At their peak, these Bollywood villains matched the heroes in terms of popularity. Each of them had their own unique styles, and they all looked ruthless on screen. Wondering what their sons look like; will they follow in their father’s footsteps?
Lets check out!
You will be surprised to know that one of these villains is father of director Rohit shetty (Golmaal fame).
MB Shetty and Rohit Shetty
Everybody knows Rohit Shetty today (Golmaal franchise, Chennai Express, and more). But did you know he is the son of MB Shetty (stuntman, action choreographer, and an actor)?
Just take a look at the picture and you will recall him playing the villain (not the lead villain though) in several movies in the seventies. Almost every time he played a goon, rarely had any dialogue, but he looked intimidating on screen, and the only one who could probably take on the heroes (like Amitabh Bachchan).
Amjad Khan and Shadaab Khan
Bollywood’s most famous dacoit ‘Gabbar’ Amjad Khan’s son Shadaab Khan is an actor, director and also a writer. Shadaab was seen in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (opposite Rani Mukerji’s debut film in 1997), played a small role in Hey Ram (2000).
Here’s an interesting fact – Amjad Khan signed the classic ‘Sholay’ the day Shadaab was born!
Shadaab recalls “while growing up, kids my age would think that my father’s real life nature was similar to his on-screen persona, but once they’d meet him they would become very fond of him, because in real life he was a fun loving and gentle person who was particularly good with children.”
“He did several landmark films. In real life, he was a very down-to-earth person. He taught us to stay humble in life,” says Shadaab.
When Shadaab turned writer, none other than Big B was present at the launch of Shadaab Amjad Khan’s first book titled “Murder in Bollywood”. On the occasion, Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, recalled his great friendship with his late father, Amjad Khan. Mr. Bachchan said that he and Amjad Khan were great friends, even though they were hero and villain in countless blockbusters. Mr. Bachchan also light-heartedly urged Shadaab to leave writing books and follow the family tradition of joining the film industry.
“Shadab, seeing you in this form is quite unbelievable for me. You were literally born in front of me.. Amjad bhai and me were great friends and colleagues together in several films and we had a special relationship.. my presence today is because of that relationship.I never knew you had this passion for writing and I’m really eager to look forward to reading your book. And I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the inauguration. I wish Shadab many more books. But I hope you will come away from books and join the wonderful tradition of your family of joining films,” said Amitabh.
Thanking Amitabh, Shadab said: “I would like to thank Bachchan sahab for graciously agreeing to launch my book. Sir, very few people have old world grace, etiquette, manners, and class. And you are among the few.”
Pran and Sunil Sikand
Pran Krishan Sikand was among the earliest villains in Hindi cinema, and was known for his superb dialogue delivery. His popularity was such that at one stage, he used to get paid more than Amitabh Bachchan.
Pran has two sons and one daughter – Sunil Sikand, Arvind Sikand and Pinky bhalla.
However, none of them have followed on the footsteps of their father. His son Sunil Sikand though is a big name in the advertisement world. Sunil could have become an actor but he wanted to make a name for himself and he chose to get into the ad world. Today, he has filmed several advertisements/commercials and worked with the likes of Aliya Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor and more.
Also Read: Pran used to get paid more than Amitabh Bachchan
Ranjeet and Chiranjeev
Ranjeet (real name Gopal Bedi) was a famous villain in the film industry (in the 60s and 70s). His son Chiranjeev is expected to make his acting debut soon.
However, Chiranjeev’s first love is cars and he wanted to become a Formula One race driver. However, papa Ranjeet could not support his son’s dreams as it was turning out a lot expensive.
“My earnings were through evil portrayals. No doubt, I was paid, but not so enormous that I could afford to shell out more than Rs 150 crore to realize Jeeva’s racing dream of a Formula One driver. I told him ‘yaar kitne bhi rape scene kar loon ya kapdey kheench loon, fir bhi 150 crore nahi la sakta. Kuch aur sochety hain, sasta aur tikau. Finally, he gave up the idea and soon he will be seen in the movies,’ says Ranjeet.
Shakti Kapoor and Siddhanth Kapoor
Shakti Kapoor has done several memorable roles as a villain, and its seems his son Siddhanth is following his footsteps. Siddhanth made his debut in the film Shootout at Wadala, and played Dawood Ibrahim in Haseena Parkar (which featured sister Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role).
Also Read: Real car crash was the reason Shakti Kapoor got a big role in Qurbani
Danny Denzongpa and Rinzing Denzongpa
At his peak, Danny Denzongpa was the leading villain in Bollywood, until he was replaced by Amjad Khan (after playing Gabbar Singh). The multi-talented Danny has been in the industry for close to five decades now.
His son Rinzing Denzongpa is keen to become an actor, but is not keen on follow in his dad’s footsteps. Rinzing doesn’t want to do negative roles; instead he wants to do lead roles.
“I want to play lead roles. The choice depends on the audience, but I want to play the hero, not the villain,” says Rinzing.
Rinzing is a close friend of Tiger Shroff. Rinzing will soon be making his Bollywood debut in a Sajid Nadiadwala produced film.
Also Read: Danny and Asha Bhosle sing old Nepali song ‘Aage Aage Topaiko Gola’
Gulshan Grover and Sanjay Grover
Bollywood’s ‘Bad man’ Gulshan Grover needs no introduction. Gulshan, who has worked in Bollywood as well as Hollywood, wants his son to follow his footsteps — not necessarily as a villain, but as an actor. Gulshan says he would be the happiest father if his son Sanjay becomes an actor and producer in Bollywood.
His son Sanjay Grover is already working in the film industry, but in Hollywood. Sanjay works for Metro Goldwyn Mayer, a major studio in Hollywood, handling production and financial matters on special projects.
However, ‘Bad man’ Grover wants his son to work in Bollywood, and it seems, after a lot of persuasion, Sanjay has agreed to come back.
“Once here, he’ll first train to become an actor (even though Sanjay is a natural actor). His exposure to Hollywood and world cinema has made him knowledgeable,” says says Gulshan.
Amrish Puri & Rajiv Puri
Who doesn’t remember Mogambo (Amrish Puri’s villainous avatar in Mr India), and that was just one of the several memorable roles that Amrish Puri did. His baritone voice, huge frame, and dramatised dialogue delivery made him a formidable enemy against the hero.
Rajeev/Rajiv Puri (also known as Raju), is Amrish Puri’s son, and unlike others, even he chose not to become an actor. Rajeev is a businessman.
“People from all walks of life loved him – even the police and the politicians. People still come to me requesting for a photograph because I am his son,” says Rajeev Puri.
Prem Chopra
Prem Chopra as another extremely popular villain of the sixties and seventies. Prem Chopra doesn’t have a son; he has three daughters. Sharman Joshi (3-Idiots) fame is one of his son-in law’s. Vikas Bhalla – television actor, singer and producer, is his other son-in-law.
Raza Murad and Ali Murad
Raza Murad, known for his strong voice and dialogue delivery, says his son Ali is studying theatre in London and will soon return to take up acting as his profession. However, he insists that his son will have to make it on his own.
“Everybody has to make his own place by his talent and hard work in the industry. There is no short cut and no tag of family works. The same applies to my son also,” says Murad.