Amjad Khan

Amjad Khan was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He acted in over 130 films in a career spanning nearly 20 years. He was the son of the actor Jayant, who was originally from Peshawar, Pakistan. He gained popularity for his performance as Gabbar Singh in the 1975 classic Sholay, which is considered one of the best films of Indian cinema. His dialogues and mannerisms as the iconic villain have become part of the Bollywood culture and inspired many imitations and parodies. He also played negative roles in other films such as Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Kaalia, and Qurbani. He also showed his versatility by playing positive and comic roles in films such as Yaarana, Lawaaris, and Chameli Ki Shaadi. He also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali films. He was a recipient of several awards, including three Filmfare Awards, two BFJA Awards, and a Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for his role in The Chess Players. Amjad Khan was born on 12 November 1940 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India. His father was Jayant, a famous actor of his time, who belonged to the Barozaiclan of Pashtuns. His mother was of Iranian descent. He had a brother, Imtiaz Khan, who was also an actor. He was educated at St. Andrew's High School and R. D. National College in Bandra, Mumbai. He developed an interest in acting from a young age and participated in many plays and dramas. He made his film debut as a child actor in Nazneen in 1951. He also appeared in Ab Dilli Dur Nahin in 1957. He assisted director K. Asif in the film Love And God, which was left incomplete after Asif's death in 1971. Amjad Khan got his first break as an adult actor in the film Hindustan Ki Kasam in 1973, in which he played a small role. He was then offered the role of Gabbar Singh, the ruthless dacoit leader, in the film Sholay by writer Salim Khan. He prepared for the role by reading a book on Chambal dacoits written by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri, the father of actress Jaya Bachchan. He also improvised many of his dialogues and expressions, which added to the impact of his character. The film was a huge success and made him a star overnight. His portrayal of Gabbar Singh is considered one of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema history. He later reprised the role in the parody film Ramgarh Ke Sholay in 1991. After Sholay, Amjad Khan became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. He played villainous roles in many films, such as Zanjeer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Parvarish, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Kaalia, Qurbani, and Nastik. He often played a suave, sophisticated, and powerful criminal mastermind, who was feared and respected by his associates and enemies. He also played positive roles in films such as Shatranj Ke Khilari, Mr. Natwarlal, Yaarana, Lawaaris, and Utsav. He also displayed his comic talent in films such as Sadhu Aur Shaitaan, Do Aur Do Paanch, and Chameli Ki Shaadi. He also ventured into other film industries and acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali films. He worked with many prominent actors and directors of his time, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, Ramesh Sippy, Prakash Mehra, and Manmohan Desai. Amjad Khan also tried his hand at direction and production. He directed and acted in the film Chor Police in 1983, which was a moderate success. He also produced and acted in the film Ameer Aadmi Gharib Aadmi in 1985, which was a flop. He also acted in some television serials, such as Bahadur Shah Zafar and The Great Maratha. Amjad Khan married Shaila Khan, who was the sister of singer Zohrabai Ambalewali. They had three children, Shadaab Khan, Seemaab Khan, and Ahlam Khan. Shadaab Khan also became an actor and made his debut in the film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat in 1997. Amjad Khan suffered from health problems in his later years. He had a serious accident in 1986, when he drove his car into a tree. He underwent several surgeries and lost a lot of weight. He also developed diabetes and heart ailments. He died of heart failure on 27 July 1992 in Mumbai, at the age of 51. His death was mourned by many film personalities and fans, who paid tribute to his legacy and achievements.