Raaj Kumar facts for kids

Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 – 3 July 1996) was a famous Indian film actor. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a police officer in Mumbai in the late 1940s. He started acting in 1952 with the Hindi film Rangeeli. Raaj Kumar starred in more than 70 Hindi films over a career that lasted over 40 years. He was also part of the Oscar-nominated 1957 film Mother India.

About Raaj Kumar's Life

Raaj Kumar was born in Loralai, which was then part of British India (now in Pakistan). His family was Kashmiri Pandit. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mumbai, India. There, he joined the Mumbai Police as a Sub Inspector.

He married Jennifer, an air hostess he met on a flight. She later changed her name to Gayatri, following Hindu traditions. They had three children: two sons, Puru Raaj Kumar (who also became a Bollywood actor) and Panini Raajkumar, and a daughter named Vastavikta Pandit.

Raaj Kumar's Acting Career

Raaj Kumar began his acting journey in 1952 with the film Rangili. He also appeared in movies like Aabshar and Ghamand. He became well-known for his role as Prince Naushazad in Sohrab Modi's Nausherwan-E-Adil in 1957.

That same year, he gained more fame with his short but important role as the husband of Nargis in the film Mother India. He also worked with Shammi Kapoor in Ujala (1959). Later, he played a simple mill worker in Paigham (1959) alongside Dilip Kumar.

In the 1963 film Dil Ek Mandir, Raaj Kumar played a cancer patient. For this role, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 1965, he was cast with Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, and Balraj Sahni in Yash Chopra's family drama Waqt. He became famous for his unique way of delivering dialogues.

Later Films and Successes

Some of his other popular films include Hamraaz (1967), Heer Raanjha (1971), Lal Patthar (1971), and Pakeezah (1972).

After a period where some of his films were not very successful in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he made a strong comeback. He had notable hits as a supporting actor in films like Kudrat (1981), Marte Dam Tak (1987), and Jung Baaz (1989).

In 1991, he worked again with his fellow veteran actor Dilip Kumar in Subhash Ghai's Saudagar, after 32 years. His last big hit was the 1992 film Tirangaa. His final film was God & Gun in 1995.

From his first film Rangili in 1952 to his last film God & Gun in 1995, Raaj Kumar played memorable characters in about 60 films.

Raaj Kumar's Passing

Raaj Kumar passed away at the age of 69 due to a serious illness. His son, Puru Raaj Kumar, shared that his father had been battling a type of cancer and had undergone treatment.