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{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{short description|Indian actor (1920–2013)}}
{{About|the Indian film actor||Pran (disambiguation){{!}}Pran}}
{{About|the Indian film actor||Pran (disambiguation){{!}}Pran}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Pran Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia
| image              = Still of Pran in Yamla Jat (1940).png
| image              = Pran Actor.JPG
| caption            = Publicity still, 1940
| caption            = Pran in a 1954 publicity photo
| birthname          = Pran Krishan Sikand
| birthname          = Pran Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia
| birth_date        = {{birth date|df=yes|1920|02|12}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date|df=yes|1920|02|12}}
| birth_place        = [[Delhi]], [[British India]]<br />{{small|(present-day [[India]])}}
| birth_place        = [[Lahore]], [[British India]]<br />{{small|(present-day [[Pakistan]])}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2013|07|12|1920|02|12|df=yes}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2013|07|12|1920|02|12|df=yes}}
| death_place        = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| death_place        = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| spouse            = {{marriage|Shukla Sikand Ahluwalia|1945}}
| spouse            = {{marriage|Shukla Sikand|1945}}
| children          = 3 (including [[Sunil Sikand]])
| children          = 3 (including [[Sunil Sikand]])
| nationality        = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| occupation        = [[Actor]]
| occupation        = [[Actor]]
| yearsactive        = 1940–2007
| yearsactive        = 1940–2007
| works              = [[Pran filmography|Filmography]]
| honours            = [[Padma Bhushan]] (2001)<br />[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (2013)
| honours            = [[Padma Bhushan]] (2001)<br />[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (2013)
| website            = {{URL|https://www.pransikand.com|Official Website}}
| website            = {{URL|https://www.pransikand.com|pransikand.com}}
| othername          = ''Villain of the Millennium'', ''Pran Sahab''
| othername          =  
| awards            = 3 [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor]]
| awards            = 3 [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor]]
}}
}}


'''Pran Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia'''  (12 February 1920&nbsp;– 12 July 2013), better known by his [[mononymous person|mononym]], '''Pran''', was an Indian actor, known as the greatest [[villain]] ever in the history of [[Indian cinema]] and character actor in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]] from the 1940s to the 1990s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&q=Pran |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |author=[[Gulzar]], [[Govind Nihalani]], Saibal Chatterjee |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt. Ltd.|year=2003 |isbn= 8179910660 |pages=605 |access-date=15 April 2013}}</ref> He has been one of the most highly successful & respected veteran actors in the history of Indian cinema. He was also one of the highest-paid actors of his time.  
'''Pran Krishan Sikand'''  ({{IPA|hi|pra:n|pron}}; 12 February 1920 – 12 July 2013), better known [[mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Pran''', was an Indian actor who worked in [[Hindi cinema]]. He was one of the most successful and respected actors in the history of [[Indian cinema]]; in a career spanning over six decades he was also one of the highest-paid actors of his time.


He played hero roles from 1940 to 1947, negative characters from 1942 to 1991, and played supporting and character roles from 1967 to 2007. The late 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s were the peak periods of Pran's stint as a hostile character actor, especially 1950s & 1960s. Pran was the first true personification of "evil" on the Indian screen. The intensity of his portrayal of negative/villainous characters on the screen was effective enough to desist the Indian people from naming their children "Pran" in the 1950s & 60s & subsequently thereafter (when Pran was at the peak of his villainy).
Pran was in/famous for his [[villain]] roles, and a highly regarded character actor in [[Bollywood]] from the 1940s to the 1990s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&q=Pran |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |author=[[Gulzar]], [[Govind Nihalani]], Saibal Chatterjee |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt. Ltd.|year=2003 |isbn= 8179910660 |pages=605 |access-date=15 April 2013}}</ref> 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.
In a long and prolific career, Pran appeared in over [[Pran filmography|362 films]]. He played the leading man in works such as ''[[Khandan (1942 film)|Khandaan]]'' (1942), ''Pilpili Saheb'' (1954) and ''Halaku'' (1956). He is known for his roles in ''[[Madhumati]]'' (1958), ''[[Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai]]'' (1960), ''[[Shaheed (1965 film)|Shaheed]]'' (1965), ''[[Upkar]]'' (1967), ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]'' (1967), ''[[Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool]]'' (1969), ''[[Purab Aur Paschim]]'' (1970), ''[[Johny Mera Naam]]'' (1970), ''[[Victoria No. 203]]'' (1972), ''[[Be-Imaan]]'' (1972), ''[[Zanjeer (1973 film)|Zanjeer]]'' (1973), ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977), ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'' (1978), ''[[Sharaabi]]'' (1984) and ''[[Duniya (1984 film)|Duniya]]'' (1984).


Pran has received many [[#Awards and honours|awards and honours]] in his career. He won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]] in 1967, 1969 and 1972 and was awarded the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 1997. He was awarded the '''"Villain of the Millennium"''' by [[Stardust Awards|Stardust]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/pran-bollywood-s-black-gold-is-93-14210/slide/13 |title=Pran, Bollywood's black gold |publisher=[[NDTV]] |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217024526/http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/pran-bollywood-s-black-gold-is-93-14210/slide/13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2001<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |year=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> for his contributions to [[the arts]]. He was honoured in 2013 with the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India. In 2010, he was named on the list of CNN's Top 25 Asian actors of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |title=Big B in CNN's top 25 Asian actors list |date=5 March 2010 |location=New York |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=15 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101080219/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |archive-date=1 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=768&pg=2&view=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126024745/http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=768&pg=2&view=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Asia's Best Actors |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=15 April 2013 }}</ref>
In a long and prolific career, Pran appeared in over [[Pran filmography|362 films]]. He played the leading man in ''[[Khandan (1942 film)|Khandaan]]'' (1942), ''Pilpili Saheb'' (1954) and ''[[Halaku_(film)|Halaku]]'' (1956), and was known for his roles in ''[[Madhumati]]'' (1958), ''[[Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai]]'' (1960), ''[[Shaheed (1965 film)|Shaheed]]'' (1965), ''[[Upkar]]'' (1967), ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]'' (1967), ''[[Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool]]'' (1969), ''[[Purab Aur Paschim]]'' (1970), ''[[Johny Mera Naam]]'' (1970), ''[[Victoria No. 203 (1972 film)|Victoria No. 203]]'' (1972), ''[[Be-Imaan]]'' (1972), ''[[Zanjeer (1973 film)|Zanjeer]]'' (1973), ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977), ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'' (1978), ''[[Sharaabi]]'' (1984) and ''[[Duniya (1984 film)|Duniya]]'' (1984).


