Throwback Thursday: When Legendary Actor Pran Pranked Family As Brother’s Lover, Took ₹1 To Act In 'Bobby'

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When you think of iconic Bollywood villains, one name towers above the rest: Pran Krishan Sikand, or simply Pran. Born on 12 February 1920 in Lahore, British India, he became a defining presence in Indian cinema, shaping the way audiences understood both heroes and villains. Today, on his birthday, we take a walk through his remarkable career and lesser-known stories that reveal the man behind the screen.

Photo Credit: Oneindia/X@Rishi Kapoor

Pran: Early Life And Beginnings

Pran's journey didn't start under the spotlight. He grew up moving between Meerut, Dehradun, and Rampur, and initially dreamed of being a photographer. Fate, however, had a different plan. His first film break came in 1940, with the Punjabi film Yamla Jat.

Interestingly, Pran was so unsure of how his family would react that he asked his sister to hide the newspaper containing his first film interview until the movie released. That small act hinted at a humility that would define him off-screen throughout his life.

Pran: A Career Spanning Decades

Pran's film journey unfolded in distinct phases, each showcasing a different facet of his talent.

Pran: Hero And Early Roles (1940s)

In the early 1940s, Pran began as a hero in films like 'Khandaan' (1942). He learned the ropes of cinema slowly, finding his footing in a competitive industry while experimenting with his craft.

Pran: Villainous Era (1950s-1980s)

By the 1950s, Pran had carved a niche as Bollywood's quintessential villain. His portrayals were so convincing that, according to industry lore, some families avoided naming their children Pran. But he didn't just play bad guys - he brought depth, nuance, and presence, making antagonists memorable and multi-dimensional.

Pran: Supporting And Character Roles

From the 1970s onward, Pran embraced supporting and character roles, proving that his talent wasn't limited to villainy. These performances added gravitas to films and showcased his versatility across genres.

Pran's Notable Films

Over a career that spanned six decades (1940-2007), Pran appeared in over 350 films. Some of his most memorable works include:

• Madhumati (1958)
• Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
• Upkar (1967)
• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
• Zanjeer (1973) - iconic as Sher Khan
• Don (1978)

From romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers, Pran adapted seamlessly, leaving an indelible mark on every role he played.

Lesser-Known Facts About Pran

Even after decades in the spotlight, Pran's life was full of interesting stories:

• Highest-paid actor even as a villain: In the 1960s-70s, he was often second only to Rajesh Khanna in earnings.
• Launched Amitabh Bachchan: Recommended Bachchan for the lead in Zanjeer (1973), helping shape Bollywood history.
• Bobby for ₹1: Pran agreed to a token fee as the film faced budget constraints.
• Prankster side: Pran once dressed as a woman to playfully surprise his newly married sister‑in‑law at his elder brother's wedding.
• Collector of curios: Owned pipes, walking sticks - some hiding concealed swords.
• Dramatic Mumbai arrival: Saadat Hasan Manto helped him land a role in 'Ziddi' (1948) after Partition.
• Risk-taking on set: Broke his ankle doing stunts in 'Dus Numbri' at 56.
• Principled stand: Refused a Filmfare award in 1973 to protest oversight of music director Ghulam Mohammed who was overlooked for 'Pakeezah'.
• Signature style: Famous smoke rings started in 'Badi Behen' (1949).
• Meticulous prep: Had sketches made at home for character looks.
• Sports lover: Owned a football team, the Bombay Dynamos.

Pran: Awards And Recognition

Pran's contribution to Indian cinema earned him some of its highest honours. He won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor award three times (1967, 1969, 1972) and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Recognised as the "Villain of the Millennium" by Stardust in 2000, he also received the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honour, in 2013. His impact was further acknowledged internationally when he was listed among CNN's Top 25 Asian Actors of All Time in 2010, underscoring both his craft and enduring cultural legacy.

Pran's Personal Life

Pran married Shukla Sikand and had three children, including Sunil Sikand. After the Partition in 1947, he moved to Mumbai, where he overcame early struggles to build a towering film career.

Colleagues often recall him as principled and generous, a figure who treated everyone, from newcomers to peers, with respect, a contrast to the intimidating characters he portrayed on screen.

Pran: Later Years And Legacy

Pran acted until 2007, passing away on 12 July 2013 in Mumbai at the age of 93. He left behind a legacy that redefined character roles, especially villainy, giving them humanity, depth, and memorability.

Pran's life and work remind us that great acting goes beyond looks or heroism. He could be intimidating, charming, hilarious, or tender all in the same lifetime. A Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, he remains one of the most versatile and respected figures in Indian cinema, remembered not just for his roles, but for the person he was off-screen.

Pran wasn't just a villain on screen - he was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a force of character in real life. Celebrating him today is more than remembering films; it's honoring a life that continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.