LAHORE: When you are trying to find style, persona, flamboyance, charisma, elegance and panache in a person associated with Indian cinema, the very first name that comes into your mind is Feroz Khan.
The late actor-filmmaker who was known for his slick acting skills and technically upbeat directorial skills gave a new identity to Indian films, which was never before. A classy filmmaker who always made films that were way ahead of their times and an actor whose screen presence was electrifying as ever was always dubbed as India’s Clint Eastwood.
Feroz, born to an Afghan father and an Iranian mother, had a signature stamp on his work, which most of his contemporaries and juniors lacked. Although he was never an acting superstar, he was regarded as a legendary figure in the film fraternity. Born and raised in Bangalore, Feroz was the eldest of 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Affected by his father’s death while still a teenager and feeling a sense of responsibility, Feroz moved to Mumbai in 1959 and made his debut playing a small role in Didi (1960). Success eroded him for some years until he was recognised as an actor in Oonche Log (1965) starring alongside Ashok Kumar and Raaj Kumar.
Despite the fact that his good looks and smile did earn him a reputation, producers were not willing to cast him in the main lead, which forced him to play supporting roles to Rajendra Kumar in Aarzoo (1965), Dharmendra in Aadmi Aur Insaan (1970) which won him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, Rajesh Khanna in Safar (1970) in which his acting was so polished that Khanna, a reigning superstar at that time felt that Feroz had stolen his screen space, and even to his younger brother Sanjay Khan in Mela (1971) and Upsana (1971).
Feeling that the film industry was not giving him his due share and was unable to calm the great filmmaker hiding in himself, Feroz started his production company FK International and produced-directed Apradh (1972) starring himself, his son Fardeen Khan’s mother-in-law Mumtaz, Prem Chopra and Helen.
His directorial debut pushed the envelope further. Partly shot in Germany, Feroz introduced the Formula 1 car racing championship to the Indian silver screen in the film, which proved to be a runaway success. Encouraged by the appreciation gained as an actor-filmmaker, Feroz went to Afghanistan to shoot his next venture Dharmatma (1975), which was his take on the Godfather series.
Beautiful locales, soulful music, a gripping storyline and up-to-date direction made the film starring himself, Hema Malini, Rekha and Prem Nath a super-hit. Continuing with his tradition of introducing new things, he showcased the Afghan sport buzkashi, in very beautiful way.
The trademark of his work and films was that they were always trend-sitting and gave the viewer a chance to see quality cinema. His next venture was not only the biggest hit of his career but of the year 1980 as well. Qurbani was a trend-sitting film in many regards. The film’s first half was shot in India while the second in UK.
For the first time, a 24-track recording system was introduced and Nazia Hassan, only 14 years of age at that time stole the show with her classic number Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi Main Aaye. The film’s music by Kalyanji-Anandji and British composer Biddu was such a rage that it is remembered. Despite being the filmmaker himself, Feroz started a new trend by giving the other hero in the film Vinod Khanna the lead role for which he was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award.
Such a decision was rare at that time as other actor-filmmakers preferred playing the lead roles themselves. Some film critics say that Feroz turned filmmaker to prolong his acting career, as other producers weren’t ready to cast him in lead roles. But he proved them wrong by always giving the lead roles in his films to other actors such as Prem Nath (Dharmatma), Vinod Khanna (Qurbani), Anil Kapoor (Jaanbaaz), Vinod Khanna (Dayavan) and Sanjay Dutt (Yalgaar).
Feroz always displayed his heroines very beautifully and in such a ravishing way. He became a filmmaker to exhibit his own style and stamp his persona in Bollywood, which he greatly achieved. Any other filmmaker would have started multiple projects after delivering such a big hit as Qurbani but Feroz always chose to do things in his own style and took a six year break after that.
But those six years in the backseat brought Jaanbaaz (1986), which took its place as one of the classics of the 80s. Mostly shot at his 21-acre stud farm in Bangalore, where he bred race horses until his demise, the film had a horse racing sequence and loads of style and substance to back it up. A good story and superb performances helped the film send cash registers ringing at the box-office.
Dayavan (1988) showcased Vinod Khanna in one of his best performances and was a runaway hit at the box-office. After Dayavan, Feroz made Yalgaar (1992) and Prem Aggan (1998), in which he introduced his son Fardeen Khan but both films were pale in comparison to FK’s earlier films. After taking an 11-year break from acting, Feroz returned to the silver screen in his last home production Janasheen (2003), in which he shared the screen with his son, played an Afghan businessman and introduced the world super-bike championship to the Indian silver screen.
He played the character of Saba Karim Shah so well that he won an IIFA Best Actor in a Negative Role Award. His last film as an actor was Welcome (2007), a super-hit, in which he played a comic underworld don named RDX. In 2006, he announced the remake of Qurbani at the IIFA Awards 2006 in Dubai starring Fardeen and Jackie Shroff. But due to other business engagements and ill health, the film never went on floors and remained his last wish until his death on April 27, 2009.
Feroz always lived life king-size and on his own terms. He was a true style icon whose stature was appreciated by all. Once during an award ceremony, Salman Khan refused to be termed a style icon and termed Feroz, sitting in the audience, as the only and true rockstar of Indian cinema. He was always generous, humble and down to earth. Feroz never lambasted those who criticised him and remained true to his instincts. Although the cowboy has gone into the sunset, we will continue to remember him and his work.
