By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Death Anniversary
Pran Sikand, the popular character artist of Hindi films, ruled the roost as a formidable villain in the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s.This stalwart started his screen innings with “Yamla Jat” (the Naive Jat) produced by D. M. Pancholi & directed by S. P. Bakshi featuring Ismail, Noor Jehan, the reigning “Malika-e-Taranum” (the melody Queen) then called “Baby Noor Jehan” because of her age. Pran played a city-bred dashing debonair and the latter a nubile, voluptuously endowed, simple daughter of a middle-class self respecting rural father. There was no hero or heroine as such in the film.
It articulated the culture & ethos of undivided Punjab and was a big success. In a romantic confrontation Pran & Noor Jehan traded some of the most scintillating witticism. Pran’s next film “Gul-e-Bakawali”, was based on the tale of the famed Arabian Nights. Both gave an impressive performance showing promise of still better fare in films to follow. The film was a big success because of its melodious songs – “Pinjre De Wich Qaid Jawani” (Youth in Shackles) & “Shaala Jawanian Manein” (May You Enjoy All The Pleasures & Blessings of Youth).
Pran’s biggest break came in D. M. Pancholi’s “Khandan” (1942) (Hindi) in which again Noor Jehan was his heroine. The film was directed by Shaukat Hussain Rizvi who later married Noor Jehan. “Khandan” was one of the earliest super hits.
In the post-partition days Pran switched over to villainy and ruled the roost with hits like- Ziddi , Badi Behan, Afsana, Munimji, (1955), Devdas (1955) ,Chori Chori (1956) & Halaku (1956), based on the Mongol ruler who conquered parts of Western Asian during his invasions. “Adalat”(1958) starring Pradeep Kumar & Nargis was a musical extravaganza by Madan Mohan with many memorable songs like- “Jana Tha Humse Door”,”Unko Yeh Shikayat Hai” & “Yun Hasraton Ke Daag” to boast.
Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Chhalia , Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960), Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), Man-Mauji (1962), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon , Dil Hi To Hai Mere Mehboob (1963), Kashmir Ki Kali & Rajkumar (1964), Do Dil, Khandan, Gumnaam, Mere Sanam & Shaheed (1965), Dus Lakh ,Do Badan , Dil Diya Dard Liya, Sawan Ki Ghata (1966)) & Love in Tokyo (1966), An Evening In Paris , Ram Aur Shyam, Milan, Patthar Ke Sanam & Upkar (1967) & Brahamachari (1968), Johnny Mera Naam, Purab Aur Paschim, Heer Ranjha & Yaadgaar (1970) were some of his prominent films. Roop Tera Mastana was another of his worth mentioning thriller starring Jeetendra & Mumtaz, with colorful sets & costumes.
Pran came with flying colors in “Kashmir Ki Kali”, “Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai” , Gumnaam”, “Ram Aur Shyam” & “Halaku”. His role, albeit brief in “Shaheed” (1965) was wonderfully conceived & played with aplomb. “Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (1970), “Victoria No. 203” (1972) & “Be-Imaan” (1972), “Maryada” (1971) “Jheel Ke Us Paar” & Prakah Mehra’s “Zanzeer” (1973) , “Sanyasi” (1975) ,”Dus Numbri” (1976), “Naseeb” (1981)& “Sharaabi” (1984) were his other succesful films. Pran’s role was credible in elevating Amitabh Bachchan to stardom in “Zanzer”. “Mrityudata” (1997) was one of his last films.
Pran, though predominantly a villain, did play comic roles with Kishore Kumar in “Aasha” (1957), “Bewaqoof” (1960), “Half Ticket” (1962) and “Man-Mauji” (1962) & with Mahmood in “Jangal Mein Mangal” (1972) & “Sadhu Aur Shaitan” (1968). He also appeared in a comic get up in “Khandan” 91965). Pran surprised many with her positive roles in “Do Badan” & “Upkaar”.
Pran worked with almost all big stars of his time-both male & females. When he took to villainy there was hardly any competition though there were seasoned players like K. N. Singh & Madan Puri. Even, when there was a virtual boom in villainy with the rise of Ranjeet, Prem Chopra, Amrish Puri, Gulshan Grover & Sadashiv he continued to enjoy his prestigious position. Naturally, therefore, he was bestowed with the title “Villain of the Millennium” by Stardust .Pran was a reserved , hospitable & generous actor who believed in mutual respect & punctuality.
Bestowed with Padma Bhushan, (2001), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), & three Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for “Upkar” (1967), “Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool” (1969) & “Be-Imaan” (1972). Also bestowed with Screen & Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award ‘
I met the actor twice. Once during the shooting of “Do Hanso ka Joda” (1992), albeit brief, and later during the making of “Return of Jewel Thief”.
