Amjad Khan: News

The Indian film industry is notoriously famous for celebrating heroes and downgrading villains. Amjad Khan was one of those few villains who took the limelight away from the hero in the movies he starred in. Born on November 12, 1940, in Lahore, Amjad Khan started acting at a young age. He made his debut as a child actor in the movie ‘Nazneen’ at the age of 11 in 1951. Khan caught his big break in 1975 when he was offered a role in Amitabh Bachan’s ‘Sholay.’ His portrayal of the character Gabbar Singh, a dacoit, won him praise from different sections. The movie cemented his position in the industry as a supporting actor who brought a dimension of darkness to the anti-hero roles he was offered. As he excelled in the villain roles that came his way, Khan never forgot his theater roots. His role in Satyajit Ray’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ showcased his abilities as a serious actor. Khan won his first Filmfare award in 1980 for his role in ‘Dada.’ At the age of 51, he died of cardiac arrest.