- Danny Denzongpa
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Danny Denzongpa Born Tshering Phintso Denzongpa
February 25, 1948
SikkimResidence Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Occupation Actor Years active 1963–present Tshering Phintso Denzongpa[1] (born 25 February 1948), widely known by his acting name "Danny" Denzongpa, is an Indian actor of Sikkimese ancestry working in Bollywood films.
Denzongpa was born in the state of Sikkim, at that time an independent Bhutia monarchy. He is an ethnic Bhutia and speaks Bhutia as his mother tongue.
He started his career by singing Indian and Nepali songs and acting in Indian and Nepali movies. His Nepali song "Kaanchi lai ghumaune Kathmandu Sahara" ("Wish to show Kathmandu city to Kanchhi") is still famous among Nepali people after two decades. He has acted in numerous Hindi films such as Asoka and 16 December. He has also starred in some international projects, the most famous being Seven Years in Tibet where he acted alongside Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. In 2003, Denzongpa was awarded the Padma Shree, India's fourth highest civilian honour. Denzongpa is noted for his villainous and character roles.
He started dabbling in the brewing industry after 1982 and, in 2009, his company Yuksom Breweries, which has three breweries in Sikkim, Orissa and Assam and sells over three million cases, acquired Rhino Breweries in Assam, to thwart industry leader United Breweries' (UB) plans to take over the North East market.[2]
Contents
Early life and education
Danny had his early schooling in the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim (the 22nd state of India since 1975), thereafter completed his schooling from Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital, Uttarakhand in 1964. Denzongpa's love of horses and horse riding began at an early age, as his family was into horse breeding.
He nursed an ambition to join the Indian Army and won the Best Cadet award from West Bengal and participated in the Republic Day parade. In an interview to The Times of India newspaper, he said that he had qualified for prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune but withdrew admission to join FTII, Pune. Actress Jaya Bhaduri, his classmate at FTII, Pune decided to change his name to a simpler sounding "Danny" as his original name was tough to be pronounced by other students. The name has stuck since.[3]
Film and singing career
During his early film career, Danny used to practice learning Hindi by talking to the ocean. The Urdu came in handy in films such as Sawan Kumar's Sanam Bewafa and Mukul Anand's Khuda Gawah.
He started out with B-grade movies such as B.R. Ishara's Zaroorat in 1971,[4] and later moved on to Mere Apne and Kala Sona where he played more positive roles. He then went on to play the roles of the villain numerous times. Some of the antihero roles he played were an unscrupulous politician, corrupt policeman, traitor, and mingy landlord. He got his major break in Gulzar's Mere Apne and later in B R Chopra's Dhund where he played a crippled and frustrated husband. The iconic role of Gabbar Singh from the film Sholay, was originally offered to him, but it went to Amjad Khan. He appeared in a character role against Amitabh Bachhchan in HUM as "bakhtawaar" which is critically acclaimed.
He is an accomplished singer having sung with Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhonsle, three stalwarts of Indian music. He has released Nepalese songs and has sung for Nepalese movies. His two most famous songs recorded in 70s but still hit are "Chiso Chiso Hawama" ("In the cool air") and "Manko kura lai bandhi narakha..."("Do not keep the words of the heart tied").
He wrote and acted in the Nepali film Saiino which was super hit. His nephew Ugyen Chhopel directed it. He has sung its title song and a duet with Deepa Narayan, wife of Udit Narayan. Later, this film was made in Hindi as Ajnabi as a telefilm for Doordarshan. He has sung a Nepali duet with Asha Bhosle, "Aage aage topai ko golaa, pachhi pachhi machinegun bhararara." His all-Nepali songs are hits and audience like them even today: "Hinu vanda chiso, Aago vanda taato..." ("Colder than snow, hotter than fire.."), "Naachana hoi chamaichyan hau nachana" ("Dance o lovely girl"), "Jhimkai deu pareli manma bajjha mitho murali..." ("Please blink your eyes and sweet sound of flute plays in the heart), etc. are his few hit numbers.