Pran died on 12 July 2013 at the age of 93 of old age after suffering from a prolonged illness in Mumbai's [[Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre|Lilavati Hospital]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/legendary-actor-pran-dies-at-93-391494 | title=Legendary actor Pran dies at 93 | publisher=NDTV | access-date=12 July 2013}}</ref>
Pran received many [[#Awards and honours]] in his career, including the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]] in 1967, 1969 and 1972, and was awarded the [[Filmfare Special Award]] in 1997. He was named ''"Villain of the Millennium"'' by [[Stardust Awards]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/pran-bollywood-s-black-gold-is-93-14210/slide/13 |title=Pran, Bollywood's black gold |publisher=[[NDTV]] |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217024526/http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/pran-bollywood-s-black-gold-is-93-14210/slide/13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Bhushan]] Award in 2001<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |year=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> for his contributions to [[the arts]]. He was honoured in 2013 with the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India. In 2010, he was named on the list of CNN's Top 25 Asian actors of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |title=Big B in CNN's top 25 Asian actors list |date=5 March 2010 |location=New York |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=15 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101080219/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |archive-date=1 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=768&pg=2&view=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126024745/http://www.indianexpress.com/pictureStory.php?galId=768&pg=2&view=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Asia's Best Actors |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=15 April 2013 }}</ref>
 
Pran died on 12 July 2013 at the age of 93 at Mumbai's [[Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre]] after suffering a prolonged illness.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/legendary-actor-pran-dies-at-93-391494 | title=Legendary actor Pran dies at 93 | publisher=NDTV | access-date=12 July 2013}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==


Pran was born on 12 February 1920 in Ballimaran, [[Old Delhi]],<ref name="of">{{cite web|url=http://www.pransikand.com/aboutpran.html |title=Pran – The legend of Hindi cinema – About Pran |access-date=15 April 2013 }}</ref> into [[Punjabi Hindu]] family from [[Hoshiarpur district|Hoshiarpur]]. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia, was a [[civil engineer]] and a government civil contractor, his mother was Rameshwari Ahluwalia. Pran was one of seven children; four sons and three daughters.<ref name="bol">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC&q=Pran+Sikand&pg=RA1-PA89 |title=Bollywood: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow |author=Dawar, Ramesh |publisher=Star Publications |year= 2006 |isbn = 1-905863-01-2 |pages= 89 |access-date=15 April 2013}}</ref><!-- He was born in small town [[Jejjon]] in [[Hoshiarpur district]] of [[Punjab]]. As per his official biography, he was born in [[Delhi]]-->
Pran was born on 12 February 1920 in [[Lahore]],<ref name="of">{{cite web|url=http://www.pransikand.com/aboutpran.html |title=Pran – The legend of Hindi cinema – About Pran |access-date=15 April 2013 }}</ref> into a wealthy [[Punjabi Hindu]] family but raised in Ballimaran of [[Old Delhi]] in [[Delhi]]. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pran's 104th Birth Anniversary: Unknown Facts About The Legendary Actor |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/prans-104th-birth-anniversary-unknown-facts-about-the-legendary-actor-8775901.html |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> was a [[civil engineer]] and a government civil contractor; his mother was Rameshwari. Pran was one of seven children; four sons and three daughters.<ref name="bol">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC&q=Pran+Sikand&pg=RA1-PA89 |title=Bollywood: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow |author=Dawar, Ramesh |publisher=Star Publications |year= 2006 |isbn = 1-905863-01-2 |pages= 89 |access-date=15 April 2013}}</ref><!-- He was born in small town [[Jejjon]] in [[Hoshiarpur district]] of [[Punjab]]. As per his official biography, he was born in [[Delhi]]-->


Pran was academically gifted, especially in mathematics. His father had a transferable job, and so Pran studied in various places, including [[Dehradun]], Lahore, [[Kapurthala]], [[Meerut]] and [[Unnao]] (Uttar Pradesh), finally completing his [[matriculation]] from Hamid School, in [[Rampur, Uttar Pradesh|Rampur (U.P.)]]. After that, he joined A. Das & Co., [[Delhi]] as an apprentice to become a professional photographer. He travelled to [[Shimla]] and played [[Sita]] in a local staging of "[[Ramlila]]". [[Madan Puri]] enacted the role of [[Rama]] in this play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/01/28/stories/14282185.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020312184555/http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/01/28/stories/14282185.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 March 2002 |title=Padma Bhushan Pran – Fine actor, finer man|work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 January 2001 |access-date= 14 December 2011}}</ref>
Pran was academically gifted, especially in mathematics. His father had a transferable job, and so Pran studied in various places, including [[Dehradun]], Lahore, [[Kapurthala]], [[Meerut]] and [[Unnao]] (Uttar Pradesh), finally completing his [[matriculation]] from Hamid School, in [[Rampur, Uttar Pradesh|Rampur (U.P.)]]. After that, he joined A. Das & Co., [[Delhi]] as an apprentice to become a professional photographer. He travelled to [[Shimla]] and played [[Sita]] in a local staging of "[[Ramlila]]". [[Madan Puri]] enacted the role of [[Rama]] in this play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/01/28/stories/14282185.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020312184555/http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/01/28/stories/14282185.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 March 2002 |title=Padma Bhushan Pran – Fine actor, finer man|work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 January 2001 |access-date= 14 December 2011}}</ref>
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Because of help from writer [[Saadat Hasan Manto]] and actor [[Shyam (actor)|Shyam]], he got a role in the [[Bombay Talkies]]' film, ''[[Ziddi (1948 film)|Ziddi]]'' which starred [[Dev Anand]] and [[Kamini Kaushal]] and was directed by [[Shaheed Latif]]. The movie launched Pran's career in Bombay. Incidentally, it proved to be Dev Anand's big break as a hero.<ref name=bol /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20060703/cover4.html |title=My Best Year – PRAN:1948 |work=[[India Today]]  |date=3 July 2006 |access-date=14 December 2011}}</ref> By 1950 he had been gradually established as a premier villain in Hindi cinema. Within a week of ''Ziddi''{{'}}s success, he had signed three more films – S M Yusuf's ''Grihasti'' (1948), which became a diamond jubilee hit, [[Prabhat Film Company|Prabhat Films]]'s ''Apradhi'' (1949) and Wali Mohammad's ''Putli'' (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, near [[Mahalaxmi Racecourse]].<ref name=kis /><ref>''Bollywood: a history'', by Mihir Bose, page 161, published by Lotus Collection, Roli Books, 2007. {{ISBN|81-7436-508-7}}.</ref> In the 1940s, romantic duets featuring him, like the songs "Tere Naaz Uthane Ko Jee Chahta Hai" from ''Grihasti'', opposite Shardha, and from ''Khandaan'' (1942), with Noor Jehan, became popular in the 1940s. The way he expressed his dialogues in films such as ''Sheesh Mahal'' (1950), a series of disguises he made in ''Adalat'' (1958), and the rapport he shared with vamps like [[Kuldip Kaur]] in ''Jashan'' (1955) showcased his versatility in the 1950s.
Because of help from writer [[Saadat Hasan Manto]] and actor [[Shyam (actor)|Shyam]], he got a role in the [[Bombay Talkies]]' film, ''[[Ziddi (1948 film)|Ziddi]]'' which starred [[Dev Anand]] and [[Kamini Kaushal]] and was directed by [[Shaheed Latif]]. The movie launched Pran's career in Bombay. Incidentally, it proved to be Dev Anand's big break as a hero.<ref name=bol /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20060703/cover4.html |title=My Best Year – PRAN:1948 |work=[[India Today]]  |date=3 July 2006 |access-date=14 December 2011}}</ref> By 1950 he had been gradually established as a premier villain in Hindi cinema. Within a week of ''Ziddi''{{'}}s success, he had signed three more films – S M Yusuf's ''Grihasti'' (1948), which became a diamond jubilee hit, [[Prabhat Film Company|Prabhat Films]]'s ''Apradhi'' (1949) and Wali Mohammad's ''Putli'' (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, near [[Mahalaxmi Racecourse]].<ref name=kis /><ref>''Bollywood: a history'', by Mihir Bose, page 161, published by Lotus Collection, Roli Books, 2007. {{ISBN|81-7436-508-7}}.</ref> In the 1940s, romantic duets featuring him, like the songs "Tere Naaz Uthane Ko Jee Chahta Hai" from ''Grihasti'', opposite Shardha, and from ''Khandaan'' (1942), with Noor Jehan, became popular in the 1940s. The way he expressed his dialogues in films such as ''Sheesh Mahal'' (1950), a series of disguises he made in ''Adalat'' (1958), and the rapport he shared with vamps like [[Kuldip Kaur]] in ''Jashan'' (1955) showcased his versatility in the 1950s.


