Balraj Sahni was an Indian actor known for his exceptional work in film and theater. He is best recognized for his roles in “Do Bigha Zamin,” “Kabuliwala,” and “Waqt.”
Personal and Family Life
Balraj Sahni was born on May 1, 1913, in Rawalpindi, which is now in Pakistan. He was originally named Yudhishthir Sahni. He married two times; first to Damayanti Sahni, with whom he had two children, and later to Santosh Chandhok in 1949, whom he was married to until his death in 1973.
Career
Before becoming an actor, Balraj Sahni worked in civil service but soon realized his passion for acting. He joined the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), where he developed his acting skills. His film career began with “Insaaf” in 1946, and he gained fame for his outstanding performance in “Do Bigha Zamin.” Sahni often portrayed relatable working-class characters and became a celebrated figure in Indian cinema.
Death and Legacy
Balraj Sahni passed away on April 13, 1973, in Bombay due to cardiac arrest. His contributions to the film industry were recognized when he received the Padma Shri award in 1969. He left behind a rich legacy of memorable performances and remains influential in the Indian film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| वक़्त | 1965-07-28 | Kedarnath |
| अनुराधा | 1960-07-22 | Dr. Nirmal Chowdhary |
| दो बीघा ज़मीन | 1953-01-02 | Shambhu Maheto |
| पवित्र पापी | 1970-04-17 | Panna Lal |
| सीमा | 1955-01-07 | Ashok ‘Babuji’ |
| अमानत | 1977-01-01 | Suresh |
| तलाश | 1969-08-09 | |
| जवानी दिवानी | 1972-07-14 | Ravi Anand |
| संघर्ष | 1968-07-27 | Ganeshi N. Prasad |
| गर्म हवा | 1973-01-05 | Salim Mirza |