Stories

Vinod Khanna: The villain who became a legendary romantic superstar

News18•06-10-2026, 18:16

•Vinod Khanna was born on October 6, 1946, and was widely celebrated for his striking handsome looks and commanding personality.
•He started his Bollywood career playing negative roles, making his debut as a villain in the 1968 film Man Ka Meet.
•Filmmaker Gulzar recognized his romantic appeal and cast him in a lead role in the 1971 film Mere Apne, shifting his career trajectory.
•He proved his versatility by starring as a romantic hero as well as delivering powerful performances in multi-starrers alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
•His iconic journey from playing fearsome villains to becoming a top superstar remains an inspiration in Bollywood history.

Vinod Khanna made his debut playing a negative role in the 1968 film 'Man Ka Meet'.

Gulzar recognized Vinod Khanna's romantic appeal and cast him as a heroic young gang leader in his 1971 directorial debut 'Mere Apne'.

Vinod Khanna starred in the 1978 box-office hit 'Main Tulsi Tere Angan Ki', where his character made an entry after the interval.