Raj Kishore: The Great Actor Behind Small Roles

In the history of Hindi cinema, audiences often remember the heroes, heroines and leading stars. However, films are also enriched by talented actors who appear only for a few minutes but leave a lasting impression. Raj Kishore was one such remarkable character actor. Through a long career spanning several decades, he appeared in more than 120 films and became known for his natural acting and versatility.
Born in 1933, Raj Kishore’s original name is reported to have been Syed Afaq Rasool. He spent his early years in Lucknow and later moved to Bombay with dreams of becoming an actor. He adopted the screen name “Raj Kishore,” inspired by the popular names of Raj Kapoor and Kishore Kumar.
Raj Kishore played a wide variety of supporting roles. He appeared as a doctor, student, police officer, professor, waiter, bartender, postman, thief and even a palm reader. Whatever the role, he brought an effortless naturalness to his performance.
His appearance in the 1968 comedy classic Padosan gave him considerable recognition. His Lahori-style character and comic timing made his brief presence memorable. Another unforgettable appearance came in the iconic film Sholay, where he was seen among the prisoners in the jail. Though his role was small, his face became familiar to millions of viewers.
Raj Kishore continued acting even as Hindi cinema changed through the 1980s and 1990s. He appeared in films such as Phool Aur Angaar and Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi. His later appearances included Lajja (2001) and Sarhad Paar (2006).
Raj Kishore passed away on April 6, 2018, at the age of 85. His legacy lies not in the size of his roles but in the impact he created through them. He proved that even a small character can become unforgettable when performed with sincerity and skill.

Mangat Garg
Columnist — Indian Cinema
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