He is also a painter, a writer and a sculptor. Denzongpa owns two breweries, one in South Sikkim, and the other in the state of Orissa.
He then went on to appear in the successful Tamil film, Enthiran, co-starring Rajinikanth Gaekwad and Aishwarya Rai in the leads. Denzongpa played the antagonist role of Bohra, a prominent scientist who transforms Chitti (played by Rajinikanth) into an evil robot. Upon release, the film won critical and commercial acclaim.
Personal life
Danny, who married Gawa Denzongpa, a Sikkimese princess and niece of the last chogyal from her hometown of Gangtok, currently resides in Juhu in Mumbai. He likes to listen to Nepali folk music, especially Nepali flutes. In recent times he has become more selective of the roles he plays. He does not work in March, April, and May as they are hot. TIn the movies he chooses, he works on his own terms. He has a son named Rinzing and a daughter named Pema. His brother owns a bouj and beer factory in Melli, Sikkim.
Awards and honours
- 2003: Padma Shree, India's fourth highest civilian honour.
- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award – Won
1992 Sanam Bewafa – Sher Khan
1993 Khuda Gawah – Khuda Baksh
- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award – Nominated
1979 Devtaa – Inspector Lawrence
1985 Kanoon Kya Karega – Raghuvir Singh
- Filmfare Best Villain Award – Nominated
1992 Hum – Bakhtawar
1995 Krantiveer – Chatur Singh Chitah
1995 Vijaypath – Dilawar Ujagar Singh
1996 Barsaat – ACP Neghi
1997 Ghatak – Katya
Filmography
- Enthiran (2010) ... Professor Bohra
- Acid Factory (2009)
- Luck (2009) ... Tamang
- Karzzzz (2008)
- Chamku (2008)
- Big Brother (2007)
- Hattrick (2007)
- Frozen (2007)
- Jaan Ki Baazi (2006) (post-production)
- Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004) ... Colonel Ashfaque Khan
- Shikaar (2004)
- Sandhya (2003)
- Parwana (2003)
- Ek Hindustani (2003) ... Special Appearance
- Soch (2002) .... Nautiyal
- Ab Ke Baras (2002) ... CBI Officer Sikander Baksh
- 16 December (2002) ... Vir Vijay Singh
- Yeh Mohabbat Hai (2002) ... Aman Khan
- Moksha (2001) ... Bachelor Simon
- Indian (2001) ... Shankar Singhania
- Lajja (2001) (aka The Shame)... Gajendra
- Asoka ... [aka Ashoka the Great (India: English title) (USA) ... aka Samrat Ashoka (India: Tamil title: dubbed version) ] (2001) ... Virat
- Pukar (2000) ... Abhrush
- Officer (2000) ... Pratap Rai/Dushyant Singh
- Tune Mera Dil Le Liya (2000)
- Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (1999) ... Jabhal Khargoshi
- Dahek: A Burning Passion (1999) ... Jabbar Bahkshi
- Kohram: The Explosion (1999) ... Minister Virbhadra Singh
- Zulm O Situm (1998) ... Sikander
- Vinashak - Destroyer (1998) ... Jailer Lankeshwar
- China Gate (1998) ... Maj. Ranjir Singh Gurung
- Udaan (1997 film) ... Mr. Rana
- Seven Years in Tibet (1997) ... Regent
- Dhaal: The Battle of Law Against Law (1997) ... Advocate Indrajit
- Diwan
- Himalay Putra (1997) ... Rana
- Ghatak: Lethal (1996) ... Katya
- Rajkumar (1996)
- Army (1996) ... Naagraj
- Shastra (1996) ... Babu
- Barsaat (1995) ... ACP Neghi
- Sarhad: The Border of Crime (1995)
- Vijaypath (1994) ... Dilawar Singh
- Chauraha (1994) ... Baba Bhatti
- Krantiveer (1994) ... Chatursingh
- Mohabbat Ki Arzoo (1994) ... Jagpal Singh alias Jaggu dada
- 1942: A Love Story (1993) (as Danny Dengzongpa) ....
