Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Acting

Born Jan 01, 1910

From Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Died Aug 14, 1982

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 Borad

Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Known For

Mother India

Gunga Jumna

Heera

Naukari

Hum Paanch

The Test

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Jadu Tona

Biradari

Upkar

Filmography — Acting

Mother India

Gunga Jumna

Heera

Naukari

Hum Paanch

The Test

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Jadu Tona

Biradari

Upkar

Oonche Log

Diwana

Samaj Ko Badal Dalo

Apna Desh

Grahasti

Dost

Chirag

Zindagi

Banphool

Sahara

Daag

Daku Aur Jawan

Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein

Jeet

Jeevan Mrityu

Doli

Noor Mahal

Daadi Maa

Hum Log

Meri Bhabhi

Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke

Bandhan

Aurat

Ghunghat

Ram Aur Shyam

Bahut Din Hue

Meri Surat Teri Ankhen

Rishte Naate

Gharana

Gaban

Son of India

Bharosa

Insaan

Dulhan Ek Raat Ki

Sitara

Aurat

Ramayani

Himalay Ki Godmein

Mr. Sampat

Lal Haveli

Aasra

Buzdil

Dost

Naata

Radhika

Nai Roshni

Ek Hi Raasta

Ram Rajya

Gramophone Singer

Shri Krishnarjun Yudh

Malhar

Duniyadari

Gaali

Neelam