Pran Sikand Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Pran Sikand, popularly known simply as Pran, was one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema. Famously titled “Villain of the Millennium” by film critics, he redefined negative roles in Bollywood and later transitioned into powerful character roles. With a career spanning over six decades and more than 350 films, Pran’s towering screen presence, unforgettable mannerisms, and commanding voice made him one of the greatest legends of Indian cinema.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Pran Krishan Sikand
- Date of Birth: 12 February 1920
- Birthplace: Delhi, British India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Died: 12 July 2013, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (aged 93)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 72 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Pran was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Kewal Krishan Sikand, was a civil engineer in the government service. Pran grew up in Lahore (now in Pakistan), where he completed his schooling and developed an early interest in photography before entering the film industry.
Education Journey
- Schooled at Dasmesh School, Lahore.
- Completed his matriculation from Hamid School, Lahore.
- Studied at Delhi’s Modern School before moving to Lahore.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Debut Film: Yamla Jat (1940, Punjabi film).
- First Hindi film appearance in Khandaan (1942) alongside Noor Jehan.
- Initially played romantic and supporting roles before gaining fame as a villain.
Rise to Stardom
By the 1950s and 60s, Pran became the most feared and respected villain in Bollywood:
- Madhumati (1958) – Iconic negative role.
- Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960) – Opposite Raj Kapoor.
- Half Ticket (1962) – Memorable comic-villain role with Kishore Kumar.
- Upkar (1967) – Transition to character roles with the iconic “Malang Chacha.”
- Zanjeer (1973) – Played Sher Khan, a role that transformed his image from villain to lovable character actor.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
- Khandaan (1942)
- Madhumati (1958)
- Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
- Half Ticket (1962)
- Upkar (1967)
- Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
- Zanjeer (1973)
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
- Don (1978)
- Karz (1980)
Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Awards: Multiple wins including Lifetime Achievement Award (1997).
- Padma Bhushan (2001): India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2010): India’s highest award in cinema.
- Ranked among Top 25 Greatest Actors of Indian Cinema by Forbes India.
- Known as one of Bollywood’s most expensive actors of his era.
Personal Life
Pran married Shukla Ahluwalia in 1945. The couple had three children – sons Arvind and Sunil, and daughter Pinky. Despite his fearsome on-screen persona, Pran was known off-screen as a soft-spoken, kind-hearted gentleman.
Death
Pran passed away on 12 July 2013 in Mumbai at the age of 93 due to prolonged illness. His death was mourned across India, and he was given a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
Legacy & Influence
Pran is remembered as the actor who gave the Hindi film villain a distinct identity. His ability to make audiences hate, fear, or even love him was unparalleled. From menacing villains to affectionate character roles, he proved that talent could transcend typecasting. To this day, his name evokes respect, and his body of work continues to inspire actors worldwide.
FAQs
Q1: What was Pran Sikand’s full name?
A: Pran Krishan Sikand.
Q2: Which was his debut film?
A: Yamla Jat (1940, Punjabi film).
Q3: Was Pran always a villain?
A: No, he started with romantic roles but became iconic as a villain before shifting to character roles.
Q4: What awards did Pran win?
A: Padma Bhushan (2001), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2010), and multiple Filmfare Awards.
Q5: Which are Pran’s most famous films?
A: Madhumati, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Upkar, Zanjeer, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don.