- Dhartiputra (1993)... Major Hisht
- Gurudev (1993) ... Khakan (as Danny Denzongappa)
- Prateeksha (1993) ... Dinesh Khanna ... aka Prateeksha (Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
- Sangram (1993) ... Madhu's father
- Tahqiqaat (1993) ... Bhanu Pratap
- Drohi (1992 film) ... J.P. Sethi (Raghav's boss)
- Balwaan (1992) ... Bhai
- Khule-Aam (1992) ... Insp. Uday Singh/Insp. Ranvir Singh Rathod
- Khuda Gawah (1992) ... Khuda Baksh ... aka God Is My Witness
- Lakshmanrekha (1991) ... Birju ... aka Lakhsman Rekha (Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
- Vishnu-Devaa (1991) ... Thakur Shamsher Singh/Samppat
- Hum (1991) ... Bakhtawar ... aka We
- Sanam Bewafa (1991) ... Sher Khan
- First Love Letter (1991) ... Thakur Ajit Singh
- Yodha (1991) ... Daaga/Justice Dharmesh Agnihotri
- Agneepath (1990) ... Kancha Cheena ... aka The Path of Fire
- Pyaar Ke Naam Qurban (1990) ... Prince Yeshwant Singh
- Baaghi (1990)
- Chingariyan (1990)
- Jagira (1990)
- Shandaar (1990) ... Dhaga
- Shesh Naag (1990)
- Shehzaade (1989) (uncredited) ... Thakur Roshan Singh
- Jung Baaz (1989) (as Danny) ... Mahakal
- Kasam Suhaag Ki (1989)
- Galiyon Ka Badshah (1989) ... Inspector Vijay
- Khoj (1989)
- Saaya (1989)
- Ustad (1989) .. aka Conman (International: English title)
- Commando (1988) ... Ninja
- Shoorveer (1988) ... Shankar
- Ek Hi Maqsad (1988) ... Inspector. Deepak
- Mardon Wali Baat (1988) ... Raja Sunder Singh ... aka A Man's Job
- Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988) ... Dacoit
- Janam Janam (1988)
- Jeete Hain Shaan Se (1988)
- Mera Shikar (1988)
- Paap Ki Duniya (1988) ... Pasha
- Yateem (1988) ... Girivar Prasad Mathur
- Itihaas (1987)
- Aag Hi Aag (1987) ... Daulat Singh/Choudhury
- Deewana Tere Naam Ka (1987) ... Shambhu
- Chambal Ka Badshah (1986) ... Sultan
- Bhagwan Dada (1986) .... Shambu Dada (as Danny)
- Adhikar (1986) ... Vishal's lawyer (special appearance)
- Allah Rakha (1986)
- Maha Shaktiman (1985) ... aka Maharudra (India: Bengali title)
- Yudh (1985) ... Gama Maating/Mr. Chinoy
- Jawaab (1985) ... Seth. Jagmohan
- Aandhi Toofan (1985)
- Aitbaar (1985) ... Inspector Barua ... aka Trust
- Oonche Log (1985) ... Thakur Maan Singh ... aka High Society
- Patthar Dil (1985) ... Jung Bahadur
- Andar Baahar (1984) ... Shera
- Farishta (1984)
- Boxer (1984) ... Dharma (as Danny)
- Jagir (1984) ... Danny ... aka Teen Murti (India: Bengali title) ... aka The Estate ... aka The Three Idols
- Kanoon Kya Karega (1984) ... aka What Can the Law Do?
