Bollywood legends who died on 12 July—Rajendra Kumar, Dara Singh, and Pran—are remembered today as icons who left behind a legacy too vast to measure. From the silver screen to the wrestling ring, from heartfelt performances to unforgettable characters, these stars didn’t just act—they inspired, they lived, and they defined eras. As we pay tribute to them today, we look back at the real stories, quiet struggles, and shining moments that turned them into icons.
Pran – The Villain Who Made Goodness Look Weak
Pran Krishan Sikand never intended to become an actor; he dreamed of being a photographer. While working at a photo studio in Lahore, he was spotted at a paan shop by filmmaker Wali Mohammad Wali. That one meeting changed the course of his life. In 1940, Pran debuted as a villain in the Punjabi film Yamla Jatt.
Before Partition, he acted in 22 films in Lahore. However, after moving to Bombay in 1947 with his wife and son, he faced extreme hardships—selling jewelry, staying in cheap lodges, and even working at a hotel on Marine Drive. His big break came in 1948 with Ziddi, which relaunched his film career in Mumbai.
Pran transformed the image of the Hindi film villain. Polished, well-dressed, and terrifying, audiences feared him, and producers paid him more than heroes. From Afsana to Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam to Madhumati, Pran delivered remarkable performances that shaped the core of the films. He famously refused romantic hero roles, saying, “I don’t like dancing around trees—I like playing the roles my heart believes in.”
His name would appear in credits as “And Pran” or “Above All, Pran,” showing his unmatched screen value.
Pran was deeply professional, always punctual, doing his makeup, and bringing fresh looks to every role. Despite his villainous image, he was gentle in real life. Aruna Irani once shared how he ensured her safety during an unexpected hotel stay, breaking her perception of him as a real-life “bad guy.” He worked with all major stars—Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, and Amitabh Bachchan. According to director Prakash Mehra, if it wasn’t for Pran, Zanjeer would never have been made. His agreement to take on the iconic role of Sher Khan paved the way for Amitabh Bachchan’s breakthrough as the Angry Young Man in Zanjeer.
From dacoits to dons, Pran played every shade of grey. But when his daughter asked him to try decent roles, he shifted to positive characters in films like Upkaar, Zanjeer, and Victoria No. 203. His role as Sher Khan in Zanjeer became iconic—moustache twirls, Pathani suits, and honorable villainy defined a generation.
Rajendra Kumar: The Man Who Sold His Watch to Buy Stardom
Rajendra Kumar Tuli was born on July 20, 1929, in Sialkot, Punjab (now in Pakistan). His family relocated to Delhi during the Partition, leaving behind a flourishing textile business. He had a deep passion for cinema, and with just ₹63 (after selling his gifted watch), he boarded a train to Mumbai, dreaming of stardom.
He began his journey in Bollywood as an assistant director under H.S. Rawail, working on films such as Patanga, Pocket Maar, and Sagai.
Rajendra Kumar gained recognition in Jogan (1950) and secured his first major acting break in Vachan (1955), earning ₹ 1,500. The film was a silver jubilee hit, marking the birth of a new star. His role in Mother India (1957) further established him, and by the time Goonj Uthi Shehnai was released, he was a household name.
He earned immense respect for roles in Mere Mehboob, Dhool Ka Phool, Dil Ek Mandir, Kanoon, Arzoo, Suraj, Talash, and Sangam. His acting was so convincing that audiences often forgot he was acting.
Rajendra Kumar gained recognition in Jogan (1950) and secured his first major acting break in Vachan (1955), earning ₹ 1,500. The film was a silver jubilee hit, marking the birth of a new star. His role in Mother India (1957) further established him, and by the time Goonj Uthi Shehnai was released, he was a household name.
He earned immense respect for roles in Mere Mehboob, Dhool Ka Phool, Dil Ek Mandir, Kanoon, Arzoo, Suraj, Talash, and Sangam. His acting was so convincing that audiences often forgot he was acting.
