Amjad Khan

Born in Bombay on November 12, 1940, Amjad Khan was the son of veteran Bollywood actor Jayant. Trained extensively in college theater and Urdu literature, Khan worked in stage productions before destiny intervened in 1973 when screenwriters Salim–Javed and director Ramesh Sippy cast the relative newcomer in the role of Gabbar Singh, the sadistic, belt-cracking bandit chieftain in "Sholay" (1975). Khan prepared meticulously, reading Taroon Kumar Bhaduri's documentary accounts of Chambal dacoits to master the raspy cadence, unhinged laughter, and menace that transformed dialogues like "Kitne aadmi the?" ("How many men were there?") and "Yeh haath humko de de, Thakur!" into the most famous spoken lines in Indian cinema history. His performance established Gabbar Singh as India's definitive cinematic villain, whose dialogues became a nationwide cultural phenomenon. Yet Khan was far more than an action antagonist; he proved his supreme artistic versatility under legendary director Satyajit Ray, portraying the tragic, poetry-loving Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh with poignant dignity in "Shatranj Ke Khilari" (The Chess Players, 1977). Across more than 130 films—including blockbuster hits like "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar" (1978), "Laawaris" (1981), "Yaarana" (1981), and "Chameli Ki Shaadi" (1986)—Amjad Khan demonstrated tremendous range as a dramatic powerhouse, endearing comedian, and sensitive character actor, earning enduring love across the Indian subcontinent.