- Manzil Manzil (1984) ... Gautam (Pahadi Baba)
- Mera Dost Mera Dushman (1984)
- Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1984)
- Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye (1983)
- Lovers (1983/I)
- Ganga Meri Maa (1983)
- Andha Kanoon (1983) ... Akhbar
- Raj Mahal (1982)
- Kachche Heere (1982) ... Arjun ... aka Rough Diamonds
- Love Story (1981) ... Ram Dogra
- Chunaoti (1980)
- Kali Ghata (1980) ... Kishore
- Abdullah (1980)
- Bandish (1980) ... Kapilkumar ... aka Restriction
- Bulundi (1980)
- The Burning Train (1980)
- Choron Ki Baraat (1980)
- Phir Wohi Raat (1980) .... Ashok
- Griha Pravesh (1979) (as Danny) ... aka The Housewarming
- Aaj Ki Dhara (1979) (as Danny) ... aka Aaj Ki Radha
- Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979) ... aka Two Shades of Blood
- Lal Kuthi (1978) (Bengali)
- Devata (1978) ... Inspector Lawrence ... aka Devta (Hindi title: alternative transliteration)
- Naya Daur (1978) ... aka The New Age
- Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka (1977) ... Vikram (Jamunadas' son)
- Abhi To Jee Lein (1977) ... Danny ... aka Abhi To (Hindi title: alternative title)
- Chandi Sona (1977)
- Khel Khiladi Ka (1977)
- Mit Jayenge Mitane Wale (1977)
- Paapi (1977) (as Danny Danzongappa) ... Abdul
- Fakira (1976) ... Munna/Ajay/Toofan
- Kalicharan (1976)
- Laila Majnu (1976) ... Prince Bahksh
- Sangram (1976) ... Salim/Altaf
- Dharmatma (1975) (as Danny) ... aka The Holy Soul (International: English title)
- Aakhri Dao (1975) ... Robert
- Apne Rang Hazaar (1975)
- Kala Sona (1975)
- Ponga Pandit (1975) ... Rocky
- Raftaar (1975)
- Rani Aur Lalpari (1975)
- Zorro (1975/II)
- Chor Machaye Shor (1974)
- 36 Ghante (1974) ... Dilawar Khan
- Khotte Sikkay (1974) ... Danny ... aka False Coins
- Dhund (1973) ... Thakur Ranjit Singh (crippled husband) ... aka Fog ... aka Trance
- Khoon Khoon(1973) ... remake of Dirty Harry (English)
- Milap (1972)
- Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972) ... Raja
- Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972) ... aka This Garden Is Ours
- Mere Apne (1971) ... Sanju
- Zaroorat (1971)
- As director
- Phir Wohi Raat (1980)
References
- ^ "If I had done Sholay, we would have missed a fantastic actor in Amjad Khan," Screen India
- ^ "Danny Denzongpa's co acquires Assam's Rhino Breweries". Financial Express. 4 Aug 2009. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Cons-Products/Liquor/Danny-Denzongpas-co-acquires-Assams-Rhino-Breweries/articleshow/4854207.cms.
- ^ Somaaya, Bhawana (September 26, 2003). "1984 DANNY DENZONGPA". Screen magazine. http://www.screenindia.com/old/fullstory.php?content_id=6186.
- ^ Danny Denzongpa treks down the past one.india, September 11, 2007.
External links
Bollywood (Hindi cinema) Hindi films A–Z — Highest-grossing
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1981–2000 Om Puri (1981) · Amjad Khan (1982) · Shammi Kapoor (1983) · Sadashiv Amrapurkar (1984) · Anil Kapoor (1985) · Amrish Puri (1986) · Not awarded (1987) · Not awarded (1988) · Anupam Kher (1989) · Nana Patekar (1990) · Mithun Chakraborty (1991) · Danny Denzongpa (1992) · Danny Denzongpa (1993) · Sunny Deol (1994) · Jackie Shroff (1995) · Jackie Shroff (1996) · Amrish Puri (1997) · Amrish Puri (1998) · Salman Khan (1999) · Anil Kapoor (2000)
2001–present Amitabh Bachchan (2001) · Akshaye Khanna (2002) · Vivek Oberoi (2003) · Saif Ali Khan (2004) · Abhishek Bachchan (2005) · Abhishek Bachchan (2006) · Abhishek Bachchan (2007) · Irrfan Khan (2008) · Arjun Rampal (2009) · Boman Irani (2010) · Ronit Roy (2011)
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