Vinod Khanna biography covers the legendary Bollywood actor’s life, wives Gitanjali and Kavita, children, $50 million net worth, films, and political career.
Who is Vinod Khanna?
Vinod Khanna biography chronicles the extraordinary life of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors. Born on 6 October 1946 in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan), Khanna rose from playing villainous roles to becoming one of Bollywood’s greatest leading men. He passed away on 27 April 2017 at the age of 70.
Khanna’s career spanned nearly five decades, during which he appeared in over 140 films. His striking good looks and versatility earned him the title of Bollywood’s ultimate style icon. The media often referred to him as the “Sexy Sanyasi” following his spiritual sojourn with guru Osho Rajneesh.
Beyond cinema, Khanna made significant contributions to Indian politics, serving as MP from Gurdaspur and holding ministerial positions. In 2018, he was posthumously honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic recognition.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vinod Khanna |
| Date of Birth | 6 October 1946 |
| Date of Death | 27 April 2017 |
| Age at Death | 70 years old |
| Place of Birth | Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Punjabi Khatri |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Politician |
| First Wife | Gitanjali Taleyarkhan (m. 1971, div. 1985) |
| Second Wife | Kavita Daftary (m. 1990) |
| Children | Rahul, Akshaye, Sakshi, Shraddha |
| Father | Kishanchand Khanna |
| Mother | Kamla Khanna |
| Education | Sydenham College (B.Com) |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Net Worth | $50 million (at time of death) |
Early Life and Background
Vinod Khanna was born into a Punjabi Hindu family of the Khatri community in Peshawar. His father, Kishanchand Khanna, was a prosperous businessman dealing in textiles, dyes, and chemicals. His mother, Kamla Khanna, was a homemaker. Shortly after his birth, India was partitioned, and the family migrated to Bombay (now Mumbai).
Khanna grew up with three sisters and one brother, Pramod Khanna, who also appeared in films. His introduction to cinema came while studying at boarding school, where he watched the classic “Mughal-e-Azam” and became fascinated with films.
Educational Background
Khanna’s educational journey took him through several prestigious institutions. He began at Queen Mary’s School in Mumbai before moving to St. Xavier’s High School. When the family relocated to Delhi, he attended Delhi Public School on Mathura Road. Upon returning to Mumbai, he was sent to Barnes School in Deolali, a boarding school near Nashik.
Khanna graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. Initially preparing for a career in business, his passion for acting led him in a completely different direction, much to his father’s initial disapproval.
Career Journey
Khanna’s entry into films came through legendary actor Sunil Dutt, who spotted him at a party and offered him a role. His debut came in 1968 with “Man Ka Meet,” where he played a villain. His father strongly opposed his decision, reportedly threatening to shoot him, but his mother intervened.
During the early years, Khanna played supporting and antagonistic roles in films like “Purab Aur Paschim” (1970) and “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” (1971). His breakthrough came with Gulzar’s “Mere Apne” (1971), which showcased his potential as a leading man.
By the mid-1970s, Khanna had established himself as one of Bollywood’s top actors. Films like “Haath Ki Safai” (1974), “Hera Pheri” (1976), and “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977) made him a household name. He frequently starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in successful multi-starrers.
In 1982, at the peak of his career, Khanna shocked the industry by leaving films to follow spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh. He spent five years at Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, USA, taking the name “Swami Vinod Bharti.” He returned to acting in 1987 with “Insaaf” and successfully rebuilt his career.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Debut in Man Ka Meet | First film appearance as villain |
| 1971 | Mere Apne released | Breakthrough as leading actor |
| 1974 | Haath Ki Safai | Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor |
| 1977 | Amar Akbar Anthony | Iconic multi-starrer success |
| 1982 | Left for Rajneeshpuram | Spiritual sabbatical begins |
| 1987 | Returned with Insaaf | Successful comeback |
| 1998 | Elected to Lok Sabha | Political career begins |
| 2017 | Passed away | End of an era |
Personal Life and Relationships
Khanna married his first wife, Gitanjali Taleyarkhan, in 1971. The couple had two sons, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna, both of whom became successful Bollywood actors. The marriage ended in divorce in 1985, reportedly due to Khanna’s decision to follow Osho.
Upon returning to India, Khanna married Kavita Daftary in 1990, daughter of industrialist Sharayu Daftary. The couple had two children: a son named Sakshi and a daughter named Shraddha. Kavita remained devoted to Khanna until his death.
Khanna’s spiritual journey with Osho Rajneesh remains discussed to this day. He later grew disillusioned, writing that spirituality “was meant for rich people who loved to indulge in things that are absolutely impractical.”
Political Career
Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1997. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab during the 1998 general elections and won re-election in 1999 and 2004.
Under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, Khanna served as Minister of State for External Affairs and later as Minister of State with independent charge for Culture and Tourism. His work focused on infrastructure development and welfare programmes in his constituency.
Khanna lost the 2009 election but made a comeback in 2014, winning with a margin of over 136,000 votes. He continued serving his constituency until his health deteriorated in 2017.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
At the time of his death, Vinod Khanna’s net worth was estimated at approximately $50 million. He was among the highest-paid actors in Bollywood during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.
According to his 2014 election affidavit, Khanna declared total assets of ₹55.2 crore, including ₹19.49 crore in moveable assets and ₹35.71 crore in immovable assets. He owned a luxury residence at IL Palazzo in Malabar Hill, Mumbai, along with properties in other cities. Khanna was known for his refined taste and elegant lifestyle.
Major Achievements
Khanna received numerous accolades throughout his career. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Haath Ki Safai” in 1975 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
The greatest honour came posthumously in 2018 when he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as “a popular actor, dedicated leader and a wonderful human.”
His filmography includes iconic titles such as “Mere Apne,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar,” “Qurbani,” “Chandni,” and later appearances in “Wanted,” “Dabangg,” and “Dabangg 2.”
Final Thoughts
Vinod Khanna’s life was a remarkable journey of transformation. From a reluctant villain to a celebrated leading man, from a spiritual seeker to a dedicated politician, he embraced each role with characteristic grace.
His decision to leave stardom for spiritual pursuits, and his successful return, demonstrated extraordinary courage. Few actors have navigated such dramatic life changes whilst maintaining their popularity.
Khanna’s legacy extends beyond films and politics. His sons Rahul and Akshaye continue his cinematic legacy, whilst his contributions to Gurdaspur remain remembered by those he served.
FAQs About Vinod Khanna
When was Vinod Khanna born and when did he die?
Vinod Khanna was born on 6 October 1946 in Peshawar (now Pakistan) and died on 27 April 2017 in Mumbai. He was 70 years old at the time of his death from bladder cancer.
Who were Vinod Khanna’s wives?
Vinod Khanna married twice. His first wife was Gitanjali Taleyarkhan (1971-1985), with whom he had sons Rahul and Akshaye. He later married Kavita Daftary in 1990 and had two more children, Sakshi and Shraddha.
What was Vinod Khanna’s net worth?
Vinod Khanna’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at approximately $50 million. His 2014 election affidavit declared total assets of ₹55.2 crore.
Why was Vinod Khanna called “Sexy Sanyasi”?
Vinod Khanna earned the nickname “Sexy Sanyasi” because he left Bollywood at the peak of his career in 1982 to follow spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh, spending five years at his commune in Oregon, USA.
What awards did Vinod Khanna receive?
Vinod Khanna received the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award (1975), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2000), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award posthumously in 2018.
Which political party did Vinod Khanna belong to?
Vinod Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1997. He served as MP from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab for four terms and held ministerial positions in the Vajpayee government.
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