As a villain, Pran's initial successful films were ''Ziddi'' and ''Bari Behan'' (1949). Pran's trademark blowing of smoke rings first appeared in the latter film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-92-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pran-part-three/20130712.htm#7 |title=Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran |work=Rediff.com |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> He was regularly offered the role of the main villain or of a negative character in films with [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Dev Anand]] and [[Raj Kapoor]] as the lead hero in the 1950s and 60s. From the 1950s directors like [[M. V. Raman]], [[Nanabhai Bhatt]], Kalidas, Ravindra Dave, [[I. S. Johar]] and [[Bimal 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5235495618822538449&SectionId=5131376722999570563&SectionName=Features&NewsDate=20130712&NewsTitle=And%20Pran%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Most%20Loved%20Bad%20Man%20of%20Indian%20Cinema |title=And Pran – The Most Loved Bad Man of Indian Cinema |work=Sakal Times |date=12 February 1920 |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref>
As a villain, Pran's initial successful films were ''Ziddi'' and ''Bari Behan'' (1949). Pran's trademark blowing of smoke rings first appeared in the latter film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-92-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pran-part-three/20130712.htm#7 |title=Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran |work=Rediff.com |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> He was regularly offered the role of the main villain or of a negative character in films with [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Dev Anand]] and [[Raj Kapoor]] as the lead hero in the 1950s and 60s. From the 1950s directors like [[M. V. Raman]], [[Nanabhai Bhatt]], Kalidas, Ravindra Dave, [[I. S. Johar]] and [[Bimal 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5235495618822538449&SectionId=5131376722999570563&SectionName=Features&NewsDate=20130712&NewsTitle=And%20Pran%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Most%20Loved%20Bad%20Man%20of%20Indian%20Cinema |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110204826/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5235495618822538449&SectionId=5131376722999570563&SectionName=Features&NewsDate=20130712&NewsTitle=And%20Pran%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Most%20Loved%20Bad%20Man%20of%20Indian%20Cinema |url-status=usurped |archive-date=10 January 2016 |title=And Pran – The Most Loved Bad Man of Indian Cinema |work=Sakal Times |date=12 February 1920 |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref>


Pran's performance as the negative character was appreciated especially in Dilip Kumar starrers such as ''[[Azaad (1955 film)|Azaad]]'' (1955), ''[[Devdas (1955 film)|Devdas]]'' (1955), ''[[Madhumati]]'' (1958), ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1966), ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]'' (1967) and ''[[Aadmi (1968 film)|Aadmi]]'' (1968); and films with Dev Anand as the lead man such as ''[[Ziddi (1948 film)|Ziddi]]'' (1948), ''[[Munimji]]'' (1955), ''[[Amar Deep (1958 film)|Amar Deep]]'' (1958), ''[[Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai]]'' (1961); and with Raj Kapoor in ''[[Aah (film)|Aah]]'' (1953), ''[[Chori Chori (1956 film)|Chori Chori]]'' (1956), ''[[Jagte Raho]]'' (1956), ''[[Chhalia]]'' (1960), ''[[Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai]]'' (1960) and ''Dil Hi Toh Hai'' (1963). Films with him as the lead hero, ''Pilpili Saheb'' (1954) and then ''Halaku'' in 1956, were big hits too. He had roles in several genres, like as a pirate in ''Sindbad the Sailor'' (1952) and ''Daughter of Sindbad'' (1958); in action-packed thrillers like ''Azad'' (1955); historicals like ''Aan'' (1952) and ''Raj Tilak'' (1958); social themes like ''Baradari'' (1955); and light romances like ''Munimji'' (1955) and ''Asha'' (1957).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://calcuttatube.com/pran-krishan-sikand-bollywood-legend/46968/ |title=Pran Krishan Sikand-Bollywood Legend |publisher=Calcutta Tube |access-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121015951/http://calcuttatube.com/pran-krishan-sikand-bollywood-legend/46968/ |archive-date=21 November 2010}}</ref> 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 with [[Shammi Kapoor]], [[Joy Mukherjee]], [[Rajendra Kumar]] and [[Dharmendra]] as the lead heroes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-92-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pran-part-three/20130712.htm#1 |title=Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran|work=Rediff.com |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> From the early 1950s to the early 1970s, Pran gained particular notoriety due to his frequent roles as a villain.<ref name=Akhtar>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/talking-talkies/article4098313.ece |title=Talking talkies |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 November 2012 |author=Kumar, Anuj |access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref> From 1964, with ''[[Pooja Ke Phool]]'' and ''[[Kashmir 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 with ''[[Johny Mera Naam]]'' (1970), ''[[Yeh Gulistan Hamara]]'' (1972), ''[[Joshila]]'' (1973), ''[[Warrant (1975 film)|Warrant]]'' (1975) and ''[[Des Pardes (1978 film)|Des Pardes]]'' (1978).
Pran's performance as the negative character was appreciated especially in Dilip Kumar starrers such as ''[[Azaad (1955 film)|Azaad]]'' (1955), ''[[Devdas (1955 film)|Devdas]]'' (1955), ''[[Madhumati]]'' (1958), ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1966), ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]'' (1967) and ''[[Aadmi (1968 film)|Aadmi]]'' (1968); and films with Dev Anand as the lead man such as ''[[Ziddi (1948 film)|Ziddi]]'' (1948), ''[[Munimji]]'' (1955), ''[[Amar Deep (1958 film)|Amar Deep]]'' (1958), ''[[Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai]]'' (1961); and with Raj Kapoor in ''[[Aah (film)|Aah]]'' (1953), ''[[Chori Chori (1956 film)|Chori Chori]]'' (1956), ''[[Jagte Raho]]'' (1956), ''[[Chhalia]]'' (1960), ''[[Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai]]'' (1960) and ''Dil Hi Toh Hai'' (1963). Films with him as the lead hero, ''Pilpili Saheb'' (1954) and then ''Halaku'' in 1956, were big hits too. He had roles in several genres, like as a pirate in ''Sindbad the Sailor'' (1952) and ''Daughter of Sindbad'' (1958); in action-packed thrillers like ''Azad'' (1955); historicals like ''Aan'' (1952) and ''Raj Tilak'' (1958); social themes like ''Baradari'' (1955); and light romances like ''Munimji'' (1955) and ''Asha'' (1957).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://calcuttatube.com/pran-krishan-sikand-bollywood-legend/46968/ |title=Pran Krishan Sikand-Bollywood Legend |publisher=Calcutta Tube |access-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121015951/http://calcuttatube.com/pran-krishan-sikand-bollywood-legend/46968/ |archive-date=21 November 2010}}</ref> 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 with [[Shammi Kapoor]], [[Joy Mukherjee]], [[Rajendra Kumar]] and [[Dharmendra]] as the lead heroes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-92-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pran-part-three/20130712.htm#1 |title=Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran|work=Rediff.com |access-date=15 July 2013}}</ref> From the early 1950s to the early 1970s, Pran gained particular notoriety due to his frequent roles as a villain.<ref name=Akhtar>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/talking-talkies/article4098313.ece |title=Talking talkies |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 November 2012 |author=Kumar, Anuj |access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref> From 1964, with ''[[Pooja Ke Phool]]'' and ''[[Kashmir 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 with ''[[Johny Mera Naam]]'' (1970), ''[[Yeh Gulistan Hamara]]'' (1972), ''[[Joshila]]'' (1973), ''[[Warrant (1975 film)|Warrant]]'' (1975) and ''[[Des Pardes (1978 film)|Des Pardes]]'' (1978).
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From 1967 onward he also acted in Bengali films, beginning with Ashim Banerjee's ''Sonai Dighe'', where [[Joy Mukherjee]] was the hero.<ref name=Ninety>{{cite web|author=Kohli, Suresh |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/226373/ninety-plus-counting.html= |title=Ninety-plus and counting |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=12 February 2012 |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref>
From 1967 onward he also acted in Bengali films, beginning with Ashim Banerjee's ''Sonai Dighe'', where [[Joy Mukherjee]] was the hero.<ref name=Ninety>{{cite web|author=Kohli, Suresh |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/226373/ninety-plus-counting.html= |title=Ninety-plus and counting |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=12 February 2012 |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref>


