Raaj Kumar, born Kulbhushan Pandit on 8 October 1926 in Loralai, Baluchistan (now in Pakistan), was an iconic actor in Hindi cinema, known for his unique style of dialogue delivery, deep voice, and intense screen presence. Here’s a detailed look at his life and career:

Early Life and Career:

• Birth Name: Kulbhushan Pandit
• Date of Birth: 8 October 1926
• Place of Birth: Loralai, Baluchistan (British India, now Pakistan)
• Death: 3 July 1996 (aged 69), Mumbai, India
• Occupation before Acting: He worked as a sub-inspector of Mumbai Police before he entered films.

Raaj Kumar came from a Kashmiri Pandit family. After working as a police officer in Mumbai, he entered Bollywood, and his debut came with the 1952 film “Rangili”. Although his initial films were not very successful, his unique personality and acting talent soon got noticed.

Film Career:

Raaj Kumar was famous for his baritone voice and dialogue delivery, which set him apart from other actors. He enjoyed a career spanning over four decades, during which he acted in a number of landmark films.

Key Films:

1. “Mother India” (1957): One of the biggest films in Indian cinema, Raaj Kumar played the pivotal role of Radha’s (Nargis) husband.
2. “Paigham” (1959): Starring alongside Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, Raaj Kumar’s performance was critically acclaimed.
3. “Dil Ek Mandir” (1963): Raaj Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a cancer patient in this emotional drama.
4. “Waqt” (1965): One of the biggest multi-starrer films of that era, Raaj Kumar stood out with his powerful performance and unforgettable dialogue delivery (“Jaani”).
5. “Hamraaz” (1967): A suspense thriller directed by B.R. Chopra, Raaj Kumar’s role as a suave, dignified army man was loved by the audience.
6. “Pakeezah” (1972): This cult classic starred Raaj Kumar opposite Meena Kumari. His romantic portrayal and chemistry with Meena Kumari were one of the highlights of the film.
7. “Lal Patthar” (1971): Known for his intense role in this drama film, his performance was praised for its complexity.
8. “Kudrat” (1981): A reincarnation-based love story, directed by Chetan Anand, showcased Raaj Kumar in a pivotal role.
9. “Saudagar” (1991): One of his later works, directed by Subhash Ghai, saw Raaj Kumar co-star with another legendary actor, Dilip Kumar, after decades. Their rivalry on-screen and iconic dialogues added to the film’s success.

Acting Style:

Raaj Kumar was famous for his distinctive style of delivering dialogues in an authoritative and poetic manner. His famous line, “Jaani” (a term he often used in his films), became synonymous with his persona. He had a regal aura, often playing aristocratic or dignified characters, and was known for his measured performances. His voice modulation and control over his speech were seen as his trademarks.

Personal Life:

• Wife: Raaj Kumar was married to Jennifer, an Anglo-Indian air hostess, whom he renamed Gayatri after their marriage. They had three children: Puru Raaj Kumar (who also became an actor), Panini Raaj Kumar, and a daughter.
• Despite his success in Bollywood, Raaj Kumar maintained a low-key personal life, staying away from the media glare.

Famous Dialogues:

Raaj Kumar was known for some unforgettable dialogues. Some of the most famous are:

• “Jaani, yeh chaku hai, lag jaye toh khoon nikal aata hai” (in “Waqt”)
• “Chin-o-Arab hamara, Hindustan hamara, rehne ko ghar nahin hai, saara jahan hamara” (in “Pakeezah”)
• “Na talwar ki dhaar se, na goliyon ke baar se, banda darta hai toh sirf parvardigaar se” (in “Tirangaa”).

Death:

Raaj Kumar passed away on 3 July 1996 after a long battle with throat cancer. His passing marked the end of an era for Indian cinema, as he left behind a legacy of remarkable performances and a unique place in Bollywood history.

Legacy:

Raaj Kumar is remembered as one of Bollywood’s most distinguished actors, with his distinctive dialogue delivery and powerful screen presence. He was a star who worked with some of the biggest directors of his time, and his films continue to be watched and appreciated by newer generations.

Despite not being as prolific as some of his contemporaries, Raaj Kumar carved out a niche for himself in Indian cinema and is celebrated for his unforgettable performances and inimitable style.

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