Raaj Kumar was one of the prominent actors of Bollywood who was known for his unique style of dialogue delivery and attractive persona. In the late 1940s he began his career as the sub-inspector of Mumbai Police; however destiny later took him to the entertainment world in which he stepped in the year 1952 as an actor. He starred in more than 70 Hindi flicks, including the Oscar-nominated 1957 film Mother India, in about four decades of his film career. Raaj Kumar was born on 8th October 1926 in Balochistan, Pakistan, as Kulbushan Pandit.

Career of Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar had his tryst with the celluloid as an actor in the year 1952 through the film Rangili. Subsequently he starred in movies like Lakhon Mein Ek, Ghamand and Aabshar. However the actor gained recognition in the film industry with Sohrab Modi`s Bollywood flick Naushervan-e-Adil in which he essayed the role of Prince Naushazad. His cameo role in the movie Mother India in 1957 rendered him further fame. In the movie he portrayed the role of the husband of Nargis. Following this he appeared in the movie Paigham alongside Dilip Kumar portraying the role of a mill worker. Raaj Kumar`s next venture was Yash Chopra`s family drama named Waqt in which he acted with Balraj Sahni, Shashi Kapoor and Sunil Dutt. Dil Ek Mandir was his next film in which he played the role of a cancer patient. His outstanding performances also won him the Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor for the movies Waqt and Dil Ek Mandir.

Raaj Kumar is best known for his performances in the films Pakeezah, Lal Patthar, Heer Raanjha, Neel Kamal and Humraaz. By mid 1970s his works in film became fewer while in 1980s he became a character actor and starred in films like Jung Baaz, Muqaddar Ka Faisla, Marte Dam Tak, Ek Nai Paheli and Kudrat. He reunited with the noted actor Dilip Kumar after a long span of 32 years, in 1991, for Subhash Ghai`s film Saudagar.

Personal Life of Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar was married to an Anglo Indian, Jennifer, whom he had met on a flight when she used to work as the airhostess. Later, according to the Hindu customs, Jenifer changed her name to Gayatri based on her horoscope. The couple had two sons named Panini Raajkumar and Puru Raajkumar and a daughter named Vastavikta Raajkumar.

Death of Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar died on 3rd July 1996 owing to throat cancer.

Filmography of Raaj Kumar