The Sher Khan Pran Passes Away

Pran Kishan Sikand, better known as PRAN passes away. The stern villain loses to the hero called "life."

At the ripe age of 93(1920-2013), on July 12, 2013 he breathed his last in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. This was  preceded by a prolonged spell of illness as the near and dear ones of the legend put it. This is not quite uncommon at an age of 90 or beyond.

Just before a month or so he was conferred with the prestigious "Dadasaheb Phalke Award,"  to be exact in the month of May 2013. This award came too late. He was not even able to take up the journey to New Delhi to receive the award. The award was handed over to him the next day, formally at his home in Mumbai. Why so late? Well...better not to mention.

The Punjabi lad started his career as usually as a "Hero" in Punjabi films. Destined to make it big, he moved to Mumbai, Bombay as it was at that time, with an eye-full of dreams... and succeeded. He has near to 400 films to his credit.

Immortalized as "Sher Khan" of Zanzeer, he touched the heart of the Indian film lovers in many roles. He was voted "Villain of the Millennium." He can be conveniently chosen as the "Grand dad of Villains" of Indian cinema, but his best came in many genres. He has played character roles too in his later years like many other villains. Some Villain-come-character actors are still following his foot steps.

His break through came in the film Ziddi (1948) against Dev Anand. He then rose like a mega star and played the villain opposite all the superstars... that was his stature. However, he broke the stereotype in Upkar, co-starring Manoj Kumar, a hit film of 1967's.

To name few of his hit: Zanjeer, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Munimji, Devdas(Old), Madhumati, Ram Aur Shyam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, and Kaalia e.t.c. In my personal opinion he is going to be best remembered  for his song "Yaari Hai Imaan Meri Yaar Mera Zindagi."

His passing away came as no surprise as he was ailing for quite sometime, but he is going to be ever remembered for his immortal performances. An era comes to an end...as every good thing has an end.

The poet, hearty, humane and romantic actor-villain of the pre-Mogambo era calls it a day.