Kabir Bedi
Lua error in Module:Infobox at line 235: malformed pattern (missing ']').
Kabir Bedi is an Indian television and film actor. His career has spanned three continents including India, the United States and many European countries in three media: film, television and theatre. He is noted for his role as Emperor Shah Jahan in Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story. He is best known in Europe for playing the pirate Sandokan in the highly popular TV mini series and for his role as the villainous Gobinda in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. He is popular in Italy and is fluent in Italian. Kabir Bedi is based in India and lives in Mumbai.[1]
Contents
Biography
Early life
Bedi was one of three children born into a family that had devoted itself to India's fight for independence from British colonial rule. His father, Baba Pyare Lal Singh Bedi, a Punjabi Sikh, was an author and philosopher. His mother, Freda Bedi was a British woman born in Derby, England, who became famous as the first Western woman to take ordination in Tibetan Buddhism.[citation needed] Kabir Bedi did his schooling at Sherwood College, Nainital, and graduation from St. Stephen's College, Delhi.
Personal life
Bedi married three times and had three children, Pooja, Siddharth (deceased) and Adam. He was married to Protima Bedi, an Odissi dancer. Their daughter Pooja Bedi is a magazine/newspaper columnist.[needs update] Their son, Siddharth, who went to Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, had a long history of schizophrenia and committed suicide in 1997 at the age of 26.[2]
As his marriage with Protima began to break down he famously started a relationship with Parveen Babi. They never married. He later married British-born fashion designer Susan Humphreys. Their son, Adam Bedi is an international model[3] who made his Bollywood debut with the thriller, Hello? Kaun Hai!.[4] This marriage ended in divorce.
In the late 1990s, Bedi married TV and radio presenter Nikki Bedi. They had no children and divorced in 2005. After that, Kabir Bedi has been in a relationship with British born Parveen Dusanj.[5][6][7][8]
Kabir Bedi is a firm supporter of the freedom struggle in Burma, and has become an official ambassador of the Burma Campaign UK.[9] He is also the Brand Ambassador for Rotary International South Asia for their Teach Programme and the Total Literacy Mission in India and South Asia.[10]
Career
Kabir Bedi began his career in Indian theatre and then moved on to Hindi films. Bedi remains one of the first international actors from India to have originated from Bollywood, worked in Hollywood, and become a big star in Europe.
Stage acting
As a stage actor, Kabir has performed Shakespeare's Othello as well as portrayed a historical Indian king, Tughlaq; and a self-destructive alcoholic in The Vultures. In London he also starred in The Far Pavilions, the West End musical adaptation of M. M. Kaye's novel, at the Shaftesbury Theatre. In 2011 Kabir played Emperor Shah Jahan, in 'Taj' a play written by John Murrell, a celebrated Canadian playwright for the Luminato Festival in Toronto. In 2013, this play was recommissioned and went on an 8-week multi city tour of Canada.[11]
Film career
In the James Bond film Octopussy, he played the villain's aide Gobinda who battled Roger Moore from start to finish. He remains the only Bollywood actor to appear in a James Bond movie.
Kabir has acted in over 60 Indian Bollywood films. In the historical epic Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Kabir starred as the Emperor Shah Jahan. Other starring Bollywood roles include Raj Khosla's Kacche Dhaage, Rakesh Roshan's Khoon Bhari Maang and Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na.
Kabir Bedi shot a movie with Hrithik Roshan (Kites), Govinda (Showman), and Akshay Kumar (Blue).[12] He is also starred in Deepa Mehta's film, Kamagata Maru with Amitabh Bachchan and John Abraham. He did a pivotal role in a Tamil film titled 'Aravaan', directed by Vasanthabalan, who is critically acclaimed for his earlier films Angaadi Theru and Veyil.
Kabir played pivotal roles in Columbia Pictures' The Beast of War, a film on the Russian war in Afghanistan, directed by Kevin Reynolds, as well as the acclaimed Italian film Andata Ritorno, by Marco Ponti, winner of the prestigious David di Donatello Award.
Television career
Kabir's has had extensive roles on American television – primetime and daytime, series and miniseries – including Hallmark's African epic Forbidden Territory, and Ken Follett's On Wings of Eagles and also Red Eagle. He played Friar Sands in The Lost Empire, for NBC. Kabir also played roles on Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Magnum, P.I., Hunter, Knight Rider and Highlander: The Series amongst others.
In Europe, his greatest success was Sandokan, the saga of a romantic Asian pirate during British colonial times; an Italian-German-French TV series which broke viewership records across Europe.[citation needed]. Kabir also recently starred in a prime-time Italian television series, Un Medico in Famiglia, on RAI TV, the country's biggest broadcaster.
For over a year, Kabir starred in The Bold and the Beautiful, the second most-watched television show in the world, seen by over a billion people in 149 countries.
He had his own cinematic talk show on Indian TV, "Director's Cut", a 13-part special series interviewing the country's leading directors. His success on television continued in 2013 with award winning prime-time shows “Guns and Glory: The Indian Soldier” & “Vandemataram”, for India’s news channels - Headlines Today & Aaj Tak.[13]
Radio career
In 2007 has starred in "Chat", a radio show aired by RAI Radio2, in the role of Sandokan. In 2012, did a series of Radio One programmes titled, 'Women of Gold' and 'Men of Steel' in honour of industry champions in India.
