Pran Krishan Sikand (pronounced[pra:n]; 12 February 1920 – 12 July 2013), better knownmononymously asPran, was an Indian actor who worked inHindi cinema. He was one of the most successful and respected actors in the history ofIndian cinema; in a career spanning over six decades he was also one of the highest-paid actors of his time.
Pran was in/famous for hisvillain roles, and a highly regarded character actor inBollywood from the 1940s to the 1990s.[1] He played heroes from 1940 to 1947, negative roles from 1942 to 1991, and supporting and character roles from 1967 to 2007. From the late 1940s through the 70s was the peak of Pran's career as a villain, especially in the 1950s and 60s: his interpretations were the first true personification of "evil" on the Indian screen, and the intensity of his portrayals of negative/villainous characters was such that the given name "Pran" fell into disuse.
Pran was born on 12 February 1920 inLahore,[7] into a wealthyPunjabi Hindu family but raised in Ballimaran ofOld Delhi inDelhi. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia,[8] was acivil engineer and a government civil contractor; his mother was Rameshwari. Pran was one of seven children; four sons and three daughters.[9]
Pran was academically gifted, especially in mathematics. His father had a transferable job, and so Pran studied in various places, includingDehradun, Lahore,Kapurthala,Meerut andUnnao (Uttar Pradesh), finally completing hismatriculation from Hamid School, inRampur (U.P.). After that, he joined A. Das & Co.,Delhi as an apprentice to become a professional photographer. He travelled toShimla and playedSita in a local staging of "Ramlila".Madan Puri enacted the role ofRama in this play.[10]
Pran got his first role inDalsukh M. Pancholi'sPunjabi filmYamla Jat (1940) because of an accidental meeting with writer Wali Mohammad Wali at a shop inLahore.[11] Directed by Moti B. Gidwani, the film featuredNoor Jehan andDurga Khote. This was followed by small roles in the filmChaudhary andKhajanchi, both in 1941. Pancholi cast him again inKhandaan (1942), which was Pran's firstHindi-language film. It featured him as aromantic hero, opposite Noor Jehan, who had acted with him inYamla Jat as a child artist.[12][13][14] InKhandaan, she was under 15 years old and compensated for the difference in their heights inclose-up shots by standing on top of bricks.[15] In thepre-independence era, director Gidwani cast Pran in more films likeKaise Kahoon (1945) andKhamosh Nigahen (1946).
Pran had acted in 22 films from 1942 to 1946 inLahore; 18 were released by 1947. Due toIndia's partition in 1947, his career had a brief break. His films from 1944 to 1947 were made in undivided India, butTaraash (1951) andKhanabadosh (1952) (both co-starringManorama) were released only in Pakistan after Partition. He left Lahore and arrived inBombay. For a few months, he looked for acting opportunities while doing other jobs. He worked in Delmar Hotel,Marine Drive for eight months, after which he got a chance to act in 1948.
Because of help from writerSaadat Hasan Manto and actorShyam, he got a role in theBombay Talkies' film,Ziddi which starredDev Anand andKamini Kaushal and was directed byShaheed Latif. The movie launched Pran's career in Bombay. Incidentally, it proved to be Dev Anand's big break as a hero.[9][16] By 1950 he had been gradually established as a premier villain in Hindi cinema. Within a week ofZiddi's success, he had signed three more films – S M Yusuf'sGrihasti (1948), which became a diamond jubilee hit,Prabhat Films'sApradhi (1949) and Wali Mohammad'sPutli (1949). By then, Wali Mohammad, who was responsible for Pran's first role, had come to Bombay and became a producer, setting up an office at Famous Studios, nearMahalaxmi Racecourse.[17][18] In the 1940s, romantic duets featuring him, like the songs "Tere Naaz Uthane Ko Jee Chahta Hai" fromGrihasti, opposite Shardha, and fromKhandaan (1942), with Noor Jehan, became popular in the 1940s. The way he expressed his dialogues in films such asSheesh Mahal (1950), a series of disguises he made inAdalat (1958), and the rapport he shared with vamps likeKuldip Kaur inJashan (1955) showcased his versatility in the 1950s.