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 like ''Nanha Farishta'' (1969), ''[[Jangal Mein Mangal]]'' (1972), ''Dharma'' (1973), ''[[Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara]]'' (1973) and ''[[Rahu Ketu]]'' (1978).<ref name="HT Life of Pran">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-life-of-a-legendary-villain-pran/story-KELN4O66t6fPYY9uVEzVEP.html|title=Life of Pran|work=Hindustan Times|date=13 July 2013}}</ref>
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 like ''Nanha Farishta'' (1969), ''[[Jangal Mein Mangal]]'' (1972), ''Dharma'' (1973), ''[[Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara]]'' (1973) and ''[[Rahu Ketu (1978 film)|Rahu Ketu]]'' (1978).<ref name="HT Life of Pran">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-life-of-a-legendary-villain-pran/story-KELN4O66t6fPYY9uVEzVEP.html|title=Life of Pran|work=Hindustan Times|date=13 July 2013}}</ref>


Pran and [[Ashok Kumar]] were very close friends in professional and real life. They acted in 27 films together from 1951 to 1987 starting with ''Afsana'' (1951). Their other films include ''Mr. X'' (1957), ''[[Adhikar (1971 film)|Adhikar]]'' (1971), ''[[Victoria No. 203]]'' (1972), ''[[Chori Mera Kaam]]'' (1975) and ''Raja Aur Rana'' (1984). Sung by [[Kishore Kumar]], the songs "Hum Bolega To Bologe Ke Bolta Hai" from ''[[Kasauti]]'' (1974) and "Micheal Daru Peeke Dandha Kartha Hai" from ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), picturised on Pran, were very popular.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} <!--comment outSung by [[Mahendra Kapoor]], "Do Bichare, Bina Sahare" from ''Victoria No 203'' was also popular.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}-->
Pran and [[Ashok Kumar]] were very close friends in professional and real life. They acted in 27 films together from 1951 to 1987 starting with ''Afsana'' (1951). Their other films include ''Mr. X'' (1957), ''[[Adhikar (1971 film)|Adhikar]]'' (1971), ''[[Victoria No. 203 (1972 film)|Victoria No. 203]]'' (1972), ''[[Chori Mera Kaam]]'' (1975) and ''Raja Aur Rana'' (1984). Sung by [[Kishore Kumar]], the songs "Hum Bolega To Bologe Ke Bolta Hai" from ''[[Kasauti]]'' (1974) and "Micheal Daru Peeke Dandha Kartha Hai" from ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), picturised on Pran, were very popular.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} <!--comment outSung by [[Mahendra Kapoor]], "Do Bichare, Bina Sahare" from ''Victoria No 203'' was also popular.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}-->


From 1969 to 1982, Pran was one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/And-Pran/Article1-963262.aspx |title=And Pran... |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |author=Chintamani, Gautam |date=23 November 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424002319/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/And-Pran/Article1-963262.aspx |archive-date=24 April 2013}}</ref> He played the lead role in the film ''[[Aurat (1967 film)|Aurat]]'' (1967) paired opposite [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]], with [[Rajesh Khanna]] in a supporting role. Pran and Khanna worked in five more films — ''[[Maryada (1971 film)|Maryada]]'' (1971), ''[[Jaanwar (1983 film)|Jaanwar]]'' (1983), ''[[Souten]]'' (1983), ''[[Bewafai]]'' (1985) and ''[[Durgaa]]'' (1985). In 1973, he recommended [[Amitabh Bachchan]] to [[Prakash Mehra]] for the character of Vijay in ''Zanjeer'', a role earlier offered to Dev Anand and Dharmendra. Pran's role as Sher Khan, with his red wig and beard and [[Pathan]] I style was well appreciated.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Dadasaheb-Phalke-Award-for-Pran/articleshow/19521567.cms | title=Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Pran | work=[[The Times of India]]| date=13 April 2013 | access-date=13 April 2013 | author=Dubey, Bharati}}</ref> Pran acted with Bachchan in about 14 films with notable ones being ''[[Zanjeer]]'' (1973), ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'' (1978), ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony (1977 film)|Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977), ''[[Dostana (1980 film)|Dostana]]'' (1980), ''[[Kaalia]]'' (1981), ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'' (1981) and ''[[Sharaabi]]'' (1984).
From 1969 to 1982, Pran was one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/And-Pran/Article1-963262.aspx |title=And Pran... |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |author=Chintamani, Gautam |date=23 November 2012 |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424002319/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/And-Pran/Article1-963262.aspx |archive-date=24 April 2013}}</ref> He played the lead role in the film ''[[Aurat (1967 film)|Aurat]]'' (1967) paired opposite [[Padmini (actress)|Padmini]], with [[Rajesh Khanna]] in a supporting role. Pran and Khanna worked in five more films — ''[[Maryada (1971 film)|Maryada]]'' (1971), ''[[Jaanwar (1983 film)|Jaanwar]]'' (1983), ''[[Souten]]'' (1983), ''[[Bewafai]]'' (1985) and ''[[Durgaa]]'' (1985). In 1973, he recommended [[Amitabh Bachchan]] to [[Prakash Mehra]] for the character of Vijay in ''Zanjeer'', a role earlier offered to Dev Anand and Dharmendra. Pran's role as Sher Khan, with his red wig and beard and [[Pathan]] I style was well appreciated.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Dadasaheb-Phalke-Award-for-Pran/articleshow/19521567.cms | title=Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Pran | work=[[The Times of India]]| date=13 April 2013 | access-date=13 April 2013 | author=Dubey, Bharati}}</ref> Pran acted with Bachchan in about 14 films with notable ones being ''[[Zanjeer (1973 film)|Zanjeer]]'' (1973), ''[[Majboor (1974 film)|Majboor]]'' (1974), ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'' (1978), ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony (1977 film)|Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977), ''[[Dostana (1980 film)|Dostana]]'' (1980), ''[[Kaalia]]'' (1981), ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'' (1981) and ''[[Sharaabi]]'' (1984).


