Pradeep Kumar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pradeep Kumar
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| প্রদীপ কুমার | |
Kumar in the film Bandhan (1956)
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| Born |
Sital Batabyal
4 January 1925 |
| Died | 27 October 2001 (aged 76) |
| Years active | 1947–1998 |
| Known for |
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| Children | 4, including Beena Banerjee |
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 27 October 2001) was a famous Indian actor. He was well-known for his work in Hindi, Bengali, and English-language movies.
Contents
Acting Career
When Pradeep Kumar was 17 years old, he decided he wanted to be an actor. He started his movie journey in Bengali films. Some of his early important roles were in Alaknanda (1947) and 42 (1951).
Moving to Hindi Films
Later, Pradeep Kumar moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to work in Hindi films. He got an important role in the movie Anand Math (1952). He then played the main character in very popular films like Anarkali (1953) and Nagin (1954). These movies were big hits, partly because of their popular songs.
Pradeep Kumar acted with many famous actresses. He worked with Madhubala in eight films. Some of their successful movies included Raj Hath (1956) and Taj Mahal (1963). He also acted with Meena Kumari in seven films and with Mala Sinha in eight films.
Later Roles and Hollywood
In the 1960s, Pradeep Kumar continued to act, though he had fewer big hits. He worked with Asha Parekh in Ghoonghat and with Waheeda Rehman in Rakhi (1962).
Around 1969, he started taking on "character roles." These are supporting roles that are important to the story, but not the main hero. One of his most famous later roles was in the Hollywood movie Gandhi. This film won several Academy Awards and was his first international movie. He also appeared in films like Jaanwar and Razia Sultan in 1983.
Awards and Recognition
Pradeep Kumar received the Kalakar Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999. This award honored his long and successful career in movies.
Later Life and Family
Pradeep Kumar passed away in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on 27 October 2001. He was 76 years old. His daughter, Beena Banerjee, is also an actress. She plays character roles in movies and TV shows.
Filmography Highlights
Bengali Films
In Bengali films, Pradeep Kumar played Bandit Mohan (Dosshu Mohan). This character was based on a very popular Bengali crime thriller series.