As a villain, Pran's initial successful films wereZiddi andBari Behan (1949). Pran's trademark blowing of smoke rings first appeared in the latter film.[19] He was regularly offered the role of the main villain or of a negative character in films withDilip Kumar,Dev Anand andRaj Kapoor as the lead hero in the 1950s and 60s. From the 1950s directors likeM. V. Raman,Nanabhai Bhatt, Kalidas, Ravindra Dave,I. S. Johar andBimal Roy repeatedly cast him. Similarly in the 1960s, he was frequently in the directorial ventures of A. Bhim Singh,Shakti Samanta,Bhappi Sonie,K. Amarnath,Nasir Hussain and others. In the 1970s, newer, younger directors and producers cast him in their films even though Pran asked for the highest price among supporting actors from 1968 to 1982.[20]
Pran's performance as the negative character was appreciated especially in Dilip Kumar starrers such asAzaad (1955),Devdas (1955),Madhumati (1958),Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966),Ram Aur Shyam (1967) andAadmi (1968); and films with Dev Anand as the lead man such asZiddi (1948),Munimji (1955),Amar Deep (1958),Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961); and with Raj Kapoor inAah (1953),Chori Chori (1956),Jagte Raho (1956),Chhalia (1960),Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960) andDil Hi Toh Hai (1963). Films with him as the lead hero,Pilpili Saheb (1954) and thenHalaku in 1956, were big hits too. He had roles in several genres, like as a pirate inSindbad the Sailor (1952) andDaughter of Sindbad (1958); in action-packed thrillers likeAzad (1955); historicals likeAan (1952) andRaj Tilak (1958); social themes likeBaradari (1955); and light romances likeMunimji (1955) andAsha (1957).[21] In the 1960s and early 1970s, despite being in his 40s, he continued to play pivotal roles as a character in the age range of 25 to 30 in films withShammi Kapoor,Joy Mukherjee,Rajendra Kumar andDharmendra as the lead heroes.[22] From the early 1950s to the early 1970s, Pran gained particular notoriety due to his frequent roles as a villain.[23] From 1964, withPooja Ke Phool andKashmir Ki Kali, he also brought a comical side to his negative characters. While Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor's careers as the young hero started to decline in the late 1960s and Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor stopped playing the lead by 1973, Pran continued with his roles. His association with Dev Anand, begun in 1948, continued even during the 1970s and the 1980s withJohny Mera Naam (1970),Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972),Joshila (1973),Warrant (1975) andDes Pardes (1978).
Pran played roles in comedy films starringKishore Kumar andMehmood Ali in the lead. His collaborations with Mehmood includeSadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968),Lakhon Me Ek (1971) and with Kishore Kumar includeChham Chhama Chham (1952),Aasha (1957),Bewaqoof (1960),Half Ticket (1962) andMan-Mauji (1962).
In the late 1960s, Pran played Malang Chacha, a veteran war hero, inManoj Kumar's filmUpkar (1967). TheKalyanji Anandji song "Kasme Waade Pyaar Wafaa" was picturised on him. In this film, Pran played a more sympathetic role. He received his firstFilmfare Award forUpkar. Kumar continued to cast him in pivotal roles in films such asPurab Aur Paschim (1970),Be-Imaan (1972),Sanyasi (1975) andDus Numbri (1976).
From 1967 onward he also acted in Bengali films, beginning with Ashim Banerjee'sSonai Dighe, whereJoy Mukherjee was the hero.[24]
Pran played the supporting role in several of these, which replaced his image as the villain with that of a character actor. After 1969, he was offered the lead role in films likeNanha Farishta (1969),Jangal Mein Mangal (1972),Dharma (1973),Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara (1973) andRahu Ketu (1978).[25]
Pran andAshok Kumar were very close friends in professional and real life. They acted in 27 films together from 1951 to 1987 starting withAfsana (1951). Their other films includeMr. X (1957),Adhikar (1971),Victoria No. 203 (1972),Chori Mera Kaam (1975) andRaja Aur Rana (1984). Sung byKishore Kumar, the songs "Hum Bolega To Bologe Ke Bolta Hai" fromKasauti (1974) and "Micheal Daru Peeke Dandha Kartha Hai" fromMajboor (1974), picturised on Pran, were very popular.[citation needed]
From 1969 to 1982, Pran was one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood.[26] He played the lead role in the filmAurat (1967) paired oppositePadmini, withRajesh Khanna in a supporting role. Pran and Khanna worked in five more films —Maryada (1971),Jaanwar (1983),Souten (1983),Bewafai (1985) andDurgaa (1985). In 1973, he recommendedAmitabh Bachchan toPrakash Mehra for the character of Vijay inZanjeer, a role earlier offered to Dev Anand and Dharmendra. Pran's role as Sher Khan, with his red wig and beard andPathan I style was well appreciated.[27] Pran acted with Bachchan in about 14 films with notable ones beingZanjeer (1973),Majboor (1974),Don (1978),Amar Akbar Anthony (1977),Dostana (1980),Kaalia (1981),Naseeb (1981) andSharaabi (1984).