Rajendra Kumar purchased a bungalow on Carter Road, considered haunted, despite warnings. After moving in, he delivered seven back-to-back silver jubilee films, earning him the title “Jubilee Kumar.” At one point, his films were running simultaneously in multiple theaters. However, his stardom eventually waned with the rise of Rajesh Khanna, who ironically bought Rajendra’s Carter Road bungalow, and his superstardom began shortly after.
Rajendra shared a lifelong bond with Raj Kapoor. The two discussed family, films, and even their children’s marriages. Their friendship showed beautifully in Sangam (1964), where Rajendra delivered an impromptu dialogue that made it into the final cut. After Raj Kapoor’s death, Rajendra stopped attending film parties.
Rajendra Kumar never played a villain and always chose his scripts carefully. He was nominated 3 times for the Filmfare Best Actor award but never won. He was, however, honored with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema.
He married Shukla, sister of producer O.P. Ralhan, and had three children, including actor Kumar Gaurav. His banner launched Kumar with the hit film Love Story, though the son couldn’t sustain the fame. Rajendra also produced Naam (1986), which helped boost Sanjay Dutt’s career.
Rajendra Kumar passed away on 12 July 1999, just days before his 70th birthday
Rajendra Kumar never played a villain and always chose his scripts carefully. He was nominated 3 times for the Filmfare Best Actor award but never won. He was, however, honored with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema.
He married Shukla, sister of producer O.P. Ralhan, and had three children, including actor Kumar Gaurav. His banner launched Kumar with the hit film Love Story, though the son couldn’t sustain the fame. Rajendra also produced Naam (1986), which helped boost Sanjay Dutt’s career.
Rajendra Kumar passed away on 12 July 1999, just days before his 70th birthday
Dara Singh – Rustam-e-Hind Who Became a Living Legend
Birth and Early Life: Dara Singh, born on November 19, 1928, in Dharmuchak, Amritsar, Punjab, developed a natural inclination toward wrestling from an early age. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 127 kg, his imposing physique and 53-inch chest made him a perfect match for the akharas (wrestling arenas). His early journey took a pivotal turn when he convinced his uncle to take him to Singapore at the age of 17, seeking a livelihood but eventually finding his calling in professional wrestling.
In Singapore, local Indian supporters saw his potential and urged him to pursue wrestling seriously. Despite initial hesitation, Dara Singh trained with outstanding discipline and dedication. His routine began at 4 a.m. with exercise, strict diets, and multiple daily training sessions. His hard work paid off—he became Rustam-e-Hind in 1954 and Rustam-e-Punjab in 1966. Later, he became the world champion in wrestling, a title he held until retirement. Even global champions couldn’t dethrone him, and he remained undefeated in his final matches.
Dara Singh made his debut in Hindi cinema with the 1952 film Sang Dil. But it was King Kong (1962) that established him as a lead actor. He starred in several action-packed films with Mumtaz—their pairing became iconic with over 16 films together. Despite starting reluctantly, he took acting seriously and eventually learned Urdu, dubbing his dialogues. He played influential roles in movies like Sikandar-E-Azam, Mard, Daku Mangal Singh, Dharam Karam, and even Mera Naam Joker. But the turning point came when he was cast as Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, a role that immortalized him in every Indian household.
Dara Singh wasn’t just an actor or wrestler—he was a visionary. He established a film studio in Mohali, Punjab, and ventured into Punjabi cinema with films like Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar. He also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the first Indian sportsperson nominated to the upper house of Parliament. He remained grounded despite fame, often recalling stories from his simple village life and how he never gave up wrestling even when acting took off.
He was married twice—first to Bachno Kaur, with whom he had a son, Pradyuman Singh. His second marriage was to Surjit Kaur Randhawa, with whom he had five children, including Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh. Despite his fame, he was a dedicated family man who cooked, helped with school runs, and cherished village traditions.
Legacy & Death: Dara Singh passed away on 12 July 2012 at the age of 83, just days before his birthday. He had suffered a heart attack and died peacefully at home after being discharged from the hospital. His last rites were conducted with full state honors. Today, he remains a legendary name in both Indian wrestling and cinema—a man of strength, discipline, and immense humility.
