On 12 February 2020 the late actor Pran credited as ‘Number 1 Villain of Indian Cinema’ would have completed 100 years had been alive but the actor bid adieu from this would 7 years before attaining the elusive century. Nevertheless, the actor in his remarkable career played an inning that was studded with boundaries and sixes! Each role that he played was lauded by the masses and the critics alike! Hence the Government of India saluted his contribution to Indian cinema with the country’s highest civilian honor the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest national award for cinema artists.
Pran was a multifaceted and versatile actor, but his awesome villainy that made him the Number 1 Villain of Indian Cinema’. Acknowledging his prowess as an all-Time favorite Villain, a prominent Mumbai film Magazine honored actor with the ‘Villain of the Millenium’ award in 2000.
On the Centenary Year of Pran, Indian Film History (IFH) pays homage to the great actor in six-part series exploring the different shades of Pran!! In the first edition, we take look at the Villainy of Pran and how inspired a generation of villains.
Pran’s X Factor
When actors require weird make-up and heavy garbs to look villainous Pran was one villain who evoked terror in the hearts of the audience by his fierce eyes and his terrifying rich baritone. Besides, he added charm to his character using striking mannerism that would soon become a craze on the film’s release.
For instance, in Raj Kapoor‘s film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai in which Pran played a dreaded dacoit Raaka, Pran adopted a unique mannerism of running his figures around his neck! Similarly, in the film Majboor, Pran played the role of a Michel D’Souza, a small crook. To add charisma to the character Pran used a style of watching people by circling his fingers around his eyes like binoculars. The style became famous in the ’70s.
The late actor Pran, known as the ‘Number 1 Villain of Indian Cinema,’ would have turned 100 on February 12, 2020, but he passed away seven years prior.
Pran’s Realistic Performance In Maryada
In the film Maryada, starring Rajesh Khanna and Raaj Kumar, Pran impressed the audiences with his weird smoking style. He would gulp the flaming cigarette, then invert it with his tongue. The cigarette would return with his lips, a sophisticated move that drove the audience wild.This was one style which no actor could mimic!!
Leave a Comment