Seventies saw him rise as a major star, but, like Shatrughan Sinha, he ran into the mega tsunami called Amitabh Bachchan, and had to be a glorified on-looker to the genesis of the Big B phenom. In many Bachchan super hits, Vinod played the second lead with aplomb, and even managed to be hailed, by a few, as a challenge to Bachchan. After peaking in Bollywood in 1980, Vinod unceremoniously left Bombay and became an ascetic in the order of Osho Rajneesh. His return to the screen, in mid-Eighties, was not an effective one.
Here's a pictorial tribute to Vinod Khanna, the original serial kisser of Bollywood.
Khanna was born to Kamla and KC Khanna; he has three sisters and a brother and grew up in a joint family.
After debuting in Sunil Dutt's 1968 film 'Man Ka Meet', Vinod went on to act in multi-starrer films, often playing supporting roles and getting appreciated for it.
His earlier hits include 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970), 'Sachaa Jhutha' (1970) and 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' (1971).
It was the 1971 film, 'Mere Apne', which gave Vinod Khanna his big break as the hero. The movie was directed by Gulzar. His performance as an army officer facing death in 'Achanak' (1973) was also critically acclaimed.
Vinod's major B.O hits were the ones in which he played the supporting role to Amitabh Bachchan's "Angry Young man"; these include 'Parvarish' (1977), 'Khoon Pasina' (1977) and 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander' (1978).
He also played one of the three leads in Manmohan Desai's cult classic of 1977, 'Amar Akbar Anthony'.
Joining hands with Feroz Khan, Vinod registered the biggest hit of his career with 'Qurbani' (1980). However, their reunion in 1988, with 'Dayawan', fizzled out at the B.O
Vinod became a follower of Osho (aka Rajneesh) and left the film industry in 1979.
He rejoined the industry, in mid 1980s, and continued to appear in many notable films such as 'Chandni' (1989) and 'Kshatriya' (1993).
His recent films have been 'Deewaanapan' (2002), 'Risk' (2007) and 'Red Alert' (2010).
In 1997, Vinod joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Gurdaspur constituency (Punjab). In 1999, he was re-elected and became Union Minister for Culture and Tourism in 2002. Six months later he was moved to the ministry of external affairs (MEA) as Minister of State. In 2004, he won again from Gurdaspur.
In 1997, Vinod joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Gurdaspur constituency (Punjab). In 1999, he was re-elected and became Union Minister for Culture and Tourism in 2002. Six months later he was moved to the ministry of external affairs (MEA) as Minister of State. In 2004, he won again from Gurdaspur.
Khanna's two sons, Akshaye and Rahul, are accomplished actors.
Vinod Khanna played the lead in the Hindi serial, 'Mere Apne', produced by Smriti Irani.
