Balraj Sahni Profile, Bollywood actors Balraj Sahni, read the biodata of Bollywood actors Balraj Sahni.

Balraj Sahni Profile

Balraj Sahni born on May 1, 1913, as Yudhishthir Sahni in Rawalpindi, Punjab, India. Balraj Sahni is considered as one of greats in Hindi film industry. Belonging to a Punjabi family, Sahni completed his education and married Damayanti. Afterwards, both of them went to join Rabindra Nath Tagore. He also worked with Mahatma Gandhi for a brief period.

Balraj Sahni completed his Masters degree in English Literature from Lahore and then went back to Rawalpindi and joined his family business. He also held a Bachelor’s degree in Hindi

Balraj Sahni went England , there he worked as journalist, a radio announcer.

Sahni was always interested in acting, and started his acting career with the plays of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). He started his film career in Mumbai with the film Insaaf (1946), followed by Dharti Ke Lal directed by KA Abbas in 1946, Door Chalein in 1946, and other films. But it was in 1953, with Bimal Roy’s classic Do Bigha Zameen, that his true forte as an actor was first recognised. The film won the international prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Balraj Sahni roles like the family head in Do Raaste , in Pavitra Papi with his son Parikshit Sahni and a host of other movies. But he acted again in one of his greatest performances in the 1973 Partition drama Garam Hawa directed by M.S.Sathyu. He played a muslim shoemaker in Agra who has to decide whether he needs to stay in India or migrate. One of Sahni’s greatest performances again and tragically his last as he succumbed to the maker in 1973.

He was not a star nor a superstar, but he shone with the brilliance of the Pole Star or the Dhruv Tara, which is perched high in the sky. He was not just an actor, but one of the most well educated persons.

Balraj Sahni was a writer and a Leftist activist. In short he was a Titan and a legend.

Sahni also wrote the story and screenplay for Baazi (1951) starring Dev Anand and directed by Guru Dutt. He wrote extensively on many issues including novels and an autobiography. He remained a Left Activist all his life and was part of cultural delegates to the Soviet Union and China. His writings and speeches were compiled by Communist Leader PC Joshi in the book Balraj Sahni: An Intimate Portrait (1974).

For more than 30 years Balraj Sahni maintained a respectable image in bollywood films and his film should be restored for new generations to learn the art of realistic, natural performance.

Balraj Sahni’s talents were not limited to acting and directing. He was also a set designer. His work was largely influenced by a neo-realistic style, which could be seen in his writings, performances and productions—something that surely brought in the crowds.

Words like stardom and superstardom paled into insignificance before him as he was well beyond that. He was in a league of his own where none could even dream of reaching.

Balraj Sahni is gone physically but he lives in our heart through a series of unforgettable performances. His combination of intelligence, dignity, restraint and subtlety made sure, that he would always be in a league of his own. Balraj Sahni was a Titan among actors and it would be a Herculean task for any to even reach his heights. Indian cinema can always be justifiably proud of this great man.

Filmography:

Insaaf, Dharti Ke Lal,
Door Chaleinin,
Do Bigha Zameen,
Kabuliwala, Sone Ki Chidiya,
Ghar Sansaar, Waqt, Garm Hava,
Ek Phool Do Mali,
Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar (punjabi)

Famous Books:

Mera Pakistani Safar,
Mera Rusi Safarnama,
Meri Filmi Aatmakatha (autobiography),
Preetlari (Punjabi magazine).

Original Name   :   Yudhishthir Sahni
Film Name         : Balraj Sahni
Date of Birth      : May 1, 1913
Zodiac Sign        : Taurus
Eye Color           : Black
Hair Color          : Black
Birth Place         : Rawalpindi, Punjab,
Religion              : Hindu
Marital Status   : Married
Debut Film         : Insaaf (1946)