Pran Sikand

Pran Sikand Biography

Pran, born as Pran Krishan Sikand in a rich Punjab family is an evitable part of Bollywood movies. He is famous for his negative roles as well as character roles along with Amitabh Bachchan. Many anti-heroes have come and gone from Indian screen. Yet no one has been so powerful onscreen till now, that no parent has named their kid such a good name, Pran after him. This show how successful was Pran to establish himself in millions of hearts as the best villain of Bollywood.  

He started his career as hero during late 40’s and very soon recognized that, his real destination is to become villain onscreen. His understanding and shift to new role has proved right too, thus spanning about 350 films in the acting career of 70 years or so. He played the leading role in many movies of 40’s and middle 50’s. Khandan, Pipli Saab and Halaku need special mention. But he is known most for his villain and character roles.

His role as villain in Madhumathi, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behthi Hai, Pyar hi Pyar, Johny Mera Naam, Ziddhi, Admi, Dev Das, Ram aur Shyam, Azad, Devdas, Chalia, Jagthe Raho and Dil Diya Dard liya are really commendable. When he did a memorable role in Upkaar, he broke the myth that Pran is proficient only in Villain’s role. Many singers refused to sing a song for him in Upkar as he was a villain. That shows his lively and wonderful screen presence and establishment as a villain.

It was Pran who mentioned Amitabh Bachchan’s known for Zanjeer – the movie that made Amitabh Bachchan overnight star. Pran’s character role as Amitabh’s friend and the friendship song are memorable. It’s a bit surprising that Pran was paid more than Amitabh for his early films. He was the most paid actor during 70’s and first half of 80’s, even more than Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor; Rajesh Khanna was an exception. He has done comical roles in movies like Bewakoof, Half ticket and Asha. Though the role of a villain, he was portrayed as a comedian in Shammi Kapoor starrer Kashmir ki Kali. He played the role of villain in superhit Shammi Kapoor movie – Brahmachari too.

Later, during 90’s he concentrated most on character roles. As age processed, he started rejecting roles, yet have done a few movies like Tere Mere Sapne and Mrithydand. He died on 12 July 2013 at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.

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Updated: July 20, 2013