Kumar Pallana

Kumar Pallana was an American actor who is best known for The Terminal, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Bottle Rocket. Born on December 23, 1918, in Indore, Indore State, Central India Agency, British India, he became notable for his unique appearances in films and television. He passed away on October 10, 2013, in Oakland, California, USA.

Personal and Family Life

Kumar Pallana was married to Ranjana Jethwa, with whom he had two children. His son, Dipak Pallana, ran the Cosmic Cup Cafe in Dallas, Texas, a place frequented by notable figures like Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson, where they discovered Kumar at the age of 80. He immigrated to the United States in 1946 and started his career as a movie extra in Los Angeles.

Career

Throughout his young adulthood, Kumar traveled performing juggling and balancing acts, appearing on several early television shows including The Pinky Lee Show and The Mickey Mouse Club. He was often cast in roles portraying American Indians in Western films. In later years, he gained recognition through his collaborations with director Wes Anderson.

Death and Legacy

Kumar Pallana died in his home while preparing to play bridge with friends, remaining active and healthy up to that point. His remarkable life journey and unique performances in films have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His son often shared the screen, albeit never in the same scene, showcasing their unique relationship in cinema.

Filmography