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Pran’s legacy isn’t just in the roles he played but in the larger-than-life presence he brought to each character.
Pran appeared in over 350 films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. (File pic)
Pran 105th Birth Anniversary: Few actors have left an imprint on Indian cinema as indelible as Pran. A true powerhouse of talent, he redefined screen presence with his unique dialogue delivery, charismatic personality, and unparalleled versatility. His commanding aura ensured he stood tall alongside legendary contemporaries like Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan, proving time and again that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Today, as we commemorate his 105th birth anniversary (February 12), let’s take a deep dive into the life of the man who made several characters immortal on the silver screen.
Let us explore his most iconic dialogues, standout films and the remarkable journey that defined him.
Legendary Actor’s Life
Spanning over six decades, Pran’s career saw him master a spectrum of roles, from romantic heroes to formidable villains to endearing supporting characters. It was in his antagonistic roles, however, that he carved out his legacy, becoming one of the most iconic villains of Indian cinema.
Born on February 12, 1920, in Lahore, Pran hailed from a prosperous Punjabi Hindu family. However, his early years were spent in Ballimaran, Old Delhi. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia, worked as a civil contractor and engineer, while his mother, Rameshwari Ahluwalia, played the role of a devoted homemaker. Pran showed an exceptional aptitude for academics, particularly excelling in mathematics.
Due to his father’s transferable job, he attended schools in various cities, including Dehradun, Lahore, Kapurthala, Meerut, and Unnao, ultimately completing his matriculation from Hamid School in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
Initially, his dreams had nothing to do with the silver screen—he aspired to be a professional photographer and joined A. Das & Co. in Delhi as an apprentice to pursue this ambition.
Fate, however, had other plans. In 1940, a chance encounter with writer Wali Mohammad Wali in a Lahore shop led to his acting debut in the Punjabi film Yamla Jat, directed by Dalsukh M Pancholi.
Before Partition, Pran had already established himself as a formidable on-screen villain, with 22 films under his belt. However, the seismic upheaval of 1947 changed everything.
As India gained independence, Pran had to leave Lahore and move to Mumbai, temporarily halting his career. Struggling to find acting roles, he took up odd jobs, including working at the Delmar Hotel on Marine Drive for eight months.
Then, in 1948, a stroke of luck came his way. With the support of writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, he secured a role in Ziddi, a Bombay Talkies film starring Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal. This film marked the beginning of his illustrious journey in Bollywood.
By the 1950s, Pran had firmly established himself as the go-to villain, a status he maintained for decades. Over time, he evolved into one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
His contributions to cinema earned him numerous accolades, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997), the Padma Bhushan (2001), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013). Throughout his career, he appeared in over 350 films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Top Movies That Defined Pran’s Career
- Purab aur Paschim: Pran played Harnam, a Westernised babu who betrays a freedom fighter. However, tragedy strikes when Om, the freedom fighter, is killed by the British police, leaving Harnam’s family shattered.
- Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai: His portrayal of the menacing dacoit Raaka remains unforgettable. Sharing the screen with Raj Kapoor, Pran added layers of depth to the role, solidifying his reputation as Bollywood’s ultimate antagonist.
- Upkar: In this one, Pran stepped away from villainy to play Mangal Chacha, a good-hearted, disabled farmer. He even lent his voice to the song Kasme Wade Pyaar Wafa, showcasing his versatility.
- Parichay: In Gulzar’s adaptation of a Bengali novel, Pran delivered a stellar performance as Raj Saheb, a stern yet dignified patriarch, proving his ability to seamlessly transition into positive roles.
- Zanjeer: Pran’s Sher Khan was more than just a supporting role—it became legendary. His camaraderie with Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay remains a defining moment in Bollywood history.
- Pathar Ke Sanam: As the formidable Lala Bhagat Ram, Pran delivered the unforgettable dialogue, “Kyon? Theek hai na theek?”
- Half Ticket: Pran’s role as smuggler Raja Babu saw him comically tangled with Kishore Kumar’s character in the song Aake Seedhi Lagi Mere Dil Pe Katariya, creating one of Bollywood’s most memorable comedic moments.
- Heer Ranjha: Pran’s portrayal of the wicked, kohl-eyed uncle in this classic love story played a crucial role in the film’s tragic ending.
Iconic Dialogues That Live On
- Sanam Bewafa (1991): “Anjaam unka wahi hoga joh tu chahta hai … lekin hoga vaise jaise hum chahte hai”
- Zakhm (1973): “Zakhm dene waala bhi wohi hai, bharne waala bhi wohi hai … insaan toh sirf marham ragad sakta hai”
- Sharaabi (1984): “Aaj ki duniya mein agar zinda rehna hai to duniya ka button apne hath mein rakhna padta hai”
- Karz (1980): “Karz chukane wale ki yaddasht agar kamjor ho jati hai”
- Don (1978): “Jee chahta hai tujhe gande keede ki tarah masal doon … magar main apne haath gande karna nahi chahta”
- Ganga Ki Saugand (1978): “Zulm karne waala bhi paapi… zulm sehne waala bhi paapi”
- Zanjeer (1973): “Is ilaaqe mein naye aaye ho sahab? … varna Sher Khan ko kaun nahi jaanta”
- Heer Ranjha (1970): “Khuchal doonga, masal doonga, jala doonga, loota doonga … rulaya mujhko kismat ne … main duniya ko rula doonga”
- Upkar (1967): “Zindagi mein sirf chadhte ki pooja mat karna, doobhte ki bhi sochna”
- Karz (1980): “Musalman ke yahan parvarish, Hinduon se dosti aur angrezon ke shaunk rahe hai mere.”
Pran’s legacy isn’t just in the roles he played but in the larger-than-life presence he brought to each character. From villains who sent shivers down spines to warm-hearted father figures, his versatility remains unmatched. Even today, his name evokes admiration and respect, a proof of his irreplaceable contribution to Indian cinema.
