Kanhaiyalal

Kanhaiyalal was an Indian film actor, primarily working in Bollywood film industry. He was also a scriptwriter and wannabe director in his early days. Kanhaiyalal appeared in almost 105 films throughout his career. Kanhaiyalal was born in Benares (now Varanasi) in 1910 to Pandit Bhairodutt Choube, owner of a local theatre group named Sanatan Dharm Natak Samaj. Though Bhairodutt ran a theatre company, he was against his sons doing any theatrical work. Eventually, Kanhaiyalal opposed his father’s decision & started working in local small troupe groups. He started writing scripts & doing small roles in various theater groups from the age of just 17.

After his father’s death, his brothers tried to continue the Natak Samaj but in vain. After that, he decided to try his luck in Bollywood industry. His elder brother Sankata Prasad Chaturvedi already established himself as a renowned actor in the silent film industry, but Kanhaiyalal had no intention of acting. He was more interested in excelling as a scriptwriter & director. He staged his play Pandrah August in Mumbai but without much success. Later he gave up & started working as Background extra in films. He got an insignificant role as Banke in 1939 films Ek Hi Raasta. Later due to a twist of fate, Kanhaiyalal bagged the role of pervert moneylender Sukhilala in 1940 film Aurat, directed by Mehboob.

He groomed his dialogue delivery & naturalness that escalated the film to a golden jubilee run. He later reprised the role of Sukhilala in Oscar-nominated film Mother India (1957), 17 years later. Critics were overwhelmed with his acting prowess in that movie. Kanhaiyalal was also famous for his various character roles in many memorable films. He was well-known for his experimentation with roles. In many films in his earlier days, he played many roles where his character is older than in real life.

His acclaimed experimental roles include a pickpocket with a heart of gold in Bahen (1941), a comic priest in Laal Haveli (1944) and a stationmaster in Grahasti (1962). His role as a villainous ‘Munim’ in Ganga Jamuna Story Coming Soon. >> Read More... (1960) was very popular among audiences. His hit streak continued with Upkaar (1961), Ram Aur Shyam, Dushman, Apna Desh and Hum Paanch (1980). Kanhaiyalal even turned dialogue writer in many of his films including Sadhana. He acted in over 100 films in Bollywood, and his last film was Hathkadi (1982). Kanhaiyalal Passed away on 14 August 1982 aged 72. Many contemporary film artists hail him as one of the best character actor Bollywood has ever seen.