Pran occasionally accepted antagonistic roles from 1971 to 1992. He appeared as a villain in films like ''[[Maryada (1971 film)|Maryada]]'', ''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'' and ''Azaad Desh Ke Ghulam''.<ref name="HT Life of Pran" /> Pran had dual roles in ''Khoon Ka Rishta'', ''Insaaf'' and ''Jangal Mein Mangal''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-legend-of-pran-latest-dada-saheb-phalke-award-winner/article_b97fd360-e2ad-599b-b1c8-0c855b1317b0.htm |title=The Legend of Pran: Latest Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner {{!}} Bollywood {{!}} indiawest.com |website=www.indiawest.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221165528/https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-legend-of-pran-latest-dada-saheb-phalke-award-winner/article_b97fd360-e2ad-599b-b1c8-0c855b1317b0.htm |archive-date=2019-02-21}}</ref>
Pran occasionally accepted antagonistic roles from 1971 to 1992. He appeared as a villain in films like ''[[Maryada (1971 film)|Maryada]]'', ''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'' and ''Azaad Desh Ke Ghulam''.<ref name="HT Life of Pran" /> Pran had dual roles in ''Khoon Ka Rishta'', ''Insaaf'' and ''Jangal Mein Mangal''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-legend-of-pran-latest-dada-saheb-phalke-award-winner/article_b97fd360-e2ad-599b-b1c8-0c855b1317b0.htm |title=The Legend of Pran: Latest Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner {{!}} Bollywood {{!}} indiawest.com |website=www.indiawest.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221165528/https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-legend-of-pran-latest-dada-saheb-phalke-award-winner/article_b97fd360-e2ad-599b-b1c8-0c855b1317b0.htm |archive-date=2019-02-21}}</ref>
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== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Pran married Shukla Ahluwalia in 1945 and has two sons, Arvind Ahluwalia and [[Sunil Sikand|Sunil Sikand Ahluwalia]], and a daughter, Pinky Ahluwalia.<ref name=of />
Pran married Shukla Ahluwalia in 1945 and has two sons, Arvind and [[Sunil Sikand]], and a daughter, Pinky.<ref name=of />


== Illness and death ==
== Illness and death ==
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== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
Pran had a six-decade career in [[Hindi 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,<ref name=Akhtar /> while the industry had started calling him "Pran Sahab".<ref>[http://www.screenindia.com/old/feb25/film6.htm Pran is eighty – His is the kind of life (Pran) life will always be proud of] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117155701/http://www.screenindia.com/old/feb25/film6.htm |date=17 November 2010}}. ''[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]''.</ref> His favourite line "Barkhurdaar" became immensely popular.
Pran had a six-decade career in [[Hindi 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,<ref name=Akhtar /> while the industry had started calling him "Pran Sahab".<ref>[http://www.screenindia.com/old/feb25/film6.htm Pran is eighty – His is the kind of life (Pran) life will always be proud of] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117155701/http://www.screenindia.com/old/feb25/film6.htm |date=17 November 2010}}. ''[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]''.</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041024/spectrum/book8.htm Reel evil] ''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]'', 24 October 2004." Bimal Roy presents, Madhumati, starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johny Walker, Tiwari ... and Pran."</ref>
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".<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041024/spectrum/book8.htm Reel evil] ''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]'', 24 October 2004." Bimal Roy presents, Madhumati, starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johny Walker, Tiwari ... and Pran."</ref> In 2012, he gave his handprint for "Legend's Walk", a waterfront promenade in [[Bandra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/pran-in-riteish-deshmukh-s-legend-s-walk_105798.htm |title=Pran in Riteish Deshmukh's 'Legend's Walk' |date=13 February 2012 |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref> In 2022, Pran was placed in ''[[Outlook India]]''{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actors Who Conquered Hearts Of The Millions |work=Outlook India |date=12 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2012, he gave his handprint for "Legend's Walk", a waterfront promenade in [[Bandra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/pran-in-riteish-deshmukh-s-legend-s-walk_105798.htm |title=Pran in Riteish Deshmukh's 'Legend's Walk' |date=13 February 2012 |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
{{Main|Pran filmography}}
{{Main|Pran filmography}}


{{small|Source: [https://www.pransikand.com/filamcareer.html# Official website]. See also articles on individual films.}}
{{small|Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20090615083811/https://www.pransikand.com/filamcareer.html# Official website]. See also articles on individual films.}}


== Awards and honours ==
== Awards and honours ==
Pran has been honoured with awards for his portrayal of negative characters. He has received three [[Filmfare Awards]] in the [[Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award|Best Supporting Actor]] category for ''Upkar'', ''Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool'' and ''Be-Imaan''. However, in 1973 when he was awarded for his role of constable Ram Singh in ''Be-Imaan'', he refused to accept the award stating that the [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director]] should have gone to [[Ghulam Mohammed (composer)|Ghulam Mohammed]] for ''[[Pakeezah]]'' and not to the musical duo [[Shankar Jaikishan]] for ''Be-imaan''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2006/filmfare-awards-golden-022706.html|title=Things that u dont know about Filmfare Awards|work=One India|date=27 February 2006|access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="PranWebsite_awards" /> He was awarded three [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]] for his supporting roles.
Pran has been honoured with awards for his portrayal of negative characters. He has received three [[Filmfare Awards]] in the [[Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award|Best Supporting Actor]] category for ''Upkar'', ''Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool'' and ''Be-Imaan''. However, in 1973 when he was awarded for his role of constable Ram Singh in ''Be-Imaan'', he refused to accept the award stating that the [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director]] should have gone to [[Ghulam Mohammed (composer)|Ghulam Mohammed]] for ''[[Pakeezah]]'' and not to the musical duo [[Shankar Jaikishan]] for ''Be-imaan''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Super Admin |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/features/2006/filmfare-awards-golden-022706.html|title=Things that u dont know about Filmfare Awards|work=One India|date=27 February 2006|access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="PranWebsite_awards" /> He was awarded three [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]] for his supporting roles.


