Vinod Khanna

Vinod Khanna – Life, Career, and Enduring Legacy

Discover the life of Indian film legend Vinod Khanna (1946–2017): from his early years, rise to stardom, spiritual hiatus, political career, memorable films, and his lasting imprint on Bollywood.

Introduction

Vinod Khanna (6 October 1946 – 27 April 2017) was an Indian actor, film producer, and politician whose charisma, versatility, and off-screen depth left an indelible mark on Bollywood. Known as one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, Khanna combined commercial appeal with a reputation for gravitas, and later embraced spiritual and public-service dimensions in his life.

In this article, we explore his journey—from early life and silver-screen success, to his spiritual sojourn, political tenure, and the lessons his life story offers.

Early Life and Family

Vinod Khanna was born on 6 October 1946 in Peshawar, in what was then British India (now in Pakistan).

After the partition, the Khanna family relocated to Bombay (Mumbai). Pramod Khanna, who later participated in film projects.

Education & Early Influences

• Khanna’s schooling included a period at Barnes School, Deolali (near Nashik), before his family moved back to Mumbai.

• He eventually graduated with a Commerce degree from Sydenham College, Mumbai.

• As a youth, Khanna had an affinity for films and theatre. He once reflected that he was entranced by films such as Mughal-e-Azam and Solva Saal, which shaped his sensibility toward cinema.

• He also had an early fondness for cricket. In a later interview, he joked that he “played fair cricket” with Test cricketer Budhi Kunderan before realizing his destiny lay in cinema.

Thus, his upbringing combined a middle-class educational grounding with a sensitivity to art, performance, and ambition.

Acting Career & Stardom

Debut & Early Roles (late 1960s – early 1970s)

Vinod Khanna’s first screen appearance was in Man Ka Meet (1968), a film produced by Sunil Dutt.

Some notable early films and roles:

• Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): Khanna played a tough antagonist in this classic, memorable role that solidified his presence in action cinema.

• Mere Apne (1971) and Achanak (1973): films where he moved into more serious, dramatic material.

Peak Stardom (mid-1970s to early 1980s)

The mid and late 1970s were the golden era for Vinod Khanna:

• Haath Ki Safai (1974): This was a key commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

• Hera Pheri (1976): A multi-star film with him sharing space with Amitabh Bachchan.

• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): A blockbuster ensemble film that solidified his star status.

• Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978): One of his biggest hits and a film that cemented his place among top leading men.

• The Burning Train (1980) and Qurbani (1980): Big commercial successes. Qurbani was among the year’s biggest hits.

• Through these years, Khanna was known both for his looks and acting intensity, earning a reputation as one of Bollywood’s style icons.

Spiritual Hiatus & Return (1982–1987)

At the peak of his fame, Khanna made a surprising choice: he stepped away from films to follow his spiritual path under Osho Rajneesh.

• He lived in Rajneeshpuram (in the U.S.), took up humble duties such as working in the gardens, and adopted the name Swami Vinod Bharti during his period in the ashram.

• After about five years, disillusionment and internal reflection led him to return to Bollywood.

• His comeback film was Insaaf (1987).

Later Phase: Supporting & Character Roles (1990s onward)

In the later decades of his career, Khanna shifted often to character roles and father figures:

• He starred in Chandni (1989), which was a major success and helped re-establish his position.

• In the 2000s and 2010s, he featured in popular films like Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), Dabangg 2 (2012), and Dilwale (2015), playing mentor or fatherly roles.

• Even his last film Guns of Banaras released posthumously in 2020.

Over his career, Khanna acted in over 140 films.

Political & Public Life

Entry into Politics

Vinod Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the late 1990s and contested from Gurdaspur, Punjab.

He was elected Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Gurdaspur for multiple terms: 1998 to 2009 and again in 2014 until his death in 2017.

Ministerial Roles

• From July 2002 to January 2003, he served as Minister of State for Culture & Tourism under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

• He was later appointed Minister of State for External Affairs, serving through May 2004.

His political career was a significant second act, showing him as a public figure beyond cinema.

Personal Life & Spirituality

Marriages & Children

Vinod Khanna’s personal life had both stability and turbulence:

• He first married Gitanjali Taleyar in 1971, daughter of A. F. S. Talyarkhan (a notable Indian cricket commentator).

• The couple had two sons: Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna, both of whom became actors.

• After their divorce in 1985, he married Kavita Daftary in 1990, daughter of industrialist Sharayu Daftary. They had a son and a daughter together.

Spiritual Journey

Khanna’s spiritual dimension was profound:

• As mentioned, he became a disciple of Osho Rajneesh and spent years in the ashram, undertaking humble duties and adopting the life of a monk.

• Later, Khanna himself admitted he became disillusioned with some of the spiritual trappings, asserting that spirituality sometimes catered more to those who could afford it rather than offering practical grounding.

• His public renuncia­tion and return to cinema created both fascination and controversy in Bollywood circles.

Death & Posthumous Honors

Vinod Khanna passed away on 27 April 2017 in Mumbai, after battling advanced bladder cancer.

On his death, tributes poured in from Bollywood, political figures, and fans.

In 2018, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award posthumously – India’s highest honor in cinema.

Legacy & Influence

Vinod Khanna’s legacy is multifaceted:

• He is remembered as one of the most handsome, charismatic actors of his generation whose presence could dominate a scene whether in a heroic or villainous role.

• His ability to shift seamlessly across types – hero, antihero, character actor – makes him a model for versatility in Indian cinema.

• His spiritual interlude adds a rare depth to his biography, reminding audiences that public figures often wrestle with existential questions.

• His political service showed he was more than a film star: he took on responsibilities in culture, tourism, and external affairs.

• His sons continue to act, ensuring that the Khanna name endures in Bollywood, but not merely as legacy casting – both Rahul and Akshaye have carved their own paths.

Khanna remains a touchstone in Bollywood history — a star who maintained dignity, grace, and complexity across domains.

Lessons from the Life of Vinod Khanna

1. Don’t be afraid to pivot
   At the height of his career, he chose to step back; later, he re-emerged and stayed relevant. Life is not a single trajectory.

2. Balance fame with introspection
   His spiritual search reminds us that public acclaim does not necessarily satisfy internal needs. It’s wise to listen to deeper callings.

3. Service as a later chapter
   His political career shows that one can dedicate later life to civic roles beyond one’s original field.

4. Craft over typecasting
   Rather than being locked into one star persona, Khanna embraced transformations in role, tone, and genre.

5. Legacy is lived, not claimed
   His life suggests that a legacy emerges from integrity, resilience, and the willingness to face failings or contradictions, not merely from success.

Conclusion

Vinod Khanna is a towering figure in Indian cultural memory — not only for glamorous successes on screen but for the courage of his mid-career withdrawal, the sincerity of his spiritual quest, and the dignity of his public service. His arc offers both inspiration and caution: that fame and power are transient, but integrity, curiosity, and the willingness to evolve matter more.