From Zita and Gita to Disco Dancer: how the actors of popular Indian films have changed. Photos then and now

Incendiary dances, sensual plots, and cultural and social aspects of Indian society, including traditions, religion and family values. All of this is about Indian films, also known as Bollywood (a linguistic contamination of the words "Bombay" and "Hollywood"). As children, we watched the characters from these films with bated breath. We were worried about the fate of disco dancer Anil and admired the bold, uncompromising style of police officer Vijay Khanna from Zanjeer.

Let's get to know the heroes of Indian films better. Find out how they started and how they live now in the OBOZREVATEL article.

Mithun Chakraborty

Indian actor Mithun Chakraborty has appeared in more than 350 films and is one of the most famous artists in India. He became world-famous for his leading role in the movie Disco Dancer (1983). Chakraborty's acting talent began at an early age. He took an active part in children's performances and later entered a film institute. Thanks to his natural charisma, convincing acting, and ability to dance and sing, Mithun got on the set. For some time, he had cameo roles, and after filming the movie Mrigayaa, he received the prestigious Golden Lotus Award in India. This gave him the impetus to conquer Bollywood.

Despite the movie image of a lover hero, in real life, the actor is a wonderful family man. Together with his wife Yogita Bali, he raised four children, one of whom is adopted. Today, 73-year-old Mithun is one of the richest men in India. He owns a hotel chain. In addition, the man continues to act in films and heads the filmmakers' union.

Amitabh Bachchan

Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan has appeared in more than 200 films. The charismatic man has won the hearts of audiences around the world. He has been dreaming of a career in movies since childhood. To achieve this, he honed his dancing and singing skills. After studying at Kirori Mal College, thanks to his pleasant baritone, he was hired as an announcer. This did not stop him from wanting to act in films. However, directors refused to let him audition for films because he was "too threatening."

A letter of recommendation from Bachchan's mother's friend made a difference. The man was given a chance. Soon, his first film with Saat Hindustani was released, and he experienced real fame after starring in Zanjeer. At the age of 80, the actor continues to act in films, as well as develop a career as a writer, politician, and presenter. He is married to actress Jaya Bhaduri, who gave birth to two children. Once this marriage was on the verge of collapse due to Amitabh's infidelity, but the couple managed to survive this period and establish a relationship.

Dharmendra (Kewal Krishan Deol)

Indian actor, producer and politician Dharmendra is a legend of Indian cinema. His most famous roles are in the movie Zita and Geeta and the musical fairy tale Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves. The future artist was born into a conservative family. His parents were angry when they learned about their son's dream of becoming an actor. But this did not stop him. At first, he won an acting competition in the New Talent nomination. There he met actor Dev Anand, who helped him break into the world of cinema.

Dharmendra's first shootings were not successful: they brought little money and did not make him recognizable. He was ready to give up but decided to star in the romantic drama Phool Aur Patthar. This film became a springboard in his career and inspired him to become one of the most successful actors in the history of Hindi cinema.

The man has appeared in over 300 films. He managed to realize himself as a producer and also represented the Bharatiya Janata Party in India for 5 years. Dharmendra has been married twice and has two children from his first marriage.

Shahrukh Khan

Indian film actor, producer, and TV presenter Shahrukh Khan was an active runner in his early years. At the time, he was seriously considering a career as an athlete, but it was not to be. Doctors discovered that he had a heart murmur. Then Khan entered the Faculty of Economics, and in his first year, he tried his hand at acting. Then he dropped out and decided that he had to conquer Bollywood.

He was right to make this choice: his first role was a leading one (in the movie Deewana). But the real fame came with the premiere of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, in which Tom Cruise could have won the male lead. Shahrukh went on to star in the hit films Om Shanti Om, My Name Is Khan and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In his personal life, everything went well too. Since 1991, he has been married to film producer and fashion designer Gauri Khan, who gave birth to three children.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about what Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and other action stars of the 80s and 90s look like now.

Only verified information is available on Obozrevatel Telegram, Threads, and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!