In the history of Indian cinema, heroes often shine bright, but the villains steal the scenes with powerful dialogues and unforgettable performances. Characters like Gabbar Singh, Mogambo, and Kancha Cheena are not just names — they are cinematic legends. But what happened to the children of the actors who gave life to these legendary villains? While their fathers ruled the silver screen as the face of fear, their children chose different journeys — some stepped into Bollywood, while others walked a different path.
Let’s look at the lives of five iconic Hindi cinema villains.
1. Amrish Puri’s Legacy: The Voice of Fear and the Journey of His Grandson
Amrish Puri is remembered as one of the most powerful villains in Bollywood. His role as Mogambo in Mr. India made history. That single line — “Mogambo khush hua” — still echoes in Bollywood dialogues. Despite his success in the film industry, he kept his children out of the spotlight.
- Son: Rajiv Puri worked in the Merchant Navy and avoided films.
- Daughter: Namrata Puri became a dermatologist.
- Grandson: Vardhan Puri, however, took inspiration from his grandfather. He debuted in 2019 with Yeh Saali Aashiqui. While his entry created a buzz, Vardhan is still trying to make a mark in Bollywood.
2. Danny Denzongpa’s Children: Action, Royalty, and Business
Danny Denzongpa scared audiences with his calm yet commanding villain roles. His portrayal of Kancha Cheena in Agneepath remains unforgettable. Danny married Gawa, a princess from Sikkim.
- Son: Rinzing Denzongpa made his Bollywood debut in 2021 with Squad. The film focused on action and highlighted Rinzing’s physical presence, but it didn’t get major success.
- Daughter: Pema Denzongpa has no interest in cinema. She works in the corporate world and holds a director’s position at Yuksom Breweries.
3. Pran’s Family: Behind the Scenes and Away From the Limelight
Pran was Bollywood’s original “bad man” before anyone else. Known for his chilling expressions and scary roles, he became a legend, working in over 400 films. His fee often surpassed that of the hero.
- Son: Sunil Sikand chose to work behind the camera. He directed a few films, including Farishtay and Lakshman Rekha, but didn’t achieve notable success.
- Daughter: Pinky Sikand married into a known Bollywood-connected family. Her husband, Vivek Bhalla, is also an astrologer.
- Another son, Arvind Sikand, has stayed entirely out of public life and the limelight.
4. Amjad Khan’s Children: From Gabbar’s Fear to Theater and Web Shows
Amjad Khan’s role as Gabbar Singh in Sholay is considered one of the most excellent villain performances ever. His terrifying dialogue “Kitne aadmi the?” still gives chills. But behind the scenes, he was a calm, family-loving person.
- Eldest son: Shadab Khan made his acting debut with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat opposite Rani Mukerji. However, his acting career didn’t take off. He later shifted to writing and direction. He wrote a biography on his father and acted in the web series Scam 1992.
- Second son: Seemaab Khan chose a different route. He stayed away from films and was involved in cricket at one point.
- Daughter: Ahlam Khan pursued a passion for acting through theatre. She married well-known stage and screen actor Zafar Karachiwala.
5. Ajit Khan’s Son: Carrying the Lion’s Style, Quietly
Ajit Khan became a household name because of his stylish, villainous roles. His famous dialogue, “Mona Darling,” and unique accent made him a cult figure.
- Son: Shahzad Khan tried to follow his father’s path in Bollywood. He appeared in many films and TV shows, often in supporting or comic-villain roles. Despite being in the industry, he couldn’t match his father’s fame. Apart from acting, he is also active in business.
Bollywood’s Villain Legacy: Still Influencing New Generations
While some children of these legendary villains tried to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, others explored new fields away from films. Acting, direction, medicine, business — the second generation has diversified their lives. The shadow of these iconic villains is long, and though it’s tough to match their popularity, their children are making quiet but steady moves in their own ways.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and media reports. Career details and current activities of the individuals mentioned may change over time.
