Balraj Sahni’s seven remarkable roles we can’t forget

Rajendra in ‘Chhoti Bahen’

Sahni played a loving brother who happily sacrificed his own happiness and wealth for the sake of happiness of those he loved the most. His character mortgages his house to get his younger siblings married and let the woman he loved, get married to someone else. Directed by Prasad, the film had won five Filmfare Awards, including that of Best Film, Best Direction and Best Music Direction.

Ashok Babuji in ‘Seema’

Ashok, in 'Seema' is a compassionate man who manages an orphanage. Gauri (Nutan), an orphan, reaches the orphanage after facing a lot of hardships and a humanly bond develops between them. 'Seema' was written and directed by Amiya Chakravarty and won two Filmfare Awards.

Dr Nirmal Chaudhary in ‘Anuradha’

Nirmal is an idealistic doctor whose mother has passed away and he is committed to help the poor who can't afford treatment. He falls in love with a radio singer who is a daughter of a rich businessman. The relationship, however, takes a tough turn after marriage. Sahni's character in the film was an intense one. Veteran filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee directed it.

Lala Kedarnath in ‘Waqt’

Lala Kedarnath is a rich businessman. He has three sons who were born on the same date. An astrologer warns him not to be happy about his future as some bad luck is in store. Soon there's an earthquake and his family is gone. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film won five Filmfare awards.

‘Dharti Ke Lal’

The film is based on the infamous Bengal famine of 1943. Sahni played a part of a family affected by the famine. 'Dharti Ke Lal' portrayed heartbreaking devastation caused by a famine. It also marked the directorial debut of noted filmmaker Khwaja Ahmad Abbas.

Shambhu Mahato in ‘Do Bigha Zamin’

Sambhu Mahato is a poor farmer who owns only two bigha (two third of an acre) land. The landlord of his village, however, wants to construct a mill on that land and orders Shambhu to give up his land. Originally written by Rabindranath Tagore, the film was directed by Bimal Roy and is still considered to be a classic.

Salim Mirza in ‘Garam Hawa’

'Garam Hawa' was set in the backdrop of post-partition (1947) India. A Muslim family, who earlier stayed at Agra, decided to move to Pakistan as they felt Muslims had no future in India. Consequences followed. The film was hugely acclaimed and travelled to the Cannes Film Festival. It also bagged several Filmfare Awards.