Kader Khan, a prominent figure in Hindi and Urdu cinema, was more than just an actor; he was a comedian, director, scriptwriter, and dialogue writer, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
Biography/Wiki
Born on October 22, 1937, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Kader Khan’s family relocated to Mumbai when he was a year old due to a superstitious belief. Their move, however, didn’t improve their circumstances. His childhood was challenging; he attended a local municipal school, often without shoes, and spent time in a nearby graveyard. Family hardship continued with his parents’ separation and a difficult relationship with his stepfather. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, graduating from Ismail Yusuf College, Mumbai University, and earning a Master’s Diploma in Engineering (MIE) from the Institution of Engineers (India).
In 1970, he became a Mathematics teacher at M.H. Saboo Siddik College of Engineering while simultaneously pursuing his passion for theatre, earning ?350 per play. His talent was noticed by Dilip Kumar, who offered him roles in the films Bairaag and Sagina Mahato, launching his remarkable career.
Physical Appearance
Here’s a summary of Kader Khan’s physical attributes:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 8″ |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Family, Caste & Wife
Kader Khan belonged to the Kakar tribe of the Pashtun community and practiced Islam. He was the son of Abdul Rehman Khan and Iqbal Begum, and had three brothers: Shams ur Rehman, Fazal Rehman, and Habib ur Rehman. He was a Hafiz-e-Quran.
He married Hajra Khan, and they had three sons:
- Abdul Quddus Khan (settled in Canada, working as a security officer)
- Sarfaraz Khan (actor, known for films like Tere Naam and Wanted)
- Shahnawaz Khan (assistant director, worked on films like Humko Tumse Pyaar Hain, Vaada, and Milenge Milenge)
He also had a grandson, Hamzaa Khan (Sarfaraz Khan’s son).
Career
Kader Khan’s Bollywood debut was in 1973 with Daag, playing a prosecuting attorney. He became known for his supporting roles alongside many prominent actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, and Govinda.
His comedic timing was exceptional, often seen alongside Shakti Kapoor and Johnny Lever. His writing talent shone early, earning him ?121,000 for the dialogues of Roti (1974). He also appeared in the comedy series Hasna Mat.
His writing career flourished, co-writing Jawani Diwani and penning dialogues for numerous successful films. He famously wrote memorable dialogues for Amitabh Bachchan in films like Mr. Natwarlal, Do Aur Do Paanch, Hum, Satte Pe Satta, and Agneepath, He also penned screenplays for box office hits like Agneepath and Naseeb.
His filmography is extensive, including films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Lucky: No Time for Love, Family: Ties of Blood, and Tevar. In 2011, he returned to television in the comedy series Hi! Padosi… Kaun Hai Doshi?
Death
Kader Khan passed away on December 31, 2018, in Canada after a prolonged illness.
Awards
- Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue (Meri Awaaz Suno, 1982)
- Filmfare Best Comedian Award (Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, 1991)
- Sahitya Shiromani Award (2013)
- American Federation of Muslims from India (AFMI) Award
Favourite Things
Some of Kader Khan’s preferences included:
- Favourite colour: Grey
- Hobby: Writing
- Favourite actor: Amitabh Bachchan
- Favourite directors: Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra
- Favourite authors: Maxim Gorky, Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Saadat Hasan Manto
- Favourite dialogue: “Taqdeer tere kadmon mein hogi…tu muqaddar ka baadshah hoga” from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Facts
- He acted in over 300 films and wrote dialogues for approximately 250.
- His son Sarfaraz Khan is sometimes confused with another actor of the same name.
- He held Canadian citizenship.
- He shared a close friendship with Amitabh Bachchan, though it reportedly diminished after Amitabh entered politics.
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