For his vast contributions to Indian cinema, Pran has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards, including those of Filmfare, [[Star Screen Awards]] and [[Zee Cine Awards]]. In 2001, the [[Government of India]] conferred the [[Padma Bhushan]] on him. In April 2013, he was announced to be the winner of the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], the most prestigious award of Indian cinema, presented by the Government of India. The award was presented to him at the [[60th National Film Awards]] for his lifetime of work in the film industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/actor-pran-to-receive-dadasaheb-phalke-award-353373|title=Actor Pran to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award|publisher=NDTV|date=12 April 2013|access-date=12 April 2013| author=Das, Mala}}</ref> He could not attend the [[60th National Film Awards]] in May 2013 where he was to be presented the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]]. Instead, Information and Broadcasting minister [[Manish Tewari]] presented the award at Pran's home in Mumbai. Celebrities congratulated him on this occasion with [[Amitabh Bachchan]] calling him "a large pillar of the Indian Film Industry" on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.tweetwood.com/SrBachchan/tweet/322817997284720641|title=Amitabh Bachchan @SrBachchan|via=Twitter|date=13 April 2013|access-date=13 April 2013|author=[[Amitabh Bachchan|Bachchan, Amitabh]]|quote=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|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615214507/http://in.tweetwood.com/SrBachchan/tweet/322817997284720641|archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> He was a contender of the award for the previous year with [[Manoj Kumar]] and [[Vyjayanthimala]], but [[Soumitra Chatterjee]] was chosen as the awardee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/veteran-actor-soumitra-chatterjee-to-get-dadasaheb-phalke-award/926789|title=Veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee to get Dadasaheb Phalke award|work=The Financial Express|date=22 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2013|location=Kolkata|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200837/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/veteran-actor-soumitra-chatterjee-to-get-dadasaheb-phalke-award/926789|archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref>
For his vast contributions to Indian cinema, Pran has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards, including those of Filmfare, [[Star Screen Awards]] and [[Zee Cine Awards]]. In 2001, the [[Government of India]] conferred the [[Padma Bhushan]] on him. In April 2013, he was announced to be the winner of the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], the most prestigious award of Indian cinema, presented by the Government of India. The award was presented to him at the [[60th National Film Awards]] for his lifetime of work in the film industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/actor-pran-to-receive-dadasaheb-phalke-award-353373|title=Actor Pran to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award|publisher=NDTV|date=12 April 2013|access-date=12 April 2013| author=Das, Mala}}</ref> He could not attend the [[60th National Film Awards]] in May 2013 where he was to be presented the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]]. Instead, Information and Broadcasting minister [[Manish Tewari]] presented the award at Pran's home in Mumbai. Celebrities congratulated him on this occasion with [[Amitabh Bachchan]] calling him "a large pillar of the Indian Film Industry" on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.tweetwood.com/SrBachchan/tweet/322817997284720641|title=Amitabh Bachchan @SrBachchan|via=Twitter|date=13 April 2013|access-date=13 April 2013|author=[[Amitabh Bachchan|Bachchan, Amitabh]]|quote=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|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615214507/http://in.tweetwood.com/SrBachchan/tweet/322817997284720641|archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> He was a contender of the award for the previous year with [[Manoj Kumar]] and [[Vyjayanthimala]], but [[Soumitra Chatterjee]] was chosen as the awardee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/veteran-actor-soumitra-chatterjee-to-get-dadasaheb-phalke-award/926789|title=Veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee to get Dadasaheb Phalke award|work=The Financial Express|date=22 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2013|location=Kolkata|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200837/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/veteran-actor-soumitra-chatterjee-to-get-dadasaheb-phalke-award/926789|archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref>
Line 96: Line 94:


=== National Film Awards ===
=== National Film Awards ===
[[File:Manish Tewari presenting the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement to Veteran Actor Pran Kishan Sikand (Pran), in Mumbai. The Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Uday Kumar Verma is also seen (cropped).jpg|thumb|Pran being felicitated with Dadasaheb Phalke award at his residence on 5 August 2011.]]
* 2013 – [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], India's highest national award for cinema artists, presented by the Government of India, for lifetime achievement.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Actor-Pran-to-receive-this-years-Dadasaheb-Phalke-Award/articleshow/19512494.cms|title=Actor Pran to receive this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award|newspaper=The Times of India| access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref>
* 2013 – [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]], India's highest national award for cinema artists, presented by the Government of India, for lifetime achievement.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Actor-Pran-to-receive-this-years-Dadasaheb-Phalke-Award/articleshow/19512494.cms|title=Actor Pran to receive this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award|newspaper=The Times of India| access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref>


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=== Other awards and recognitions ===
=== Other awards and recognitions ===
[[File:Chhagan Bhujbal and Pran at the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Awards, 2010.jpg|thumb|Pran being felicitated by the then [[Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra]] [[Chhagan Bhujbal]] (left) at the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in 2010.]]
* 1972–73 – Chitrlok Cine Circle [[Ahmedabad]]: "Best Character Artiste Award".<ref name="PranWebsite_awards" />
* 1972–73 – Chitrlok Cine Circle [[Ahmedabad]]: "Best Character Artiste Award".<ref name="PranWebsite_awards" />
* 1975–76 – Bombay Film Award: Most Versatile Actor.<ref name="PranWebsite_awards" />
* 1975–76 – Bombay Film Award: Most Versatile Actor.<ref name="PranWebsite_awards" />
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[[Category:Male actors from Delhi]]
[[Category:Male actors from Delhi]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Lahore]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]

Latest revision as of 02:49, 17 March 2026


This article is about the Indian film actor. For other uses, see Pran.

Pran
Publicity still, 1940
Born
Pran Krishan Sikand

(1920-02-12)12 February 1920
Lahore, British India
(present-day Pakistan)
Died12 July 2013(2013-07-12) (aged 93)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
OccupationActor
Years active1940–2007
Works
Filmography
Spouse(s)
Shukla Sikand
(
m. 1945)
Children3 (including Sunil Sikand)
Awards3 Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor
HonoursPadma Bhushan (2001)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013)
Websitepransikand.com

Pran Krishan Sikand (hi; 12 February 1920 – 12 July 2013), better known mononymously as Pran, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He was one of the most successful and respected actors in the history of Indian 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 his villain roles, and a highly regarded character actor in Bollywood 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.

In a long and prolific career, Pran appeared in over 362 films. He played the leading man in Khandaan (1942), Pilpili Saheb (1954) and Halaku (1956), and was known for his roles in Madhumati (1958), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960), Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool (1969), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Victoria No. 203 (1972), Be-Imaan (1972), Zanjeer (1973), Majboor (1974), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Don (1978), Sharaabi (1984) and Duniya (1984).

