Vinod Mehra (विनोद मेहरा)
Biography of Vinod Mehra
Vinod Mehra was a renowned actor, producer, and director in Indian cinema. He was born on February 13, 1945, in Amritsar, Punjab. With his acting prowess and versatile roles, Vinod Mehra carved a unique identity for himself in Bollywood during the 1970s and 1980s. He is remembered to this day for his charming smile and effortless performances.
Early Life and Education
Vinod Mehra was born into a Punjabi family. His father was a businessman. After the partition, his family relocated to Mumbai, where he completed his education and developed an interest in cinema from a young age.
He began his career as a child artist, with his first film being "Ragini" in 1958, where he played a small role as a child. His innocent and simple demeanor soon caught the attention of filmmakers.
Film Career
Beginning of Acting Career
Vinod Mehra debuted as a lead actor in 1971 with the film "Ek Thi Rita", which was well-received and marked his entry into the industry. His next major film, "Amar Prem" (1972), alongside Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore, brought him further acclaim.
List of Hit Films
During the 1970s and 1980s, Vinod Mehra starred in numerous hit films, including:
1. "Amar Prem" (1972)
2. "Anurodh" (1977)
3. "Ghar" (1978)
4. "Khud-Daar" (1982)
5. "Swayamvar" (1980)
6. "Jaani Dushman" (1979)
In his career spanning over 100 films, he showcased his versatility across romantic, serious, and comedic roles.
Fame as a Supporting Actor
Vinod Mehra was also widely recognized as a supporting actor. He shared screen space with legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, and Sharmila Tagore.
Direction and Production
In the late 1980s, Vinod Mehra ventured into direction and production. His directorial debut was the film "Gurudev", starring Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Anil Kapoor. Unfortunately, the film was released posthumously in 1993.
Personal Life
Vinod Mehra’s personal life was marked by ups and downs. He finally married Kiran Mehra, with whom he had two children – Sonia Mehra and Rohan Mehra.Rohan Mehra followed in his father’s footsteps and entered Bollywood as an actor.
Health and Demise
Vinod Mehra had always been frail in health. In the 1980s, he developed heart issues. On October 30, 1990, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of just 45. His untimely demise left his fans and the film industry in deep sorrow.
Legacy
Vinod Mehra was a priceless gem of Indian cinema. His natural and impactful acting made him a favorite among millions. Films like "Ghar" and "Amar Prem" continue to move audiences emotionally even today.
His legacy lives on through his work and his children. Vinod Mehra’s contributions are still honored by cinema lovers and the film fraternity.
Vinod Mehra was an artist who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his simplicity and dedication to his craft. His life journey and passion for art will continue to inspire future generations.
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