Kulbhushan Kharbanda facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Kulbhushan Kharbanda in 2012
Born	(1944-10-21) 21 October 1944 (age 80) Hasan Abdal, Punjab, British India
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1970–present

Kulbhushan Kharbanda is a famous Indian actor. He was born on October 21, 1944. He has acted in many Hindi and Punjabi films. People often remember him for playing the bad guy, Shakaal, in the movie Shaan (1980).

Kulbhushan Kharbanda started his acting journey in theatre groups in the 1960s. He then moved into films in 1974. He worked in special "parallel cinema" films before becoming popular in mainstream Hindi movies. He appeared in well-known films like Arth (1982) and Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986). He also starred in all three parts of Deepa Mehta's famous "Elements trilogy": Fire (1996), Earth (1998), and Water (2005).

Kulbhushan Kharbanda's Acting Journey

Kulbhushan Kharbanda began his career in theatre. After finishing his studies, he and his friends started a theatre group called "Abhiyaan." Later, he joined "Yatrik," a theatre group in Delhi. He was the first paid actor there.

In 1972, he moved to Kolkata and worked with another theatre group called "Padatik." This group performed plays in Hindi. After some time, he moved to Mumbai to start acting in films.

Early Films and Big Break

Kulbhushan Kharbanda first gained attention in the film Nishaant (1974). This movie was directed by Shyam Benegal. He worked with Shyam Benegal on many other films, including Manthan (1976) and Junoon (1978). He became a regular actor for directors who made "parallel cinema" films. These films were often more artistic and realistic.

His role as the bald villain Shakaal in Shaan (1980) made him very famous. This movie helped him move into mainstream cinema, which means more popular and widely seen films.

Popular Roles and Movies

After Shaan, Kulbhushan Kharbanda appeared in many big movies. Some of these include Shakti (1982), Ghayal (1990), and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). He also acted in Gupt (1997) and Border (1997).

Even while doing mainstream films, he continued to act in art films. These included Chakra (1981), Arth (1982), and Monsoon Wedding (2001). He also played important roles in historical films like Jodha Akbar and Lagaan.

Kulbhushan Kharbanda has also acted in several Punjabi films. He was the hero in the well-known film Chan Pardesi (1980). He also starred in the Punjabi comedy Mahaul Theek Hai (1999).

He has worked with director Deepa Mehta on six movies, including her famous trilogy: Earth, Fire, and Water. He even acted in a German film in 2009.

Television and Stage Work

Besides films, Kulbhushan Kharbanda has appeared in TV shows. Some of these include Shanno Ki Shaadi and Mahi Ve. He has also continued to perform in plays on stage. His recent stage work includes the play Atmakatha.

Films and TV Shows

Kulbhushan Kharbanda has had a long and successful career. Here are some of the films and TV shows he has been a part of:

Television and Web Series Roles

Film Roles

Awards and Recognitions

Kulbhushan Kharbanda has been recognized for his acting talent.