Vinod Khanna
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The man and his career
Vinod Khanna's interesting lesser known facts
Vinod Khanna, who was born into a business family in 1946 in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) has appeared in approximately 141 films. His father dealt in textiles and dyes and he was one of five siblings. Vinod changed his school numerous times before graduating from Sydenham College.
Vinod Khanna, who is known for his distinct style and persona, started his film career with negative roles. He is one of those few actors who start their career by doing negative roles and later graduate to a mainstream hero. Vinod debuted in Sunil Dutt's 1968 film Man Ka Meet as a villain. At the beginning of his career, he usually played supporting or villainous characters in films such as Purab Aur Paschim, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, and Mastana in 1970, and in Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Elaan in 1971.
Success, finally: Even after doing films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Sachaa Jhutha (1970) and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Vinod still awaited his big break. However, it was Parvarish (1977) which brought the actor into the limelight. It was in this film that Vinod got his first taste of stardom having shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan. His character had shades of gray which won him many accolades.
He got his first break as the solo lead hero in the film Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971), which was followed by the 1971 multi-hero film Mere Apne directed by Gulzar. Vinod Khanna was also appreciated for his portrayal of an army officer on the death row in critically acclaimed film Achanak, which was scripted and directed by Gulzar,
Original choice for Rocky: After being a part of such path-breaking and successful films Vinod Khanna didn't look back. In fact not many know that one of the highest grossing film of that year Qurbani was originally offered to Amitabh Bachchan. After he refused the role, it fell in Vinod's lap. Apart from the musical hit Qurbani, Vinod Khanna was also reportedly offered the role of Rocky in the film by the same name that eventually introduced Sanjay Dutt in Bollywood.
Everyone's hero: Vinod, who started his movie career by doing supporting and negative roles, also shared screen space with many big superstars of his time. He appeared with Sunil Dutt in Daku Aur Jawan, Dharmendra in Mera Gaon Mera Desh and he also had supporting roles in Sachaa Jhutha, Prem Kahani, Aan Milo Sajna where the lead hero was played by Rajesh Khanna. He has also acted with actors like Shashi Kapoor in Shankar Shambhu, Chor Sipahee and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah. In Hera Pheri, Khoon Pasina, Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar he shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan and in Haath Ki Safai and Aakhri Daku he paired-up with Randhir Kapoor.
Pairing with Amitabh Bachchan: Having acted in many films since 1968 in various roles, success came late to Vinod Khanna. 1977 was an excellent year for him, followed by another box-office success Amar Akbar Anthony. He and Amitabh were a super-hit pair. They acted together in many films like Parvarish, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khoon Pasina, Mukadder Ka Sikandar, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah and Hera Pheri to name a few.
Back with a bang: After a short break, Vinod Khanna returned to rule the silver screen again in the late '80s and early '90s. Apparently, Vinod Khanna was the second highest paid Hindi actor from 1987-1994. While several actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Dharmendra and the then newer lot of Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff were popular in this period, it is interesting to note that Vinod Khanna was still one of the top paid actors. His prominent films in this era include Dayavan, Satyamev Jayate, Surya, Chandni, Mahadev, Mahasangram, Jurm, Faristay and Khoon Ka Karz.
Six pack trend: Vinod Khanna, who has acted with Bollywood's Dabangg Khan, Salman in many films and considers him his lucky mascot also had a good body during his young days. The actor was quoted in an interview, saying, "Things have certainly changed a lot over the years. Today a lot of focus is there on the hero's physique, his six pack abs. Even in our times a lot of us had that kind of body, par humne dikhaya nahi."
Negative roles
Vinod Khanna's most popular negative roles over the years
Aan Milo Sajna
Aan Milo Sajna released in 1970 and stars Vinod Khanna in the negative lead. The film boasts of one the hit pairs of the time - Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh. The film was a hit at the box-office, thanks to the amazing performances and memorable music. Vinod plays the wayward son Anil who doesn't want to mend his ways with his ailing mother. As Anil, Vinod had a very stylish appearance in the film, complete with suit, cigars and hats.
Mere Apne
Mere Apne released in 1971. The film is a classic drama film directed by Gulzar. The film has Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Singh in negative roles. A classic tale of friends-turned foes, the actors are in a constant clash throughout the film. Meena Kumari also plays a pivotal role before her character dies towards the film's climax. Recent reports suggest that Mere Apne might have a remake, with the likes of Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan playing the lead roles.
Mera Gaon Mera Desh
Mera Gaon Mera Desh also released in 1971. The film had Vinod Khanna playing the main villain. Mera Gaon Mera Desh starred the cute couple Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. The film showed Dharmendra take on Vinod Khanna who is has been terrorizing the neighbourhood. In a classic dramatic way the hero takes on the villain through a ultimate faceoff in the end. Mera Gaon Mera Desh had Vinod Khanna play the cruel villain, giving impetus to negative characters in his career.
Reshma aur Shera
Reshma aur Shera released in 1972. The film is a multi-starrer with an ensemble cast of Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Raakhee, Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. The film is about feuds between two clans and Vinod Khanna's character has a negative shade to it. Vinod Khanna plays Sunil Dutt's brother in the film, who eventually becomes a part of the fight. Vinod's performance in Reshma aur Shera was well received by the critics.
Parvarish
Parvarish released in 1977. As the title suggests, the film was all about bringing up values and had Vinod Khanna playing a gray shaded role. Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan were shown as brothers. While Vinod Khanna's character had a negative streak, Amitabh Bachchan was the honest son. It is through misunderstandings, that Vinod Khanna gangs up against his own father. The film was a huge hit at the box office, giving more momentum to Vinod Khanna's career.
Risk
Risk released in 2007 and portrays Vinod Khanna as an underworld don. The film is a based on the big, bad Mumbai uinderworld and has Vinod Khanna playing the negative character of Bangkok-based don. The film stars Randeep Hooda as the cop fighting against the underworld. It is a modern day gangster drama film.
