Vinod Khanna was an acclaimed Indian actor, film producer, and politician. Here is a brief biography of Vinod Khanna:
Early Life: Vinod Khanna was born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan). His father, Kishanchand Khanna, was a textiles businessman, and his mother’s name was Kamla Khanna. He had four siblings.
Education and Career Beginnings: Vinod Khanna completed his schooling at St. Mary’s School in Mumbai (then Bombay). He later graduated with a commerce degree from Sydenham College, Mumbai. Despite having a successful family business, Vinod Khanna decided to pursue a career in the film industry.
Film Debut and Breakthrough: Vinod Khanna made his acting debut in 1968 with the film “Man Ka Meet.” However, it was his role in the film “Mere Apne” (1971) directed by Gulzar that garnered him critical acclaim and established him as a promising actor. He soon became known for his rugged and charismatic screen presence.
Film Career: Vinod Khanna appeared in numerous successful films throughout his career. Some of his notable movies include “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), “Qurbani” (1980), “Dayavan” (1988), and “Chandni” (1989). He often played roles ranging from romantic leads to action-oriented characters. He shared the screen with leading actresses and actors of his time.
Personal Life: Vinod Khanna was married twice. His first marriage was to Geetanjali in 1971, and they had two sons, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna, both of whom are also actors. Vinod Khanna’s second marriage was to Kavita Daftary, with whom he had two children, a son named Sakshi and a daughter named Shraddha.
Political Career: In 1997, Vinod Khanna entered politics and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab, India, in 1999. He won the seat four times in total and served as a member of Parliament until his death in 2017.
Awards and Recognition: Vinod Khanna received several awards and accolades throughout his career. He was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. In 2017, he was posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema.
Passing Away: Vinod Khanna passed away on April 27, 2017, due to advanced bladder carcinoma, a type of cancer. His death was mourned by fans, the film industry, and his colleagues, who remembered him as a talented actor and a charismatic personality.
Vinod Khanna’s contributions to Indian cinema, his versatility as an actor, and his successful career spanning over four decades have left an indelible mark on the industry. He continues to be remembered as one of the iconic actors of Hindi cinema.