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Vinod Khanna, a name synonymous with charisma and versatility in Bollywood, has left an indelible mark in the Indian film industry. Born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan), Vinod Khanna’s journey in cinema spans over five decades, witnessing the evolution of Bollywood and establishing himself as one of its finest actors.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vinod Khanna |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan) |
| Date of Death | April 27, 2017 |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Politician |
| Debut Film | Man Ka Meet (1968) |
| Spouses | Geetanjali (m. 1971; div. 1985), Kavita (m. 1990) |
| Children | Rahul Khanna, Akshaye Khanna, Sakshi Khanna, Shraddha Khanna |
| Parents | Kishanchand Khanna, Kamla Khanna |
Early Life and Education
Vinod Khanna was born into a business family that had little to do with cinema. He moved to Mumbai with his family and completed his education at Sydenham College, where he developed a deep fascination for acting. Determined to make it big in Bollywood, Vinod Khanna started his journey as an actor, debuting with a small role in “Man Ka Meet” (1968).
Rise to Stardom
Vinod Khanna’s initial years in Bollywood saw him playing antagonistic roles, but his talent did not go unnoticed. He got his first break as a lead actor in “Hum Tum Aur Woh” (1971), and there was no looking back after that. With his good looks and acting prowess, he quickly became a heartthrob and went on to deliver numerous hit films, including “Mera Gaon Mera Desh”, “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar”, and “Amar Akbar Anthony”.
Personal Life
Vinod Khanna’s personal life has been as interesting as his reel life. He married Geetanjali in 1971, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1985. They have two sons together, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna, both of whom are actors. In 1990, he married Kavita, and they have a son, Sakshi Khanna, and a daughter, Shraddha Khanna.
In the late 1970s, at the peak of his career, Vinod Khanna shocked everyone by quitting films and following his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh. He spent five years away from Bollywood, dedicating his time to spiritual pursuits. He made a comeback in the 1980s but could not recreate the same magic as before.
Political Career
Vinod Khanna also had a stint in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab. He was elected four times from the same constituency, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Net Worth and Legacy
Vinod Khanna’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million at the time of his death in 2017. He had amassed wealth through his acting career, production ventures, and political career.
Vinod Khanna will always be remembered as a trailblazer in Bollywood, having played a wide variety of roles and breaking the stereotype of a conventional hero. His legacy continues through his films and his contribution to Indian cinema.
FAQs
1. When and where was Vinod Khanna born?
Vinod Khanna was born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India.
2. When did Vinod Khanna pass away?
Vinod Khanna passed away on April 27, 2017, in Mumbai, India.
3. How many children did Vinod Khanna have?
Vinod Khanna had four children: Rahul Khanna, Akshaye Khanna, Sakshi Khanna, and Shraddha Khanna.
4. What was Vinod Khanna’s debut film?
Vinod Khanna made his acting debut in “Man Ka Meet” (1968).
5. Did Vinod Khanna have a political career?
Yes, Vinod Khanna served as a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab.
6. What is Vinod Khanna’s legacy in Bollywood?
Vinod Khanna is remembered as one of Bollywood’s most charismatic and versatile actors.
7. Which political party did Vinod Khanna represent?
Vinod Khanna represented the Bharatiya Janata Party.
8. Did Vinod Khanna quit Bollywood for spiritual pursuits?
Yes, Vinod Khanna took a five-year break from Bollywood in the late 1970s to follow his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh.
9. What is Vinod Khanna’s net worth?
Vinod Khanna’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million at the time of his death.
10. How many times was Vinod Khanna elected as a Member of Parliament?
Vinod Khanna was elected four times as a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab.
11. Did Vinod Khanna’s children follow in his footsteps in acting?
Yes, both Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna are actors.
12. What are some of Vinod Khanna’s most memorable films?
Some of Vinod Khanna’s most memorable films include “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar,” and “Amar Akbar Anthony.”
13. Was Vinod Khanna married?
Yes, Vinod Khanna was married twice, first to Geetanjali and then to Kavita.
14. What kind of roles did Vinod Khanna play in Bollywood?
Vinod Khanna played a wide variety of roles, ranging from antagonistic characters to lead roles.
15. What impact did Vinod Khanna have on Indian cinema?
Vinod Khanna had a significant impact on Indian cinema, breaking stereotypes and establishing himself as one of the industry’s leading actors. His legacy continues through his films and his contribution to the world of entertainment.
