Vinod Khanna

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Vinod Khanna (6 October 1946 – 27 April 2017) was an Indian actor, film producer, and politician. He was known for his style and good looks, and was sometimes called the “Sexy Sanyasi.” He later became a respected public figure, serving as a union minister and as a Member of Parliament.

Early life
Khanna was born in Peshawar, then part of British India, before the partition. His family moved to Bombay (Mumbai) after partition. He studied commerce at Sydenham College in Mumbai.

Film career
Khanna began acting in 1968 with Man Ka Meet. He rose to fame in 1970 with popular films like Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, and Purab Aur Paschim. His first lead role came in Mere Apne (1971). He also played memorable villain roles, such as in Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) and Achanak (1973).

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Khanna became one of Hindi cinema’s top stars, with hits like Khoon Pasina, Amar Akbar Anthony, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Qurbani, and Chandni. He took a five-year break in 1982 to follow his spiritual guru Osho and returned in 1987 with Insaaf. In the 1990s and 2000s, he acted in many films and became known for strong father-figure roles in movies such as Dabangg (2010) and Dabangg 2 (2012).

Awards and legacy
Khanna won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. In 2017, he was awarded India’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award posthumously, India’s highest cinema honor. He is remembered for his screen presence and his ability to play both heroes and villains.

Politics
In 1997, Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was elected as the Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab, in 1998 and re-elected in 1999 and 2004. He served as Union Minister for Culture and Tourism (2002–2003) and as Minister of State for External Affairs (2003–2004). He was elected again from Gurdaspur in 2014 and served until his death in 2017. His political career faced some public criticism over commitments and promises.

Personal life and spirituality
Khanna married twice. His first wife, Geetanjali Taleyar (Gitanjali), gave him two sons, Rahul and Akshaye; both became actors. He later married Kavita Daftary. He was deeply spiritual and spent years with Osho’s movement, taking the name Swami Vinod Bharti before leaving the group.

Death
Khanna died in Mumbai on 27 April 2017 after a battle with bladder cancer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders expressed condolences. He is remembered as a tall, stylish star who left a lasting mark on Indian cinema and public life.