Vinod Khanna, born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan), was a prominent Indian actor and politician. He is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic and influential figures in the Indian film industry.
Khanna began his acting career in the late 1960s after completing his education at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. He made his debut in the film Man Ka Meet in 1968 and soon gained recognition for his handsome looks, intense performances, and unique screen presence. His breakthrough role came in the movie Mere Apne (1971), where he portrayed a disillusioned young man caught up in the complexities of life.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Vinod Khanna starred in a series of commercially successful films, including Amar Akbar Anthony, Qurbani, Dayavan, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. He carved a niche for himself by portraying a diverse range of characters, from intense and brooding anti-heroes to romantic leads and action-oriented roles. His on-screen chemistry with leading actresses like Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, and Zeenat Aman became immensely popular among audiences.
In addition to his acting prowess, Vinod Khanna was known for his charming personality and impeccable style. His rugged yet sophisticated image made him a favorite among fans and established him as a prominent fashion icon of his time.
In the early 1980s, at the peak of his acting career, Vinod Khanna surprised everyone by taking a break from the film industry to follow a spiritual path. He joined Osho Rajneesh's ashram in Pune and spent several years there in search of inner peace and enlightenment. After his spiritual journey, Khanna made a successful comeback to films in the late 1980s and continued to deliver memorable performances.
Vinod Khanna's contributions extended beyond the entertainment world. In the 1990s, he ventured into politics and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab multiple times and served as a Minister of State for External Affairs in the Indian government.
Vinod Khanna's remarkable career in both cinema and politics came to an end with his untimely demise on April 27, 2017. His death left a void in the industry, and he is fondly remembered as a true legend whose talent and charisma continue to inspire generations.
Vinod Khanna's legacy as an actor, style icon, and politician remains etched in the annals of Indian history. His contribution to Indian cinema and society will always be celebrated, making him an everlasting symbol of talent, versatility, and integrity.
Age
Vinod Khanna was born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan). At the time of his passing on April 27, 2017, he was 70 years old. Therefore, his zodiac sign is Libra.
Education
Vinod Khanna attended St. Mary's School, Bombay until class II and then transferred to Delhi. In 1957, the family moved to Delhi where he attended Delhi Public School, Mathura Road. Although the family moved back to Bombay in 1960, he was sent to Barnes School in Deolali, near Nashik. During his time at the boarding school Khanna watched the epics Solva Saal and Mughal-e-Azam and fell in love with motion pictures. He graduated with a commerce degree from Sydenham College, Bombay.
Death
Khanna was hospitalised at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Girgaon, Mumbai, on 2 April 2017 for a few weeks after suffering from severe dehydration. He died at 11:20 a.m. (IST) on 27 April, and it was revealed that he had been battling advanced bladder cancer. He was cremated at the Worli Crematorium on the same day.
Career
Vinod was spotted by Sunil Dutt after graduation, and made his acting debut in Sunil Dutt's 1968 film Man Ka Meet (directed by Adurthi Subba Rao) as a villain and in which Som Dutt was the hero, a remake of the Tamil film Kumari Penn. At the start of his career, he played supporting or villainous characters in films such as Purab Aur Paschim, Sacha Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajnaand Mastana in 1970, and in Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Mere Apne and Elaan in 1971.
From playing villain Khanna successfully switched over to playing the popular hero. He got his first break as the solo lead in Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971) opposite Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and followed it up with Gulzar's Mere Apne. In 1973 his performance as an army officer facing death row in Gulzar's Achanak, earned him critical acclaim. In 1974 he played a college professor in Imtihan, which proved successful even in the face of stiff competition from Roti Kapda Aur Makan and Majboor. Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar in which he costarred Amitabh Bachchan went on to become the highest-grossing Indian movies of 1977 and 1978 respectively. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar was the third highest-grossing Hindi movie in the 1970s after Sholay and Bobby. At the peak of his popularity, he played a supporting role in the 1978 Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki a heroine-dominated movie with stalwarts Asha Parekh and Nutan. Some of the successful movies of this era include Hatyara with Moushumi Chatterjee, Qaid with Leena Chandavarkar, Inkaar with Vidya Sinha, Aap Ki Khatir with Rekha, Khoon Ki Pukaar, Shaque and Adha Din Aadhi Raat with Shabana Azmi, and Daulat with Zeenat Aman. In 1980, he starred in Feroz Khan's Qurbani (1980) which became the highest-grossing film of that year. At the time, he was one of the highest-paid actors in Hindi films. Vinod also starred in 47 multi-hero films. In Shankar Shambhu he co-starred with Feroz Khan and in Chor Sipahee and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah he co-starred with Shashi Kapoor, in Hera Pheri, Khoon Pasina, Amar Akbar Anthony, Zameer, Parvarish and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar Khanna appeared with Amitabh Bachchan; and in Haath Ki Safai and Aakhri Daku he co-starred with Randhir Kapoor. He appeared with Sunil Dutt in Daku Aur Jawan and in Nehle pe Dehla. He acted with Jeetendra in Ek Hasina Do Diwane, Ek Bechara, Parichay, Insaan, Anokhi Ada and Janam Kundli. He did Rakhwala, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Patthar Aur Payal, The Burning Train, Batwara and Farishtay with Dharmendra. He worked with Shatrughan Sinha in films such as Panch Dushman, Bombay 405 Miles, Dost Aur Dushman, Pyaar Ka Rishta, Daulat Ke Dushman and Do Yaar, beginning with Gulzar's directorial debut Mere Apne. Gulzar worked with him in Achanak, Meera and Lekin, after his first movie Mere Apne.
