By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Sanjay Khan, younger to Feroz Khan was first seen in “Dosti”, a musical extravaganza, based on the friendship of two poor guys Sushil Kumar as Ram & Sudhir Kumar as Mohan. Directed by Satyen Bose & produced by veteran Tarachand Barjataya, it also starred Sanjay Khan & Baby Farida. “Chaahunga Main Tujhe Sanjh Savere”, “Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam Hai” & “Koi Jab Raah Na Paaye” rendered by Mohammad Rafi became instant hits. The film won six awards out of seven nominations including the Best Film, Best Music Director & Best Playback.
Sanjay later appeared in some romantic & action films like- ‘Dus Lakh’ (1966), ‘Ek Phool Do Mali’ & ‘Intaqam’ (1969), Mela (1971) & (1973) to mention some. He shared space with Feroz Khan in film “Upasana”,& “Mela (1971) & “Nagin”(1976), a multi-starrer by Rajkumar Kohli. BR Chopra’s “Dhund” starring Zeenat Aman & Danny was another worth mentioning film of the actor. Danny Denzongpa, #stole the show as a #tyrant husband – Thakur Ranjit Singh.
During the shooting of film ‘Abdullah’ (1980), Sanjay Khan and Zeenat Aman became close .Their growing intimacy & alleged affair emotionally wounded his wife who was then pregnant. She later revealed the trauma she underwent in an interview. They were also said to have married secretly. But the almighty helped Zarine Khan regain her lost happiness. The Sajnay- Zeenat relationship ended before it was late. Zeenat Aman later married Mazhar Khan.
Though, a handsome guy, I rate him as an average talent. The actor, however, proved his mettle as an actor in teleserial “The Sword of Tipu Sultan” also directed & produced by him with an ensemble cast-Sanjay Khan as Tipu Sultan, Shahbaz Khan as Hyder Ali, & Deepika Chikhalia as Tipu’s mother . Kanwaljeet Singh, Shreeram Lagoo, Satyen Kappu & Sudhir Pandey were also part of the serial.
During the shooting of the serial a major #Fire broke out causing huge damage, injuring many including Sanjay Khan with burns all over his face and body. He was to undergo many surgeries and remained in hospital for more than 12 months. The outcome of the serial was too encouraging. After ‘Ramayan’ & ‘Mahabharat’ this was the third & last serial I watched. I rate this among the ever #Best three teleserials.
