VINOD KHANNA was a scholar and sportsman
Veteran actor and Member of Parliament Vinod Khanna — the Bollywood heartthrob best known for his roles in films such as Amar
Akbar Anthony, Qurbaani and Insaaf — died of cancer at a hospital on Thursday morning. He was 70.
Khanna was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital on March 31 with complications arising out of severe dehydration. An official statement from the hospital said Khanna was suffering from bladder cancer.
“Veteran actor and Member of Parliament Mr. Vinod Khanna, who was admitted to the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital breathed his last at 11.20 am due to advanced bladder carcinoma,” said asspokesperson, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital
The actor is survived by his wife, Kavita Khanna, and four children — Rahul, Akshaye, Sakshi, and Shraddha. Rahul and Akshaye, both actors, were from his first wife, Geetanjali.
Feted as one of the most handsome actors of the Hindi film industry, Khanna made his acting debut in 1968 with Man Ka Meet. In many of the earlier films, Khanna played a negative or a supporting role. His potential was first noticed in Gulzar's Mere
Apne in 1971. At the height of his popularity, Khanna surprised his fans when he took a break from acting for five years to join Osho Rajneesh at his ashram in Pune in 1982. But he returned to cinema in the late eighties. Khanna was also an active politician and a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab. The sitting MP had won the seat four times.
Few will know that deceased actor Vinod Khanna as a young student excelled in studies and was also a distinguished sportsman. Khanna passed out from the Cambridge University joint exam with a first class from Barnes High School at Devlali in Nashik he had joined for two years from January 1961 till December 1962.
The then headmaster, late WR Coles, said in his register entry, “He (Vinod) was a well-mannered, pleasant natured boy of good character, intelligent and conscientious in his work. Khanna was also the House Captain and played hockey and football, for the school team.” His name has been put up in the Hall of Fame of Barnes school and junior college, which was said to be one of the best schools in the world.
The Principal of Barnes School and Junior College Julian Luke said that, they would hold a condolence meeting in the school. Khanna’s senior schoolmate Munnawar Hussain from Vasai said he was a very respectful and cultured boy. “Even when he became a film star, he continued to call me and accept my calls. He was down to earth and not proud,” said Hussain.
Vinod Khanna visited Barnes on a few occasions especially during film shoots there. He was featured in the school magazine ‘Barnicle.’ The school boasts of luminaries in their alumni list. Filmstar Dilip Kumar, former Air chief Marshal Anil Tipnis are among several distinguished persons.
The Barnes school, through a press release announced that, the management, principal, staff and students of Barnes School & Junior College, Devlali, mourn the sudden and sad demise of its alumnus, Vinod Khanna, who has been an inspiration to the Barnes fraternity. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Khanna family and the near and dear ones of the superstar and member of the Lok Sabha. May God grant them the strength to bear this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
Even the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) faculty, staff and students came together to pay tributes to Khanna, who was the former chairperson of FTII Governing Council.
Khanna was the chairperson for nearly five years. His tenure as FTII chairperson was spread over two terms: October 2001 to February 2002, and from March 2002 to March 2005.
“Vinod Khanna was the 12th chairperson of FTII Governing Council. Old timers recall his chairmanship with fondness, and speak how accessible he was and his polite demeanor. As an actor and as a film administrator, he would be remembered for his contribution,” said Bhupendra Kainthola, Director, FTII in his tribute.