Pran received many #Awards and honours in his career, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1967, 1969 and 1972, and was awarded the Filmfare Special Award in 1997. He was named "Villain of the Millennium" by Stardust Awards in 2000.[2] The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan Award in 2001[3] for his contributions to the arts. He was honoured in 2013 with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India. In 2010, he was named on the list of CNN's Top 25 Asian actors of all time.[4][5]

Pran died on 12 July 2013 at the age of 93 at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre after suffering a prolonged illness.[6]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Pran was born on 12 February 1920 in Lahore,[7] into a wealthy Punjabi Hindu family but raised in Ballimaran of Old Delhi in Delhi. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand Ahluwalia,[8] was a civil 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, including Dehradun, Lahore, Kapurthala, Meerut and Unnao (Uttar Pradesh), finally completing his matriculation from Hamid School, in Rampur (U.P.). After that, he joined A. Das & Co., Delhi as an apprentice to become a professional photographer. He travelled to Shimla and played Sita in a local staging of "Ramlila". Madan Puri enacted the role of Rama in this play.[10]

Career[edit | edit source]

Early career (1940–1967)[edit | edit source]

Pran got his first role in Dalsukh M. Pancholi's Punjabi film Yamla Jat (1940) because of an accidental meeting with writer Wali Mohammad Wali at a shop in Lahore.[11] Directed by Moti B. Gidwani, the film featured Noor Jehan and Durga Khote. This was followed by small roles in the film Chaudhary and Khajanchi, both in 1941. Pancholi cast him again in Khandaan (1942), which was Pran's first Hindi-language film. It featured him as a romantic hero, opposite Noor Jehan, who had acted with him in Yamla Jat as a child artist.[12][13][14] In Khandaan, she was under 15 years old and compensated for the difference in their heights in close-up shots by standing on top of bricks.[15] In the pre-independence era, director Gidwani cast Pran in more films like Kaise Kahoon (1945) and Khamosh Nigahen (1946).

Pran had acted in 22 films from 1942 to 1946 in Lahore; 18 were released by 1947. Due to India's partition in 1947, his career had a brief break. His films from 1944 to 1947 were made in undivided India, but Taraash (1951) and Khanabadosh (1952) (both co-starring Manorama) were released only in Pakistan after Partition. He left Lahore and arrived in Bombay. 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 writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, he got a role in the Bombay Talkies' film, Ziddi which starred Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal and was directed by Shaheed 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 of Ziddi's success, he had signed three more films – S M Yusuf's Grihasti (1948), which became a diamond jubilee hit, Prabhat Films's Apradhi (1949) and Wali Mohammad's Putli (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, near Mahalaxmi Racecourse.[17][18] In the 1940s, romantic duets featuring him, like the songs "Tere Naaz Uthane Ko Jee Chahta Hai" from Grihasti, opposite Shardha, and from Khandaan (1942), with Noor Jehan, became popular in the 1940s. The way he expressed his dialogues in films such as Sheesh Mahal (1950), a series of disguises he made in Adalat (1958), and the rapport he shared with vamps like Kuldip Kaur in Jashan (1955) showcased his versatility in the 1950s.

As a villain, Pran's initial successful films were Ziddi and Bari 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 with Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor as the lead hero in the 1950s and 60s. From the 1950s directors like M. V. Raman, Nanabhai Bhatt, Kalidas, Ravindra Dave, I. S. Johar and Bimal 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 as Azaad (1955), Devdas (1955), Madhumati (1958), Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966), Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Aadmi (1968); and films with Dev Anand as the lead man such as Ziddi (1948), Munimji (1955), Amar Deep (1958), Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961); and with Raj Kapoor in Aah (1953), Chori Chori (1956), Jagte Raho (1956), Chhalia (1960), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960) and Dil Hi Toh Hai (1963). Films with him as the lead hero, Pilpili Saheb (1954) and then Halaku in 1956, were big hits too. He had roles in several genres, like as a pirate in Sindbad the Sailor (1952) and Daughter of Sindbad (1958); in action-packed thrillers like Azad (1955); historicals like Aan (1952) and Raj Tilak (1958); social themes like Baradari (1955); and light romances like Munimji (1955) and Asha (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 with Shammi Kapoor, Joy Mukherjee, Rajendra Kumar and Dharmendra 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, with Pooja Ke Phool and Kashmir 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 with Johny Mera Naam (1970), Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972), Joshila (1973), Warrant (1975) and Des Pardes (1978).

Pran played roles in comedy films starring Kishore Kumar and Mehmood Ali in the lead. His collaborations with Mehmood include Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968), Lakhon Me Ek (1971) and with Kishore Kumar include Chham Chhama Chham (1952), Aasha (1957), Bewaqoof (1960), Half Ticket (1962) and Man-Mauji (1962).

Later career (1967−retirement)[edit | edit source]

In the late 1960s, Pran played Malang Chacha, a veteran war hero, in Manoj Kumar's film Upkar (1967). The Kalyanji Anandji song "Kasme Waade Pyaar Wafaa" was picturised on him. In this film, Pran played a more sympathetic role. He received his first Filmfare Award for Upkar. Kumar continued to cast him in pivotal roles in films such as Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Be-Imaan (1972), Sanyasi (1975) and Dus Numbri (1976).

From 1967 onward he also acted in Bengali films, beginning with Ashim Banerjee's Sonai Dighe, where Joy 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 like Nanha Farishta (1969), Jangal Mein Mangal (1972), Dharma (1973), Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara (1973) and Rahu Ketu (1978).[25]

Pran and Ashok Kumar were very close friends in professional and real life. They acted in 27 films together from 1951 to 1987 starting with Afsana (1951). Their other films include Mr. X (1957), Adhikar (1971), Victoria No. 203 (1972), Chori Mera Kaam (1975) and Raja Aur Rana (1984). Sung by Kishore Kumar, the songs "Hum Bolega To Bologe Ke Bolta Hai" from Kasauti (1974) and "Micheal Daru Peeke Dandha Kartha Hai" from Majboor (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 film Aurat (1967) paired opposite Padmini, with Rajesh Khanna in a supporting role. Pran and Khanna worked in five more films — Maryada (1971), Jaanwar (1983), Souten (1983), Bewafai (1985) and Durgaa (1985). In 1973, he recommended Amitabh Bachchan to Prakash Mehra for the character of Vijay in Zanjeer, a role earlier offered to Dev Anand and Dharmendra. Pran's role as Sher Khan, with his red wig and beard and Pathan I style was well appreciated.[27] Pran acted with Bachchan in about 14 films with notable ones being Zanjeer (1973), Majboor (1974), Don (1978), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Dostana (1980), Kaalia (1981), Naseeb (1981) and Sharaabi (1984).

Pran occasionally accepted antagonistic roles from 1971 to 1992. He appeared as a villain in films like Maryada, 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 and Azaad Desh Ke Ghulam.[25] Pran had dual roles in Khoon Ka Rishta, Insaaf and Jangal Mein Mangal.[28]

He produced the movie Lakshmanrekha 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 productions Tere Mere Sapne (1996) and Mrityudata (1997). Pran made an exception by acting in them to help Bachchan through a difficult time in his career. In 1997, his character in Mrityudaata was modified to compensate for Pran's shaking legs in real life and in Tere Mere Sapne, his shots were taken with him seated. After 2000, he made a few guest appearances.[24]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Pran married Shukla Ahluwalia in 1945 and has two sons, Arvind and Sunil Sikand, and a daughter, Pinky.[7]

Illness and death[edit | edit source]

He was treated at the Lilavati 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 Minister Manmohan Singh paid his condolences on his death and called him "an icon".[33] Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted his feelings about his death calling him a "magnificent pillar" of the film industry.[34]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Pran had a six-decade career in Hindi 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 in Bandra.[37] In 2022, Pran was placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.[38]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Pran filmography

Source: Official website. See also articles on individual films.

