Amjad Khan Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Amjad Khan was one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, forever remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of Gabbar Singh in the classic film Sholay (1975). With his deep baritone voice, menacing dialogue delivery, and magnetic screen presence, Khan redefined the image of the Bollywood villain. But beyond Gabbar, he proved his versatility in a wide range of roles—from menacing antagonists to lovable comic characters—making him one of the most respected and admired performers of his era.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Amjad Zakaria Khan
- Date of Birth: 12 November 1940
- Birthplace: Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan)
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Died: 27 July 1992, Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India (aged 51)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 85 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later salt & pepper)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Distinctive Feature: Deep voice and commanding screen presence
Early Life & Family Background
Amjad Khan was born into a prominent film family deeply rooted in Indian cinema.
- Father: Jayant (Zakaria Khan), a well-known character actor of the 1940s and 1950s.
- Brothers: Imtiaz Khan and Inayat Khan, both associated with acting.
Growing up in a household surrounded by theatre and film, Amjad developed a passion for acting at an early age.
Education Journey
- Attended St. Andrew’s High School in Bandra, Mumbai.
- Graduated from R. D. National College, Mumbai.
- Was actively involved in theatre during his college days, which helped him hone his acting skills and powerful dialogue delivery.
Early Career & Struggles
- Amjad began his career as a child artist in films such as Nazneen (1951).
- Assisted K. Asif during the making of Love and God and appeared in small roles in a few films.
- Spent years working in theatre and struggling for significant roles before destiny gave him the breakthrough of a lifetime.
Breakthrough Role – Gabbar Singh in Sholay
Amjad Khan shot to instant fame with his debut as a villain in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay (1975).
- His portrayal of the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh became one of the greatest performances in Indian film history.
- Iconic dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?” and “Jo darr gaya, samjho mar gaya” became part of Indian pop culture.
- Despite being a newcomer, Amjad overshadowed established stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra with his terrifying charisma.
- Sholay made him an overnight sensation and set the standard for Bollywood villains for decades to come.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
After Sholay, Amjad Khan continued to showcase his range as an actor:
- Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) – Memorable as Dilawar.
- Qurbani (1980) – Played the menacing villain Rana.
- Lawaaris (1981) – Impressive performance alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
- Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986) – Surprised audiences with a delightful comic role.
- Satte Pe Satta (1982), Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), Parvarish (1977), Des Pardes (1978), and Mr. Natwarlal (1979) added to his diverse filmography.
In total, he acted in over 130 films, proving his ability to excel in villainous, comedic, and character-driven roles.
Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Nomination (1976): For Sholay.
- Recognized as one of the greatest villains in Indian cinema by critics and audiences alike.
- Gabbar Singh became a cultural icon, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.
Personal Life
Amjad Khan’s personal life was marked by love, warmth, and resilience:
- Marriage & Family:
- Married Shehla Khan in 1972.
- The couple had three children:
- Shadaab Khan – Actor and writer.
- Seemaab Khan – Private life away from the limelight.
- Ahlam Khan – Theatre personality.
- Despite his intimidating screen persona, Amjad was a devoted husband and father, known for his gentle nature.
- Personality:
- Loved reading, especially Urdu poetry and literature.
- Known for his wit, intelligence, and kindness towards colleagues.
- Maintained close friendships with stars like Amitabh Bachchan and R. D. Burman.
- Health & Challenges:
- Suffered a serious car accident in 1976 while shooting for The Great Gambler, which left him with lasting health complications.
- Despite ongoing medical issues, he continued acting with determination until his passing in 1992 due to heart failure.
Legacy & Influence
Amjad Khan’s legacy is forever tied to the immortal character of Gabbar Singh, often cited as the greatest villain in Indian cinema.
- His dialogue delivery, menacing laugh, and fearless presence set a new standard for screen antagonists.
- Inspired actors like Amrish Puri, Prakash Raj, and others to explore layered villain roles.
- Beyond Gabbar, his work in comedy and character roles proved his versatility and acting brilliance.
Even today, nearly five decades after Sholay, the line “Kitne aadmi the?” remains one of the most quoted dialogues in Bollywood history.
FAQs
Q1: What was Amjad Khan’s real name?
A: Amjad Zakaria Khan.
Q2: Which was Amjad Khan’s debut film as a lead villain?
A: Sholay (1975) as Gabbar Singh.
Q3: Who was Amjad Khan’s wife?
A: Shehla Khan.
Q4: Did Amjad Khan have children?
A: Yes, Shadaab Khan, Seemaab Khan, and Ahlam Khan.
Q5: What made Gabbar Singh so iconic?
A: Amjad Khan’s powerful dialogue delivery, baritone voice, and chilling screen presence.
