One of the most genuine, honest, and selfless human beings ever to grace the silver screen, Amjad Khan, became synonymous with the iconic villain Gabbar Singh from the legendary film ‘Sholay’, but he was much more than a villain, an actor par excellence who could be anything on screen, be it an evil incarnation, a selfless friend, a witty mentor, or even a legendary Nawab.
Born on November 12, 1940, in Peshawar into the family of the renowned actor “Jayant (Zakaria Khan), Amjad received his early education at St. Theresa’s High School, Bombay, before going to R.D. National College for higher studies. Amjad was active in college politics and went on to become the general secretary of the student union. His academic pursuits culminated in a postgraduate degree in philosophy. While in college, he was actively involved in theatre and was part of many plays.
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Willum Skeener
Amjad’s journey in the world of acting began at a young age, influenced by his father, Jayant, also a renowned actor of his time. His career in cinema began as a child actor in the film “Nazneen (1951),” followed by 1955 Char Paise (1955), Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1955), and Maya (1961).
He made his adult debut with Chetan Anand’s “Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973). But it was his role as the adult Gabbar Singh that catapulted him to stardom. The character of Gabbar, with his menacing laugh and unforgettable dialogues, became a cultural phenomenon, etching Amjad Khan’s name in the annals of Indian cinema history.
Although Khan was not the first choice for the role, many actors were approached for the role, and Danny Denzongpa was almost finalised, but he has a lengthy schedule in Afghanistan for Feroz Khan’s “Dharmatma.” Years ago, Javed Akhtar saw him play “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” in 1963 at Bombay University. He discussed it with Salim Khan, which led to a call for auditions from Sippy, and in a historic casting moment, he was finalised for the role.
To prepare for his role in “Sholay,” he studied “Abhishapth Chambal,” a book on the lives of dacoits of Chambal by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri. He infused his character with genuine terror with his subtle mannerisms, expressions, and unique dialogue delivery. His lines like “Kitney, aadmi they?” “Ab Tera Kya Hoga Kaliya?” “Holi Kab Hai? Kab Hai Holi? ” “Pachas Pacahs Kos pe jab Baccha Rota Hai…,” “Bahut Karari Nachaniya Hai,” and many more from the film are now legendary. His performance earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The performance had unprecedented impact, making him a cultural icon. His popularity was such that he was offered advertisements for Britannia Glucose Biscuits as Gabbar, marking one of the first instances of a villain promoting a product.
Beyond ‘Sholay’, Khan’s versatility shone through in a variety of roles that showcased his range as an actor. From the comical to the villainous, he left an indelible mark on each character he portrayed.
One of his career’s most challenging and memorable roles came with Satyajit Ray’s classic “Sahatranj ke Khiladi (1977),” based on a short story by Prem Chand. Amjad Khan plays the character of Oudh’s last Nawab, “Wajid Ali Shah.” He gave such depth to the music and art-loving Nawab that we couldn’t help but fall in love with the character, despite his obvious human weakness. Amjad Khan learned Kathak for the film and also sang a thumri, “Tarap Tarap Sagri Rain Gujri,” originally written by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
He plays the gangester Dilawar in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), who was in love with Zohra (Rekha), who obviously was in love with Sikandar (Amitabh), making it a double love triangle. His role as Fazlu in Dada (1979) earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. One of his most memorable roles was in “Qurbani (1980),” a stylish, honest, and music-loving Inspector Amjad Khan, which again gave him the Best Supporting Actor Filmfare nomination.
In the 1981 film “Yaarana,” he played the role of “Bishan,” a man with a golden heart who can do anything for his friend. One more notable performance of Khan was in “Utsav (1984),” where he played the role of Rishi Vatsayan, the author of Kamasutra.
Some of his memorable roles are Havaldar Sher Singh in “Love Story (1981), Robert D’Souza in “Rocky (1981),” Nawab Amjad Khan in “Ladies Tailor(1981),” Ranvir Singh in “Laawaris (1981),” Shareef Khan/ Sharafat Ali/ Karamat Ali /Salamat Ali /Wajahat Ali in “Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai(1981),” Vishvanath Chanchal in “Pataal Bhairavi (1985),” Chakradhari in “Maa Kasam (1985),” for which he earned a Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role, Advocate Harish in cult comedy “Chameli Ki Shadi (1986),” and many more.
Some of his other notable performances came in films like Parvarish (1977), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Lok Parlok (1979), Suhaag (1979), Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1981), Naseeb (1981), Laawaris (1981), Kaalia (1981), Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981), Satte Pe Satta (1982), Dharam Kanta (1982), Nastik (1983), Himmatwala (1983), Utsav (1984), Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1984), The Perfect Murder (1988), Maalamaal (1988), Lekin… (1990), Love (1991), Aasmaan Se Gira (1992), Rudaali (1992), and many more.
Amjad Khan also directed two films, “Chor Police (1983)” and “Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985).” He also served as the president of the Actors Guild Association.
Amjad Khan married Shehla Khan, the daughter of renowned writer and poet Akhtarul Iman, in 1972. Together they had three children, sons Shadaab Khan and Seemaab Khan and a daughter, Ahlam Khan.
Tragically, Amjad Khan’s life was cut short at the age of 51, following a severe road accident that led to a fatal heart attack on July 27, 1992. His untimely demise left a void in the Indian film industry that remains unfilled to this day.
