Saira Banu recalls advising Vinod Khanna against leaving stardom for spirituality
Saira Banu shares a touching memory of advising Vinod Khanna to stay in Bollywood, reflecting on his choice to leave stardom in pursuit of spirituality.
Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna received his father late Vinod Khanna’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award Thursday in Delhi. Remembering his father in this proud moment, he said it was a “bittersweet moment” for the family.
“We are really proud as a family. It is a bittersweet moment for us. I wish my father was here to receive this award. I am missing him. It is an emotional day for us,” PTI quotes Akshaye Khanna.
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Along with his stepmother, Kavita Daftary, Akshaye Khanna received the award at the ceremony. Vinod Khanna, who died at the age of 70, on 27 April last year, after battling cancer, was active in Bollywood till the very end. His few memorable screen outings were in Salman Khan’s Dabangg series and Shah Rukh Khans Dilwale in 2015.
Known as one of the most handsome stars ever to grace the Indian cinema screens, he started off as an antagonist and in supporting roles before graduating to lead roles. The actor had a very successful pairing with Amitabh Bachchan. They worked together in blockbusters such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, Reshma Aur Shera, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Zameer, Hera Pheri and Khoon Paseena. He made his Bollywood debut in 1968 in film Mann Ka Meet, which was produced by Sunil Dutt, who was reportedly struck by Khanna’s good looks. He was noticed for his portrayal of Shyam in Gulzar’s 1971 film Mere Apne, where he stood out as a disillusioned young man.
READ MORE: Vinod Khanna death anniversary: A look back at the iconic actor’s life
He got his first break as a hero in Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971). A great many films followed, including hits such as Elaan and Mera Gaon Mera Desh.
He made his political debut in 1997 with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
-With PTI inputs
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