Just like Ramgarh, the rest of the country also trembled in fear of Amjad Khan’s Gabbar Singh. But the irony lies in the vulnerability that the Sholay actor could express through his eyes. The legacy of Amjad Khan extends way beyond his most famous role; and on the occasion of his 25th death anniversary, we celebrate it by remembering some of his rather positive characters from the silver screen.
Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977)
If you’ve been to Lucknow, you’d be familiar with the legacy of the last Nawab of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah. And in legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s epic, Amjad Khan’s range is on unapologetic display. He conveys the distress and grief of the ruler with a poise that delivers a performance for many generations to come.
Qurbaani (1980)
Apart from Zeenat Aman’s wriggly dance moves and Feroz Khan’s swagger, Amjad Khan’s performance as the gum-chewing, sassy cop deserves equal mention. In his maverick character, the actor made no attempt to go overboard, slipping seamlessly in and out of disguise on several occasions.
And of course, ‘My Name is Khan, Amjad Khan.’
Yaarana (1981)
There aren’t many off screen partnerships in the industry that were as pure as the one between Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan. And it showed in this on-screen tribute to their friendship. As Bishen, Amjad risks everything to ensure his underprivileged but talented childhood buddy Kishen gets his due.
It’s no wonder that Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan still remains to be our drunk tribute for our close mates.
Utsav (1984)
Imagine Amjad Khan as Vatsyayana — the author of the Kama Sutra. Also pitching in as the narrator of this ancient age erotica, Amjad Khan displayed his versatility in the best manner possible.
Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986)
The Basu Chatterjee rom-com is the perfect embodiment of Amjad Khan’s comic capabilities. He plays the sympathetic advocate to a lovelorn wrestler (Anil Kapoor) in romantic matters. Working perfectly in tandem with the director’s vision, Khan’s timing and blend of wit and wisdom is a sight to behold.
