Pankaj Kapur

Pankaj Kapur Biography

Pankaj Kapur is a popular theatre actor and a character actor of Hindi cinema. He is married to Supriya Pathak, actress of yesterdays and his son from the first marriage, Shahid Kapur is a very popular star of silver screen at present. Neelima Azeem, his first wife is also an actress of yesterdays. As an actor his best movies include - Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1991), Raakh (1989) and Maqbool (2003); these movies presented him with national awards too.

Pankaj Kapur was a brilliant student at his college. He was the topper of Engineering college, New Delhi, from where he took an engineering degree. But destiny was something else. His attraction towards drama and movies prompted him to join National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi and graduated in 1976. He desired to become an actor and he sees Rajesh Khanna as his role model. It was during 60’s and 70’s when his career dreams were higher. He did theatre roles till he got a role in the movie ‘Gandhi’. Shyam Benegal’s Arohan was released prior to Gandhi (1982).

He did a series of critically well acclaimed movies during 80’s – Jaane bhi do yaarom, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, Jalwa, Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin, Chameli ki shadi, Mandi, Khandar and Khamoshi (1985). Meanwhile he did a few Doordarshan serials during late 80’s like Kab Tak Pukaroon, Karam chand, Office office, Neem ka ped and Zabaan Sambhaal Ke.  He proved himself to be a comic actor through his roles in Karam chand and Office office. Now he is doing the sequel of this comic serial as Naya office office. Aamir Khan’s Rakh of 1989 proved to be a turning point in his career. This movie gave him his first National award.

Mani ratnam’s Roja was another milestone in his career. He played the role of terrorist in the movie, who keeps Arvind Swamy as captive. His role as terrorist Liaqat was well appreciated. He was awarded the 1991 National Film Award – Special Jury Award for Ek doctor ki maut. In 2004 he won National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Maqbool. His other memorable movies are The Blue umbrella, Halla bol and Dus.  

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Updated: May 29, 2018