Vinod Khanna Biography: Family, Career, Movies, Awards & Legacy

Early Life and Birthplace

✓ Vinod Khanna, the legendary Bollywood actor, was born on 6 October 1946 in Peshawar (now in Pakistan). After the partition of India, his family moved to Mumbai, India, where he spent most of his childhood.

✓ His father, Keshav Prasad Khanna, was a businessman, while his mother, Kamla Khanna, was a homemaker. Vinod grew up with his siblings in a traditional Punjabi family.

✓ His early education began at St. Xavier’s High School, Mumbai, later he completed his studies at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics.

Early Career Guidance and Struggle

✓ Initially, Vinod Khanna had no plans of entering films. He was shy and more inclined toward business. However, he was inspired by actor Sunil Dutt, who introduced him to the world of cinema.

✓ Vinod Khanna began his career playing negative roles in films like Man Ka Meet (1968) and gradually transitioned into a leading hero due to his strong screen presence, voice, and charm.

Career Peak and Stardom

✓ By the 1970s and 1980s, Vinod Khanna had become one of the biggest Bollywood superstars, often sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, and others.

✓ His performances in movies like:

✅Mere Apne (1971)

✅The Burning Train (1980)

✅Qurbani (1980)

✅Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

✅Dayavan (1988)

✅Chandni (1989)

cemented his status as a versatile actor who could excel in action, romance, and family dramas.

✓ He was considered among the most handsome and stylish actors of his generation, often compared with international icons.

Age, Height, and Weight

✓ Vinod Khanna was born in 1946 and passed away on 27 April 2017 at the age of 70.

✓ Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)

✓ Weight: Around 85 kg in his prime acting years.

Family, Wife, and Kids

✓ Vinod Khanna married Geetanjali Taleyarkhan in 1971, and the couple had two sons, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna, both of whom became Bollywood actors.

✓ After separating from Geetanjali, Vinod married Kavita Daftary in 1990. They had a son, Sakshi Khanna, and a daughter, Shraddha Khanna.

✓ His family is still connected to Bollywood, carrying forward his cinematic legacy.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

✓ At the time of his passing in 2017, Vinod Khanna’s estimated net worth was around $10 million USD.

✓ His earnings came from films, endorsements, and political career.

✓ He was known for his royal lifestyle, passion for luxury cars, and spiritual interests.

Top Movies and Songs

✓ Some of Vinod Khanna’s most iconic movies include:

✅Amar Akbar Anthony

✅Qurbani

✅Dayavan

✅Mere Apne

✅Chandni

✅The Burning Train

✅Rajput

✅Jurm

✓ He also featured in many melodious songs of the golden era, such as Hum Tumhe Chahte Hain Aise (Qurbani) and Chandni O Meri Chandni (Chandni).

Top Heroines and On-Screen Pairings

✓ Vinod Khanna shared successful on-screen chemistry with leading actresses like:

✅Hema Malini

✅Rekha

✅Zeenat Aman

✅Parveen Babi

✅Sridevi

✅Raakhee

His pairings with these heroines remain memorable in Bollywood history.

Scandals and Controversies

✓ Vinod Khanna shocked the film industry when he temporarily left Bollywood in the 1980s to follow spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh in the US. This decision created major headlines and was considered controversial at that time.

✓ Later, his political career also invited debates, but his charm and popularity remained unaffected.

Awards and Achievements

✓ Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Haath Ki Safai (1975)

✓ Lifetime Achievement Award by Filmfare (1999)

✓ Honored with Zee Cine Award for Contribution to Indian Cinema

✓ Posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2018), India’s highest honor in cinema.

Contact and Social Media

✓ Since Vinod Khanna passed away in 2017, there are no official active social media accounts.

✓ Fans can follow updates from his family, particularly Akshaye Khanna and Rahul Khanna, who are active in Bollywood and on social media platforms.

Legacy in Bollywood

✓ Vinod Khanna’s legacy is not only defined by his films but also by his grace, charisma, and versatility as an actor.

✓ He balanced a career in both cinema and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

✓ His contribution to Indian cinema continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

FAQs About Vinod Khanna

Who was Vinod Khanna?
Vinod Khanna was a legendary Bollywood actor and politician, known for his roles in Amar Akbar Anthony, Qurbani, and Chandni.

Where was Vinod Khanna born?
He was born in Peshawar (Pakistan) on 6 October 1946.

Who was Vinod Khanna married to?
He married Geetanjali Taleyarkhan (first wife) and later Kavita Daftary.

How many children did Vinod Khanna have?
He had four children — Rahul, Akshaye, Sakshi, and Shraddha Khanna.

What was Vinod Khanna’s net worth?
At the time of his passing in 2017, his net worth was estimated at $10 million.

What awards did Vinod Khanna receive?
He received Filmfare Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award posthumously.

Conclusion

Vinod Khanna remains one of the most celebrated names in Bollywood history. From his early struggles to superstardom, his spiritual journey, family, and political career, he lived a life full of remarkable achievements. His movies continue to entertain audiences, making him an immortal icon of Indian cinema.