Kader Khan

Kader Khan was a legendary figure in Indian cinema whose versatility and prolific career spanned acting, screenwriting, comedy, and dialogue writing. Born on October 22, 1937, in Kabul, Afghanistan, into a Pashtun family, he moved to Mumbai, India with his family at a young age. Despite facing financial hardships in his early life, Khan excelled academically and graduated in civil engineering from Ismail Yusuf College. He later taught at M. H. Saboo Siddik College of Engineering, where his passion for drama began to bloom.

Kader Khan’s foray into Bollywood began with writing dialogues for the 1972 film Roti, thanks to actor Dilip Kumar, who recognized his potential. This breakthrough was the beginning of a long and illustrious career. He went on to write dialogues for over 250 films and acted in more than 300 movies. He became a household name for his distinctive comic timing, emotional depth, and impeccable dialogue delivery. His screenwriting partnership with directors like Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra led to iconic films such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Coolie, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, and Laawaris.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Kader Khan became immensely popular as a character actor and comedian, often playing quirky father figures, villains, or law enforcement officers. His collaborations with Govinda and David Dhawan resulted in massive box office successes, including Dulhe Raja, Coolie No. 1, and Hero No. 1. His presence guaranteed a strong blend of humor and heart.

Khan was not only admired in front of the camera but was equally respected behind the scenes. His deep understanding of Urdu, Hindi, and regional dialects gave his writing a rare authenticity and richness. Many of the dialogues he penned are still quoted today for their power and wit.

In the later years of his life, Khan suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative disease, and moved to Canada, where he lived with his family. He passed away on December 31, 2018, in Toronto, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of Indian cinema. Revered as a scholar, performer, and artist, Kader Khan’s contributions remain unmatched, making him a towering figure in the history of Bollywood.