Raj Kishore – Bollywood comic actor of ‘Sholay’ fame

Raj Kishore (1933 – 2018) was a character artist of Bollywood films best known for his brief roles in Sholay and Padosan. He also appeared in Bombay To Goa, Sadhu aur Shaitan, Karan Arjun, Deewar, Anamika, Ram Aur Shyam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Aasmaan etc. Among all his roles, he is best remembered for his role as a prisoner in Sholay. When each and every artist associated with the iconic film became a part of Bollywood history, Raj Kishore too joins the same folk. He passed away in 2018 aged 85 following a cardiac arrest. He was survived by his wife and son.

One of his early credited roles in Patanga in 1949 and very little is known about his professional career. He played bit roles on screen most, and never received a major break in Bollywood. Yet he shared screen space with Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan for Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster, Sholay, playing the role of a prisoner. He was seen in 1995 revenge drama – Karan Arjun playing the brief role of Jugal. Mr and Mrs. Khiladi was his last film release. He was suffering with age related ailments during his last years and had stomach issues. But he was not bedridden.

Raj Kishore – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He played the role of Lahorie, one of the friends of the gang in the iconic comedy – Padosan.

2. He has been a part of several iconic ensemble movies such as Padosan, Karan Arjun, Sholay etc.

3. He excelled in comic roles most.

4. He shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay, Deewar and Bombay To Goa.

5. He is spotted with a cap or hat in most of his film appearances.