kitne Aadmi The?" has become a part of popular culture and is still widely quoted today.

Amjad Khan received several awards and honors for his contributions to Indian cinema. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Sholay and was also nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for his role in Ghulami (1985). He was posthumously awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

Conclusion

Amjad Khan was a gifted actor who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. He was a versatile performer who could bring depth and nuance to any role he played. His portrayal of Gabbar Singh in Sholay remains one of the most iconic performances in the history of Indian cinema, and he continues to be remembered and celebrated even today. Despite his untimely death, Amjad Khan's legacy lives on through his films, and he remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors in India and beyond.