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

Pran has been honoured with awards for his portrayal of negative characters. He has received three Filmfare Awards in the Best Supporting Actor category for Upkar, Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool and Be-Imaan. However, in 1973 when he was awarded for his role of constable Ram Singh in Be-Imaan, he refused to accept the award stating that the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director should have gone to Ghulam Mohammed for Pakeezah and not to the musical duo Shankar Jaikishan for Be-imaan.[39][40] He was awarded three Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards for his supporting roles.

For his vast contributions to Indian cinema, Pran has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards, including those of Filmfare, Star Screen Awards and Zee Cine Awards. In 2001, the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan on him. In April 2013, he was announced to be the winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the most prestigious award of Indian cinema, presented by the Government of India. The award was presented to him at the 60th National Film Awards for his lifetime of work in the film industry.[41] He could not attend the 60th National Film Awards in May 2013 where he was to be presented the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Instead, Information and Broadcasting minister Manish Tewari presented the award at Pran's home in Mumbai. Celebrities congratulated him on this occasion with Amitabh Bachchan calling him "a large pillar of the Indian Film Industry" on Twitter.[42] He was a contender of the award for the previous year with Manoj Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, but Soumitra Chatterjee was chosen as the awardee.[43]

Civilian Award[edit | edit source]

National Film Awards[edit | edit source]

Pran being felicitated with Dadasaheb Phalke award at his residence on 5 August 2011.
  • 2013 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest national award for cinema artists, presented by the Government of India, for lifetime achievement.[45]

Filmfare Awards[edit | edit source]

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards[edit | edit source]

Other awards and recognitions[edit | edit source]

  • 1972–73 – Chitrlok Cine Circle Ahmedabad: "Best Character Artiste Award".[40]
  • 1975–76 – Bombay Film Award: Most Versatile Actor.[40]
  • 1977–78 – Bombay Film Award: Most Versatile Actor.[40]
  • 1978 – North Bombay Jaycees: Best Character Actor.[40]
  • 1984 – "Extra Ordinary Special Award as Wizard of Acting" by Bombay Film Award.[40]
  • 1984 – Filmgoers Award: Reigning "Abhinay Samrat".[40]
  • 1985 – Kala Bhushan Award presented by Punjabi 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 by Punjabi 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]
  • 2000 – Screen Lifetime Achievement Award[40]
  • 2000 – Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement[17][40]
  • 2000 – "Villain of the Millennium" by the Stardust Awards.[13][40]
  • 2004 – Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by the Maharashtra Government.[13]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Gulzar, Govind Nihalani, Saibal Chatterjee (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema. Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt. Ltd. p. 605. ISBN 8179910660. Retrieved 15 April 2013.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ "Pran, Bollywood's black gold". NDTV. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "Big B in CNN's top 25 Asian actors list". Hindustan Times. New York. 5 March 2010. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  5. ↑ "Asia's Best Actors". The Indian Express. Retrieved 15 April 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  6. ↑ "Legendary actor Pran dies at 93". NDTV. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Pran – The legend of Hindi cinema – About Pran". Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Pran's 104th Birth Anniversary: Unknown Facts About The Legendary Actor". News18. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Dawar, Ramesh (2006). Bollywood: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow. Star Publications. p. 89. ISBN 1-905863-01-2. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "Padma Bhushan Pran – Fine actor, finer man". The Hindu. 28 January 2001. Archived from the original on 12 March 2002. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  11. ↑ "92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran – 2". Rediff.com. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  12. ↑ "Pran chosen for Raj Kapoor award". The Times of India. 15 July 2004. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 A lifetime of villainy Prerana Trehan, The Tribune, 25 July 2004.
  14. ↑ "Villains". bollywoodprofilesite.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2009.
  15. ↑ "Villain of the Millennium Pran turns 89". News.webindia123.com. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  16. ↑ "My Best Year – PRAN:1948". India Today. 3 July 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 ..In March 2000, he was honoured with the Zee Lifetime Achievement Award Rediff, 5 April 2000.
  18. ↑ Bollywood: a history, by Mihir Bose, page 161, published by Lotus Collection, Roli Books, 2007. ISBN 81-7436-508-7.
  19. ↑ "Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran". Rediff.com. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  20. ↑ "And Pran – The Most Loved Bad Man of Indian Cinema". Sakal Times. 12 February 1920. Archived from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  21. ↑ "Pran Krishan Sikand-Bollywood Legend". Calcutta Tube. Archived from the original on 21 November 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  22. ↑ "Tribute: 92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran". Rediff.com. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Kumar, Anuj (15 November 2012). "Talking talkies". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Kohli, Suresh (12 February 2012). "Ninety-plus and counting". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Life of Pran". Hindustan Times. 13 July 2013.
  26. ↑ Chintamani, Gautam (23 November 2012). "And Pran..." Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  27. ↑ Dubey, Bharati (13 April 2013). "Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Pran". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  28. ↑ "The Legend of Pran: Latest Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner | Bollywood | indiawest.com". www.indiawest.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019.
  29. ↑ "Top 10 Facts about Pran Saheb". Top10always.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  30. ↑ "92 Facts You Didn't Know About Pran: Part II". Rediff.com. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  31. ↑ "Veteran actor passes away at 93". Zee News. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  32. ↑ "Politicians, film fraternity condole Pran's death". Hindustan Times. New Delhi. 12 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  33. ↑ "Pran was an icon: Prime Minister". New Delhi: Zee News. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  34. ↑ "Bollywood mourns death of beloved Pran 'sahab'". Zee News. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  35. ↑ Pran is eighty – His is the kind of life (Pran) life will always be proud of Archived 17 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Screen.
  36. ↑ Reel evil The Tribune, 24 October 2004." Bimal Roy presents, Madhumati, starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johny Walker, Tiwari ... and Pran."
  37. ↑ "Pran in Riteish Deshmukh's 'Legend's Walk'". Zeenews.india.com. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  38. ↑ "75 Bollywood Actors Who Conquered Hearts Of The Millions". Outlook India. 12 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  39. ↑ Super Admin (27 February 2006). "Things that u dont know about Filmfare Awards". One India. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  40. ↑ 40.00 40.01 40.02 40.03 40.04 40.05 40.06 40.07 40.08 40.09 40.10 40.11 40.12 40.13 40.14 40.15 40.16 40.17 40.18 40.19 40.20 40.21 40.22 40.23 "PRAN – Awards". Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  41. ↑ Das, Mala (12 April 2013). "Actor Pran to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award". NDTV. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  42. ↑ Bachchan, Amitabh (13 April 2013). "Amitabh Bachchan @SrBachchan". Retrieved 13 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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  43. ↑ "Veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee to get Dadasaheb Phalke award". The Financial Express. Kolkata. 22 March 2012. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  44. ↑ Lata, Bismillah Khan get Bharat Ratnas Rediff, 25 January 2001. "The Padma Bhushan...veteran actor Pran,".
  45. ↑ "Actor Pran to receive this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  46. ↑ 1962:25th Annual BFJA Awards – Awards For The Year 1961 BFJA Awards website. Archived 7 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  47. ↑ 1967:30th Annual BFJA Awards – Awards For The Year 1966 BFJA Awards website. Archived 28 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ↑ 1974: 37th Annual BFJA Awards – Awards For The Year 1973 BFJA Awards website. Archived 22 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine

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