Birbal Khosla (1938–2023) was a veteran Indian actor. He is best known for playing the supporting role of a prisoner in the Diamond Jubilee Bollywood film ‘Sholay’ (1975). In 2023, he died of heart failure at the age of 84.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Birbal Khosla was born as Satinder Kumar Khosla on Friday, 28 October 1938 (age 84 at the time of death) in Gurdaspur, Punjab Province, British India (now Gurdaspur, Punjab, India). Their zodiac sign is Scorpio. He studied at Heera Lal Jain Senior Secondary School, New Delhi. After completing his school education, Birbal took admission in Delhi University. He also studied in a college in Jalandhar. During his college days, he watched films starring Kishore Kumar and developed his interest in acting.
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 8″
Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
Eye colour: black
Family
parents and siblings
His father owned a printing press in Punjab. He had two younger brothers and two younger sisters.
wife and children
His wife’s name is Neena Bhatia. They had a son named Santosh and a daughter named Shalini.
livelihood
Before starting his acting career, Birbal Khosla played a blink-and-miss role in a song in Ram Dayal’s film ‘Raja’. This film was released in the 1960s. In 1966, he made his acting debut in a supporting role as Mohan’s batchmate in the Hindi film ‘Do Badan’ starring Manoj Kumar and Asha Parekh.
Poster of the 1966 Hindi film ‘Do Badan’
He came into limelight after playing the role of Bancharam in V. Shantaram’s 1967 film ‘Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti’. Birbal often credited Raj Khosla and Manoj Kumar for his success, as he was featured in many of their films, including Upkaar (1967), Mera Saaya (1966), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. (1974). and Kranti (1981). In 1970, he appeared as a circus surgeon in Raj Kapoor’s romantic drama film ‘Mera Naam Joker’. He became famous after playing the role of a prisoner with a half-twisted mustache in the popular 1975 Hindi film ‘Sholay’ starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.
Birbal Khosla in a scene from the 1975 Hindi film ‘Sholay’
His last film was the 2022 Hindi comedy-drama film ’10 Nahi 40′ in which he played the lead role of Birbal.
Death
He died of cardiac arrest at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai on 12 September 2023. His last rites were performed on 13 September 2023. Many Bollywood actors are mourning his demise.
Facts/General Knowledge
- Birbal had acted in more than 500 films in many languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi and Bhojpuri.
- In the initial days of his acting career, he used to do small jobs. During that time he also worked on daily wages.
- When he was shooting for the Hindi film ‘Anita’ (1967), actor Manoj Kumar and director Raj Khosla thought that his original name was not suitable for the film industry, so they gave him the screen name ‘Birbal’.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn