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Pran, a name that resonated with the portrayal of the archetypal villain in Indian cinema, was an actor whose presence guaranteed the success of films for decades. Born Pran Krishan Sikand, his illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which he transformed the role of the antagonist in Bollywood.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pran Krishan Sikand |
| Profession | Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be several million dollars |
| Age (at the time of death) | 93 |
| Spouse | Shukla Sikand |
| Children | Arvind, Sunil, and Pinky |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Career Span | 1940–2007 |
Early Life and Break into Acting
Born on February 12, 1920, in Delhi, Pran began his career in Lahore and got his first break in a Punjabi film called Yamla Jat (1940). His career in Bombay began post-partition with Ziddi (1948), which set the stage for a series of memorable villainous roles. He quickly became the most sought-after ‘bad guy’ in Bollywood, creating a space for the antagonist to shine parallel to the heroes.
The Villain Who Paved His Path
Pran’s versatility allowed him to portray a variety of negative characters, each with distinct traits and quirks. His roles ranged from a street thug in Madhumati (1958) to a sophisticated businessman in Bobby (1973). Despite his villainous on-screen persona, Pran was known to be a gentleman off-screen, endearing him to his colleagues and fans alike.
Iconic Roles and Legacy
Pran’s role in movies such as Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Don (1978) are etched in the hearts of cinephiles. His portrayal of Malang Chacha in Upkar (1967) was a departure from his villain roles and earned him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. Pran also received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013 for his invaluable contribution to Indian cinema.
His legacy is not just limited to the roles he portrayed but also to the professionalism and dedication he brought to the industry. His death on July 12, 2013, marked the end of an era, but his performances continue to be a masterclass in acting.
FAQs About Pran
- Who was Pran? Pran was a celebrated Indian film actor, known for his roles as a villain.
- What was Pran’s net worth? He had an estimated net worth of several million dollars.
- How old was Pran when he died? He was 93 years old.
- Who was Pran married to? He was married to Shukla Sikand.
- Did Pran have children? Yes, he had three children: Arvind, Sunil, and Pinky.
- What was Pran’s first film? His first film was Yamla Jat in 1940.
- How many films did Pran act in? Pran acted in over 350 films.
- Which Pran movie is considered a classic? Madhumati (1958) is one of the many classics he was part of.
- Did Pran always play villain roles? Although he was famous for his villain roles, he also played positive characters.
- Which award did Pran receive from the Indian government? He received the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
- Was Pran his real name? Yes, Pran was his real name.
- What was Pran’s last film? His last film was Dosh (2007).
- Did Pran win any Filmfare awards? Yes, he won several Filmfare awards during his career.
- What was one of Pran’s most memorable roles? His role in Don (1978) as the villain is highly memorable.
- How is Pran remembered in the film industry? Pran is remembered as one of the most skilled actors in Bollywood, with a legacy of iconic performances.
