Vinod Khanna (1946-2017) was an iconic Bollywood actor and politician. Known for films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Qurbani. Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner. His complete life story.
Vinod Khanna was one of Hindi cinema’s most charismatic stars whose journey encompassed blockbuster films, spiritual awakening, and dedicated public service. Born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, British India, he passed away on April 27, 2017, leaving behind an incredible legacy. Recognized as a style icon and sex symbol, he was affectionately called the “Sexy Sanyasi” by media for his unique combination of glamour and spirituality. Beyond his four-decade film career, Khanna served as a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur constituency and held ministerial positions in the Government of India. In 2018, he was posthumously honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic recognition. His life story encompasses professional triumphs, personal sacrifices, spiritual quests, and political achievements.
Quick Facts About Vinod Khanna
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vinod Khanna |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1946 |
| Date of Death | April 27, 2017 (Age 70) |
| Birthplace | Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan) |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Politician |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Spouse | Geetanjali Taleyarkhan (1971-1985), Kavita Daftary (1990-2017) |
| Children | Rahul Khanna, Akshaye Khanna, Sakshi Khanna, Shraddha Khanna |
| Education | Sydenham College, Mumbai |
| Famous For | Amar Akbar Anthony, Qurbani, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar |
| Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2018), 2 Filmfare Awards |
Early Life and Family Background
Vinod Khanna was born into a Punjabi Hindu family to Kamla and Krishanchand Khanna. His father was a businessman dealing in textiles and chemicals. Shortly after his birth, India was partitioned in 1947, forcing the family to leave Peshawar and relocate to Bombay (now Mumbai). He attended St. Mary’s School in Bombay, then Delhi Public School in 1957. Later, he studied at Barnes School in Deolali near Nashik. During boarding school, he watched epics like “Mughal-e-Azam,” igniting his passion for cinema.
Education and Path to Cinema
Vinod graduated from Sydenham College in Mumbai after studying business. However, his involvement in theater drew him toward performing arts. During college, he discovered Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi,” influencing his spiritual outlook. He also met his first wife, Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, during this time.
Bollywood Journey and Rise to Stardom
Vinod Khanna made his film debut in 1968 with “Man Ka Meet,” offered by producer-actor Sunil Dutt. Initially, he appeared in supporting and antagonistic roles in films like “Purab Aur Paschim” (1970), “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” (1971), and “Mere Apne” (1971). His breakthrough came with “Achanak” (1973), directed by Gulzar, based on the K.M. Nanavati case. The turning point arrived in 1974 with “Haath Ki Safai,” which became a superhit and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Between 1976 and 1979, Khanna reached his peak with blockbusters like “Hera Pheri” (1976), “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), and “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar” (1978). Director Manmohan Desai said, “Vinod was never a supporting actor in the Amitabh Bachchan starrers. He had a parallel role to Amitabh.” His solo successes included “Qaid” (1975), “Inkaar” (1977), and “Zalim” (1980). By the early 1980s, he was among Bollywood’s highest-paid actors. Films like “Qurbani” (1980) became cult classics. He appeared in Box Office India’s “Top Actors” list from 1977 to 1979.
The Spiritual Quest
In 1975, at his career’s height, Khanna became a disciple of spiritual teacher Osho. In 1982, he made the shocking decision to leave Bollywood and join Osho’s community in Oregon, USA. Taking the name “Swami Vinod Bharti,” he lived as a spiritual seeker for five years, working as Osho’s gardener. This decision stunned the industry and his family. He eventually grew disillusioned with organized spirituality.
Marriage and Family Life
Vinod married Geetanjali Taleyarkhan in 1971. Her father A.F.S. Talyarkhan was India’s first cricket commentator. They had two sons—Rahul Khanna (1972) and Akshaye Khanna (1975), both becoming actors. Khanna didn’t work Sundays to spend time with family. However, his spiritual journey created distance. While in Oregon, he maintained only occasional contact. Geetanjali struggled to raise two boys alone. After three years, she gave him an ultimatum. When Khanna chose spirituality, she filed for divorce in 1985. In 1990, he married Kavita Daftary, daughter of industrialist Sharayu Daftary. They had son Sakshi and daughter Shraddha. Geetanjali never remarried and passed away in 2018.
