Who is Amjad Khan? Full Biography: Age, Height, Education, Movies, Death, Net Worth, and More

Introduction

When Indian cinema aficionados discuss the most iconic villains of all time, one name that inevitably dominates the conversation is Amjad Khan. Immortalized through his unforgettable portrayal of Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975), Amjad Khan transcended the role of a conventional antagonist. His thunderous voice, imposing personality, and incredible acting range helped redefine what a villain could be in Bollywood.

But who was Amjad Khan beyond Gabbar? What was his journey, his education, his family, and the legacy he left behind? This article dives deep into the life of this cinematic legend — from his birth and early life to his meteoric rise, his tragic death, and the family he left behind.

Early Life and Background

Amjad Zakaria Khan was born on 12 November 1940 in Bombay (now Mumbai), British India. He hailed from a Pathan Muslim family with deep ties to the film industry. His father, Jayant (Zakaria Khan), was a respected actor who had acted in several Hindi and regional language films. Growing up in such an environment, Amjad was exposed to cinema and performance from a very young age.

Despite being surrounded by the glamour of Bollywood, Amjad’s childhood was marked by a keen interest in literature and academics. He was an avid reader and showed great promise in academics, which would later translate into his eloquent speech and nuanced performances on screen.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits

Amjad Khan was not just a man of action; he was a man of intellect. He completed his schooling at St. Andrew’s High School in Bandra, Mumbai. He then enrolled at R. D. National College, where he became actively involved in student politics and cultural activities.

Academically, he was no lightweight. He earned two postgraduate degrees — one in Philosophy and another in Persian Literature, both with high distinctions. This educational background shaped his analytical mind and helped him understand the deeper motivations of the characters he portrayed, giving him an edge over many of his contemporaries.

The Man of Imposing Presence: Amjad Khan’s Height and Persona

Standing tall at around 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters), Amjad Khan was naturally built for commanding roles. His broad shoulders, intense gaze, and deep baritone voice made him a director’s favorite for powerful characters, particularly those that demanded authority or menace.

His screen presence was electrifying. Even in multi-starrer films, Amjad Khan had the rare ability to draw attention just by walking into a frame.

Career Beginnings: From Child Actor to Sholay

Though most people associate Amjad Khan with Sholay, his journey in cinema began much earlier. He made his first appearance as a child artist in Nazneen (1951). He also played minor roles in films like Ab Dilli Dur Nahin and Maya, gradually learning the ropes of acting.

His breakthrough came in 1975 when director Ramesh Sippy cast him as Gabbar Singh in Sholay. Ironically, there was initial resistance from industry veterans who believed Amjad was too “sophisticated” to play a dacoit. But once the film released, the nation — and later generations — stood witness to one of the most electrifying performances in Indian cinema.

Gabbar Singh’s dialogues like “Kitne aadmi the?” and “Jo darr gaya, samjho mar gaya” became part of pop culture. It wasn’t just a villainous role — it was a revolution in screen acting.

Amjad Khan Movies: A Versatile Filmography

Following Sholay, Amjad Khan’s career skyrocketed. But unlike many who become typecast, he showcased remarkable versatility:

Notable Films:

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) – As Dilawar, a sharp, layered antagonist

Satte Pe Satta (1982) – Comic timing combined with villainy

Yaarana (1981) – A powerful negative role

Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977) – Played Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in Satyajit Ray’s period masterpiece

Qurbani (1980), Love Story (1981), Des Pardes (1978), and many others

Amjad Khan starred in over 130 films in his two-decade-long career, ranging across genres — action, comedy, romance, drama, and even art-house cinema.

Amjad Khan as a Director

Amjad Khan was more than just an actor. He ventured into direction as well. His directorial debut came with Chor Police (1983), a film in which he also acted. He followed it up with Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985). While his direction didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim as his acting, it showcased his interest in exploring multiple facets of storytelling.

Health Struggles and Untimely Death

In 1976, just a year after Sholay, Amjad Khan suffered a near-fatal car accident in Goa. The accident left him with multiple injuries, including broken ribs and a punctured lung. Though he recovered, the trauma left lasting impacts on his health. He had to take steroids, which led to weight gain and other complications over time.

Later in life, he developed Bell’s palsy, which partially paralyzed parts of his face. Yet, his determination never wavered. He continued working, often in discomfort, but always with dedication.

On 27 July 1992, Amjad Khan died of a massive heart attack at the age of 51. The film industry mourned the loss of a giant — both literally and metaphorically.

Personal Life: Family, Children, and Legacy

Amjad Khan married Shehla Khan in 1972, and the couple had three children:

Shadaab Khan: Actor and filmmaker. He tried his hand in Bollywood with films like Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997) and later authored books and scripts.

Ahlam Khan: A theatre actress and writer

Seemab Khan: Known for involvement in local-level cricket and other business ventures

His legacy continues through his children, especially Shadaab Khan, who carries the family name forward in the entertainment industry.

Amjad Khan Net Worth and Popularity

During his peak in the 1970s and 1980s, Amjad Khan was one of the highest-paid character actors in the industry. While exact figures are not available due to lack of public records from that era, estimates suggest he had accumulated considerable wealth through films, commercials, and public appearances.

He was also popular on stage and was invited to judge various film and drama events. In short, he was more than an actor; he was a cultural icon.

Legacy and Influence

Even after more than three decades of his passing, Amjad Khan’s impact on Indian cinema is profound. Actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, and Pankaj Tripathi often mention him as an influence. Directors continue to reference his scenes in modern films, and his dialogues are quoted in advertising, memes, and social media.

Sholay remains one of the most-watched and re-watched films in India, and Gabbar Singh, thanks to Amjad Khan, remains one of cinema’s greatest villains worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Amjad Khan was a unique combination of intellect, intensity, and intuition. From being the terrifying Gabbar Singh to the philosophical Nawab, he showed that an actor could transcend labels. He battled physical ailments, typecasting, and the burden of expectations — and still emerged as a legend whose presence is felt even today.

His life teaches us that true artistry lies in versatility, and legacy isn’t built in years but in impact.

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