Top 5 Movies
Mere Apne (1971)
In this film directed by Gulzar, Vinod Khanna delivers a remarkable performance as Shyam, a disillusioned young man who becomes entangled in a violent feud between two rival factions. The movie explores themes of family, loyalty, and the futility of violence, showcasing Vinod Khanna's versatility as an actor.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Vinod Khanna shines alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in this iconic Bollywood film. Directed by Manmohan Desai, the movie tells the story of three brothers separated during childhood and raised in different religious households. Vinod Khanna portrays Amar, a righteous police officer, with charisma and conviction, contributing to the film's immense popularity.
Qurbani (1980)
In this action-packed thriller directed by Feroz Khan, Vinod Khanna plays the role of Rajesh, a fearless and dashing criminal who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of love and betrayal. Known for its captivating music and high-octane action sequences, Qurbani showcases Vinod Khanna's star power and his ability to portray complex characters.
Dayavan (1988)
Directed by Feroz Khan, this crime drama features Vinod Khanna in the titular role of Shakti Velu, a gangster with a troubled past who seeks redemption. The film explores themes of love, morality, and the conflict between good and evil. Vinod Khanna's intense portrayal of a conflicted character garnered critical acclaim.
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
Directed by Prakash Mehra, this emotional drama showcases Vinod Khanna's versatility as he plays the role of Amit, a successful businessman who falls in love with a terminally ill woman. The film delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the inevitability of fate, and Vinod Khanna's heartfelt performance adds depth to the narrative.
1975 – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Haath Ki Safai
1977 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Hera Pheri
1977 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Shaque
1979 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Muqaddar Ka Sikander
1981 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Qurbani
1990 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Chandni
1999 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
2005 – Stardust Awards – Role Model for the Year
2007 – Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
2017 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Interesting Facts
Khanna was born in a Punjabi family. Soon after his birth, the country underwent partition and his family migrated from Peshawar to Mumbai.
Khanna aspired to be an engineer at first; however, his father admitted him to a commerce college so that he could assist in carrying the family business (of textiles) forward.
He was never interested in getting a commerce degree and hence started participating in other co-curricular activities in college, one of which was theater.
During the same time, he fell in love with one of her theater mates named Gitanjali. After a few months of courtship, the couple decided to get married as soon as they find some employment.
In an interview, Khanna revealed that his father never supported any decision that he made. When Khanna told his father that he wanted to act, his father pointed a gun at him and said that Khanna would breathe his last if he goes against his father’s decision. However, her mother intervened and eventually convinced the ‘head of the family’, but with a condition that if Khanna fails to establish himself even after a period of two years, he would then join the family business.
Fortunately for Khanna, within a week of release of his debut film, Mann Ki Baat, the actor had as many as 15 film offers on the table.
In a weird move, Khanna completely abandoned his acting career in 1982 and became a disciple of spiritual guru- Osho. For this purpose, he immigrated to Rajneeshpuram, Osho’s commune in the United States, where he stayed for about five years, and became the latter’s gardener.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vinod Khanna born?
Vinod Khanna was born on October 6, 1946.
Where was Vinod Khanna born?
Vinod Khanna was born in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan).
What was Vinod Khanna's profession?
Vinod Khanna was an actor, politician, and film producer.
In which film did Vinod Khanna star alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor?
Vinod Khanna starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in the film Amar Akbar Anthony (1977).
What was Vinod Khanna's career in politics?
Vinod Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab. He also served as a Minister of State for External Affairs in the Indian government.
When did Vinod Khanna pass away?
Vinod Khanna passed away on April 27, 2017.
Which film marked Vinod Khanna's acting debut?
Vinod Khanna made his acting debut in the film Man Ka Meet in 1968.
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