Bollywood Comeback
Khanna returned to Bollywood in 1987 with “Insaaf,” which became a hit. Successful post-comeback films included “Satyamev Jayate,” “Mahaadev,” and “Aakhri Adaalat.” The 1990s showcased his versatility with “Rihaee” (1990) and “Lekin” (1991). In 1997, he produced “Himalay Putra,” marking son Akshaye’s debut. Later appearances included “Wanted” (2009), “Dabangg” (2010), and “Dilwale” (2015).
Political Career
Khanna entered politics in 1997, joining the BJP. In 1998, he was elected MP from Gurdaspur, Punjab, serving 1998-2009 and 2014-2017. His work focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and welfare programs. He held ministerial positions including Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister for Culture and Tourism under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In 2009, he lost his seat but made a strong comeback in 2014, winning by 136,065 votes.
Awards and Recognition
Khanna won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Haath Ki Safai” (1974) and received a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, he was posthumously included in Outlook India’s “75 Best Bollywood Actors” list. The pinnacle came in 2018 when he was posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor, at the 65th National Film Awards.
Final Days
In April 2017, Khanna was hospitalized for advanced bladder cancer. On April 27, 2017, he passed away at 11:20 a.m. IST at age 70. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences. He was cremated at Worli Crematorium with thousands paying respects.
Conclusion
Vinod Khanna lived an extraordinary life marked by spectacular highs and profound lows. From a Peshawar-born boy who witnessed partition to becoming Bollywood royalty, from walking away at his peak to returning triumphantly, his journey encompassed extreme experiences. His filmography of over 140 films includes timeless classics that continue entertaining new generations. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award posthumously honored not just an actor but a complete artist who contributed immensely to Indian culture. His legacy extends beyond films to public service and the courage to seek truth. Vinod Khanna was truly one of a kind—a sexy sanyasi who lived life on his own terms, leaving behind memories that will forever illuminate Bollywood’s golden era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was Vinod Khanna?
Vinod Khanna was a legendary Indian actor, producer, and politician born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar. He appeared in over 140 Hindi films and served as MP from Gurdaspur. He passed away on April 27, 2017, at age 70 from bladder cancer.
Q2: How many times was Vinod Khanna married?
Vinod Khanna was married twice. His first marriage was to Geetanjali Taleyarkhan in 1971, which ended in divorce in 1985. He married Kavita Daftary in 1990 and remained with her until his death in 2017.
Q3: How many children did Vinod Khanna have?
Vinod Khanna had four children. From his first marriage, he had sons Rahul Khanna (born 1972) and Akshaye Khanna (born 1975), both actors. From his second marriage, he had son Sakshi and daughter Shraddha Khanna.
Q4: What were Vinod Khanna’s most famous films?
Vinod Khanna’s most iconic films include “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), “Qurbani” (1980), and “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar” (1978). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Haath Ki Safai” (1974).
Q5: Why did Vinod Khanna leave Bollywood in 1982?
In 1982, at his career peak, Vinod Khanna left Bollywood to pursue spiritual life with Osho (Rajneesh) in Oregon, USA. He took the name “Swami Vinod Bharti” and lived in the ashram for five years before returning to India in 1987.
Q6: What political positions did Vinod Khanna hold?
Vinod Khanna served as MP from Gurdaspur constituency (1998-2009 and 2014-2017). He held ministerial positions including Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture and Tourism under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Q7: What awards did Vinod Khanna receive?
Vinod Khanna received two Filmfare Awards and was posthumously honored with India’s highest cinematic award, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2018 at the 65th National Film Awards.
