Here are 5 famous actors from India died at 66:
Raj Khosla (May 31, 1925 Ludhiana-June 9, 1991 Mumbai) otherwise known as Rajveer Singh Khosla was an Indian film director, film producer, screenwriter, actor and writer. His children are Milan Luthria and Sunita Khosla Bhalla.
Raj Khosla began his career in the film industry as an actor in 1948, appearing in small roles in films such as "Gulshan" and "Samaadhi". He then transitioned to directing in 1953 with the film "Milan", which starred Nutan and Sunil Dutt.
Throughout his career, Khosla directed over 50 films, including hits such as "CID" (1956), "Kalapani" (1958), "Woh Kaun Thi?" (1964), and "Mera Saaya" (1966). He was known for his mastery of the thriller genre and his ability to showcase strong performances from his actors.
Khosla received numerous accolades for his work as a filmmaker, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for "CID" and "Mera Saaya", and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for "Do Raaste" (1969).
In addition to his work in film, Khosla was also an accomplished writer, penning several books including the autobiography "Humsafar Mere Humsafar" and the novel "Kohra". He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential filmmakers of his time.
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Mani Kaul (December 25, 1944 Jodhpur-July 6, 2011 Gurgaon) also known as Rabindranath Kaul was an Indian film director, film producer, actor, film editor and screenwriter. His child is Shambhavi Kaul.
He died as a result of cancer.
Mani Kaul was a leading figure in the Indian Parallel Cinema movement of the 1970s. He studied at the Film and Television Institute of India, where he later became a faculty member. His films were known for their experimental and non-linear narrative structures, and often explored themes of identity, displacement, and cultural conflict. Some of his notable works include "Uski Roti" (1969), "Duvidha" (1973), and "Siddheshwari" (1989). Kaul also taught film studies and direction at universities in India and the United States. He received several awards for his contribution to Indian cinema, including the National Film Award for Best Director in 1974.
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Anil Chatterjee (October 25, 1929 Kolkata-March 17, 1996 Kolkata) a.k.a. Anil Chatterji, Anil Chattopadhyay or Anil Chatterjee (Chattopadhyay) was an Indian actor.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Anil Chatterjee was a renowned actor who worked predominantly in Bengali cinema. He began his acting career with the film "Pasher Bari" in 1952 and went on to act in over 100 films in his career span of 4 decades. Anil Chatterjee is best known for his collaborations with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, having acted in several of his classics including "Charulata" (1964), "Ashani Sanket" (1973) and "Ghare-Baire" (1984). He also won critical acclaim for his performances in films like "Jana Aranya" (1976) and "Hirak Rajar Deshe" (1980). Apart from films, Anil Chatterjee was also a renowned theatre personality having acted in several plays. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995 for his contribution to Indian theatre. Anil Chatterjee passed away in Kolkata in 1996 at the age of 66.
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Harpal Tiwana (August 8, 1935 Ludhiana district-May 19, 2002 Himachal Pradesh) also known as Harpal Singh Tiwana was an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter and film producer. He had one child, Manpal Tiwana.
Harpal Tiwana began his acting career in the Punjabi theatre where he gained immense popularity for his performances. He then transitioned into the film industry, acting in several Punjabi and Hindi films. Tiwana was also a prolific writer and director, with some of his notable films including "Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam" (1974) and "Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar" (1977). He won a National Award for the latter for Best Film on National Integration.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Tiwana was also a well-known social activist who worked towards the betterment of the farmers in the Punjab region. He was a founding member of the Kisan Sabha, which was focused on fighting for the rights of farmers.
Unfortunately, Tiwana passed away in a car accident while travelling to a social event in Himachal Pradesh at the age of 66. However, his contributions to the film industry and his work for social causes have continued to inspire many.
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G. K. Venkatesh (September 21, 1927 Hyderabad-November 13, 1993 Chennai) also known as Gurjada Krishnadas Venkatesh, GKV, Venkatesh G.K. or Gurajada Krishnadas Venkatesh was an Indian film producer, playback singer, actor, film score composer and music director.
He started his career in the film industry as a playback singer for the Telugu film "Ilavelpu" in 1956. He also acted in several Tamil and Telugu films in the 1960s and 1970s, before turning to music direction. One of his notable works as a music director was for the film "Mangalya Balam" in 1958.
Venkatesh was known for his unique style of composing music that blended traditional Indian classical and folk music with Western musical elements. He worked with several prominent filmmakers in the South Indian film industry and won critical acclaim for his work. In 1983, he received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the Telugu film "Meghasandesam."
Apart from his work in films, Venkatesh was also involved in the theatre scene in Hyderabad. He wrote several plays and was a co-founder of "Smaran," a theatre group that is still active today. Additionally, he was an active member of the Communist Party of India and used his influence to promote socialist values through his work in the arts.
Venkatesh passed away in Chennai in 1993 at the age of 66. His contributions to the Indian film industry and theatre are still celebrated today.
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