Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Known for ActingBorn 1910-01-01Died 1982-08-14 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Kanhaiyalal was born in Varanasi into a theatrical family. His father, Pandit Bhairodutt Choube, owned a drama company but disapproved of his son’s interest in acting. Undeterred, Kanhaiyalal began working backstage and gradually transitioned into small stage roles. After his father's death, he moved to Bombay to pursue a career in cinema—initially aspiring to become a writer and director. However, fate had other plans, and he made his screen debut as an extra in Sagar Ka Sher. He rose to national and international fame for his iconic portrayal of the scheming moneylender Sukhilala in Mehboob Khan’s Mother India (1957), one of Indian cinema’s most legendary villains. He had originally played the same role in Aurat (1940), making him the first Indian actor to reprise a character in a remake 17 years later. Mother India also earned the distinction of being India’s first official entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best International Feature Film—cementing Kanhaiyalal’s performance in global film history. Known for his mastery of negative and elderly roles, Kanhaiyalal acted in over 100 films including Ganga Jamuna, Upkar, Apna Desh, Dushman, and Grahasti. He also wrote dialogues and lyrics for films like Sadhana. His cinematic legacy lives on through the 2022 documentary Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal, produced by his daughter Hemaa Singh. TMDB mini biography by: Ashvin BoradRead more

Movies & web series

Sitara

Daku Aur Jawan

Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein

Heera

Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke

Meri Bhabhi

Rishte Naate

Meri Surat Teri Ankhen

Bahut Din Hue

Dost

Gaali

Ek Hi Raasta

Diwana

Hum Log

Aurat

Gaban

Bharosa

Naata

Mr. Sampat

Insaan

Ramayani

Shri Krishnarjun Yudh

Lal Haveli

Aasra

Sahara

Duniyadari

Samaj Ko Badal Dalo

Bandhan

Noor Mahal

Zindagi

Son of India

Ghunghat

Buzdil

Neelam

Gramophone Singer

Ram Aur Shyam

Daag

Jadu Tona

Dost

Chirag

Doli

Dulhan Ek Raat Ki

Ram Rajya

Biradari

Daadi Maa

Hum Paanch

Grahasti

Jeevan Mrityu