Pran occasionally accepted antagonistic roles from 1971 to 1992. He appeared as a villain in films likeMaryada,Naya Zamana,Jawan Muhabat,Aan Baan,Roop Tera Mastana,Yeh Gulistan Hamara,Gaddar,Rahu Ketu,Andha Kanoon (1983),Duniya (1984),Insaaf Kaun Karega,Durgaa,Bewafai,Hoshiyar,Dharm Adhikari andAzaad Desh Ke Ghulam.[25] Pran had dual roles inKhoon Ka Rishta,Insaaf andJangal Mein Mangal.[28]
He produced the movieLakshmanrekha in 1991, the only one he produced in his Bollywood career, and played Kishan Lal Sharma in the movie.[29]
Pran at his 90th birthday in 2010.
In 1998, at the age of 78, Pran suffered a heart attack,[30] after which he started rejecting film offers due to age-related problems. But in the 1990s, Amitabh Bachchan requested Pran to do roles in his home productionsTere Mere Sapne (1996) andMrityudata (1997). Pran made an exception by acting in them to help Bachchan through a difficult time in his career. In 1997, his character inMrityudaata was modified to compensate for Pran's shaking legs in real life and inTere Mere Sapne, his shots were taken with him seated. After 2000, he made a few guest appearances.[24]
He was treated at theLilavati Hospital and died on 12 July 2013. He had been admitted to hospital a few times in the last few months for deteriorating health; at some point he was battling pneumonia.[31] Pran's death was widely noted by statesmen and his fellow entertainers.[32] Prime MinisterManmohan Singh paid his condolences on his death and called him "an icon".[33] Veteran actorAmitabh Bachchan tweeted his feelings about his death calling him a "magnificent pillar" of the film industry.[34]
Pran had a six-decade career inHindi cinema and is one of the most celebrated actors in the industry. His acting is said to have been effective enough to desist people from naming their children "Pran" because of his negative roles,[23] while the industry had started calling him "Pran Sahab".[35] His favourite line "Barkhurdaar" became immensely popular. In fact he was paid more than most male leads of his time, often most people would go to watch movies to only watch Pran.
In 2000, Bunny Reuben, a film journalist, authored a biography on Pran, titled "...and Pran". The name of this book arises from the fact that in the majority of Pran's movies, his name was credited in the last after all the other actors, "....and Pran". His biography, "...and Pran", was a tribute to about 250 of his 350 movies that had his name at the end of the credits, usually with the words "...and Pran" and sometimes "...above all, Pran".[36] In 2012, he gave his handprint for "Legend's Walk", a waterfront promenade inBandra.[37] In 2022, Pran was placed inOutlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.[38]
For his vast contributions to Indian cinema, Pran has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards, including those of Filmfare,Star Screen Awards andZee Cine Awards. In 2001, theGovernment of India conferred thePadma Bhushan on him. In April 2013, he was announced to be the winner of theDadasaheb Phalke Award, the most prestigious award of Indian cinema, presented by the Government of India. The award was presented to him at the60th National Film Awards for his lifetime of work in the film industry.[41] He could not attend the60th National Film Awards in May 2013 where he was to be presented theDadasaheb Phalke Award. Instead, Information and Broadcasting ministerManish Tewari presented the award at Pran's home in Mumbai. Celebrities congratulated him on this occasion withAmitabh Bachchan calling him "a large pillar of the Indian Film Industry" onTwitter.[42] He was a contender of the award for the previous year withManoj Kumar andVyjayanthimala, butSoumitra Chatterjee was chosen as the awardee.[43]
1985 – Kala Bhushan Award presented byPunjabi Kala Sangam.[40]
1987 – North Bombay Jaycees: Outstanding Performance of Decade.[40]
"Viyayshree Award" presented for Enriching Human Life and Outstanding Attainments India Int. Friendship Society).[40]
"Ars Gratia Artis" for excellence in emotive Art.[40]
1990 – Kala Rattan Award presented byPunjabi Kal Sangam for 50 glorious Years.[40]
1990 –Punjab Association: an Award for 50 years in the Industry.[40]
1990 –Southall Lion's Club London: "In recognition of Invaluable Services to Charity at the Celebration of Golden Jubilee of his services to the Film Industry.[40]
1991 – Cinegoers Award: "Abhinay Samrat Golden Jubilee Award".[40]
1992 – Outstanding contribution to Indian Film Industry, Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association.[40]
^Bachchan, Amitabh (13 April 2013)."Amitabh Bachchan @SrBachchan". Archived fromthe original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved13 April 2013 – via Twitter.A glorious tribute to a great human and a large pillar of the Indian Film Industry .. PRAN..the Dada Saheb Phalke award by the state
%2c_in_Mumbai._The_Secretary%2c_Ministry_of_Information_%2526_Broadcasting%2c_Shri_Uday_Kumar_Verma_is_also_seen_(cropped).jpg)
.svg)
