🎬 Kiran Kumar: The Bollywood Villain Who Was Once the 'Amitabh Bachchan of Gujarati Cinema'
Kiran Kumar (born Deepak Dhar on October 20, 1953) is
a veteran Indian actor renowned for his prolific and versatile career across
Hindi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri cinema and television. Known for his
commanding screen presence and frequent portrayal of complex antagonistic
characters, he is one of the most enduring character actors in the industry,
with a filmography spanning over five decades and hundreds of projects.
🌟 Early Life and
Cinematic Pedigree
Kiran Kumar hails from an aristocratic Kashmiri Pandit
family. He is the son of the legendary Bollywood actor Jeevan, who was
famous for his villainous roles, thus placing Kiran Kumar within a family
deeply rooted in cinema. He attended Daly College, a boarding school in Indore,
and later R.D. National College in Mumbai.
He honed his craft at the prestigious Film and Television
Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. His film debut as a child artist was in
the 1960 Hindi film Love in Simla, and he later debuted in a lead adult
role in 1974 with the film Azad Mohabbat.
🎠The Rise of a Regional
Star
While his initial lead roles in Hindi cinema in the 1970s
did not achieve the commercial success expected, Kiran Kumar made a remarkable
turn towards regional cinema, specifically in Gujarat.
He starred in numerous Gujarati films and achieved superstar
status, earning the moniker "the Amitabh Bachchan of Gujarati
cinema" for his immense popularity and commanding presence in the
industry. This success showcased his ability to carry films as a leading man,
demonstrating a versatility that extended beyond the Hindi film stereotype he
would later embrace.
💥 The Bollywood Villain
and Character Actor
Kiran Kumar staged a powerful comeback in Hindi cinema in
the late 1980s and 1990s, where he was highly sought after for his powerful
portrayals of villains and corrupt officials, often becoming the formidable
foil to the leading hero.
- The
Breakthrough Antagonist: His negative role as Lotiya Pathan in
N. Chandra's blockbuster Tezaab (1988) is considered one of the
most memorable villain roles in Hindi cinema and gave him widespread
recognition and respect in the industry.
- Major
Highlights: He further solidified his reputation as a compelling
antagonist in the 1992 blockbuster Khuda Gawah, opposite Amitabh
Bachchan. Other notable Hindi films where he excelled in negative or
impactful supporting roles include Ghayal (1990), Karan Arjun
(1995), and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006).
In the 21st century, Kiran Kumar seamlessly transitioned
into highly respected character roles across film and television, adapting to
the changing demands of the industry. His more recent film appearances include Bobby
Jasoos (2014), Attack Part 1 (2022), and Bholaa (2023). On
television, he has appeared in popular serials like Miilee and the
recent web series Inspector Avinash (2023), proving his enduring
relevance across platforms. He continues to remain an active and respected
figure, contributing to both acting and production under his banner Saitama
Visions.
No comments:
Post a Comment