With his dashing mannerisms and intensity, Pran came to be known as the most fearsome villain that Hindi cinema ever had.
Born on February 12, 1920, he acted as a leading man in several Hindi films between 1940 and ’47, but then went on to become the most popular villain and supporting actor 1942 onward. In his prolific career, the legend acted in around 400 films and immortalised many characters that he played on screen. His inherent charm and attitude added the required flavour to his villainous image on screen. His puffed, coiffed hair added panache and made him one of the most stylish and iconic actor of many generations. Such was the magic of his onscreen villainy that people stopped naming their children Pran at the height of his fame. Interestingly, his persona off screen was the polar opposite of the characters he portrayed and was known in the industry as a gentleman of the highest pedigree.
He will be best remembered for his heavy-duty performances in Madhu-mati, Shaheed, Zanjeer, Purab Aur Paschim and Johny Mera Naam. From Manoj Kumar to Salman Khan, actors from various generations had the privilege of working with Pran.
In 2001, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan and as recently as May, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at his Juhu home.