Keshav Rana was a well-known character actor of Hindi films who mainly appeared in negative roles for around 3 decades. Some of his notable film roles came in films like “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai,” ‘Johny Mera Naam,” “Don,” and many more.
Early Life
Keshav Singh Faizabadi hails from a noble family in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. Keshav Rana entered the Hindi film industry in the 1950s. His journey in the film industry began with the 1956 film “Anjaan,” where he took on a minor role. Initially credited as Keshav Singh Faizabadi, he later adopted the stage name Keshav Rana. His early roles in films like “Khota Paisa (1958)”, “Detective (1958),” “Night Club (1958),” and “Insaan Jaag Utha (1959)” established him.
Some of his other early films include “Main Nashe Men Hoon (1959),” “Kangan (1959),” “Jaali Note (1960),” and “Patang (1960).” With these roles, he slowly became a familiar face, especially for his supporting roles. His consistent appearances through the 1960s and 1970s built his reputation as a reliable performer.
Keshav Rana The Able Support
Some of his other early films include “Main Nashe Men Hoon (1959),” “Kangan (1959),” “Jaali Note (1960),” “Patang (1960),” and many more. With these roles, he slowly became a familiar face, especially for his supporting roles. is consistent appearances through the 1960s and 1970s built his reputation as a reliable performer.
Rana’s career spanned from the golden era of Hindi cinema through to the mid-80s, featuring in approximately 120 films. He was often cast in negative roles, but his talent shone through in every character he portrayed.
Some of his most notable works the sixties include “China Town (1962),” “Jhoola (1962),” “Dil Ek Mandir (1963),” “Hamrahi (1963),” Beti Bete (1964),” “Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964),” “Shehnai (1964),” “Himalay Ki Godmein (1965),” “Janwar (1965),” Arzoo (1965),” “Kaajal (1965),” “Suraj (1966),” “Teesri Kasam (1966),” “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966),” and “Man Ka Meet (1969),” among others
Later Work
Some of his films in 1970s and 80s include “Johny Mera Naam (1970),” “Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan? (1970),” “Aan Milo Sajna (1970),” “Rakhwala (1970),” “Lal Patthar (1971),” “Dastaan (1972),” “Samadhi (1972),” “Loafer (1973),” “Resham ki Dori (1974),” “Ganga Ki Saugand (1978),” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978),” “Don (1978),” “The Great Gambler (1979),” “Shakti (1982),” “Dharam Kanta (1982),” and “Qatl (1986).”
Beyond the screen, Keshav Rana was a family man. He was married to Krishna Rana Singh, and the couple had four children: film producer Laxmi Singh, Indira Aranjo, Rajkumar Singh, and Kanak Rana Singh. His legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, including Bollywood filmmaker Shawn Arranha.
Keshav Rana on IMDB