Writing
Kabir Bedi is a regular contributor to Indian publications including the Times of India and Tehelka on political and social issues affecting the country. He is also seen debating such topics on Indian national television.[14]
Awards and achievements
Since 1982 Kabir has been a voting member of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who are responsible for presenting the Oscar awards. He is also a voting member of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has also won numerous film, advertising and popularity awards across Europe and India.[15]
By decree of the President of the Italian Republic of 2 June 2010, Kabir Bedi was officially knighted. He received the highest ranking civilian honour of the Italian Republic and was bestowed the title of "Cavaliere" (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.[16]
Filmography
Film Title | Release Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Hulchal | 1971 | Released | Mahesh Jetley |
Seema | 1971 | Released | |
Rakhi Aur Hathkadi | 1972 | Released | Suraj |
Sazaa | 1972 | Released | |
Anokha Daan | 1972 | Released | |
Kachche Dhaage | 1973 | Released | Roopa |
Yauwan | 1973 | Released | |
Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain | 1974 | Released | |
Maa Bahen Aur Biwi | 1974 | Released | |
Ishq Ishq Ishq | 1974 | Released | |
Anari | 1975 | Released | |
Nagin | 22 January 1976 | Released | Uday |
Daaku | 1976 | Released | |
Harfan Maula | 1976 | Released | |
Vishwasghaat | 1976 | Released | Uday |
Daku Aur Mahatma | 1977 | Released | |
Bullet | 1977 | Released | Durga Prasad/D.P. |
The Black Corsair | 1976 – Italy | Released | |
Sandokan | 1977 | Released | Sandokan |
The Thief of Baghdad | 1978 | Released | |
Ashanti | 1979 | Released | Malik |
Aakhri Kasam | 1979 | Released | Kishan/Badal |
Yuvraj | 5 October 1979 | Released | |
40 Days of Musa Dagh | 1982 | Released | Gabriel Bagradian |
Girl from India/Man from Africa | 1982 | Released | |
Octopussy | 1983 | Released | Gobinda |
Counterforce | 1988 | Released | Koura |
Khoon Bhari Maang | 12 August 1988 | Released | Sanjay Verma |
Mera Shikar | 1988 | Released | |
Police Public | 11 May 1990 | Released | Senior Inspector Shah Nawaz Khan |
Haar Jeet | 1990 | Released | |
Shera Shamshera | 1990 | Released | |
Kurbaan | 31 May 1991 | Released | Inspector Suraj Singh |
Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi | 19 April 1991 | Released | |
Vishkanya | 1991 | Released | Forest Officer Vikram Singh |
Dil Aashna Hai | 25 December 1992 | Released | Digvijay Singh |
Yalgaar | 23 October 1992 | Released | Raj Pratap Singhal |
Beyond Justice | 1992 | Released | Moulet |
Lambu Dada | 1992 | Released | |
Kshatriya | 29 March 1993 | Released | Thakur Ganga Singh (Police Officer) |
Yugandhar | 1993 | Released | |
Salaami | 18 March 1994 | Released | Captain |
Lie Down with Lions | 12 June 1994 | Released | Kabir |
The Maharaja's Daughter | 1994 | Released | Chandragupta |
OP Centre | 26 February 1995 | Released | Abdul |
Kismat | 16 June 1995 | Released | Rajan |
Aatank Hi Aatank | 4 August 1995 | Released | Police Inspector |
Mashamal - Ritorno al Deserto | 19 June 1998 | Released | Example |
Figlio di Sandokan, II | 1998 | Stuck/On hold | Sandokan |
Kohram | 13 August 1999 | Released | Brig. Bedi |
The Lost Empire | 11 March 2001 | Released | Friar Sand |
Kranti | 15 March 2002 | Released | Mahendra Pratap Rana |
Maine Dil Tujhko Diya | 23 August 2002 | Released | Mr. Varma (Ayesha's Father) |
Talaash | 3 January 2003 | Released | Chhote Pathan |
The Hero: Love Story of a Spy | 11 April 2003 | Released | Mr. Zakaria |
Father | 2004 | Released | Karl, father (a violinist) |
Rudraksh | 13 February 2004 | Released | Ved Pujan |
Asambhav | 23 July 2004 | Released | |
Kismat | 20 February 2004 | Released | Raj Mallya |
A/R Andata & Ritorno | 2 April 2004 | Released | Tolstoj |
Main Hoon Na | 30 April 2004 | Released | Gen. Amarjeet Bakshi |
Bewafaa | 25 February 2005 | Released | Anjali's Father |
Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story | 18 November 2005 | Released | Emperor Shah Jahan |
Do Raha | 2006 | Released | |
Jaanleva | 2006 | Released | Rakesh Khullar |
A All About Her | 2006 | Released | |
Take 3 Girls | 2006 | Stuck/On Hold | Mo |
Showman | 2008 | Under Production | |
Blue | 2009 | Released | |
Kites | 2010 | Released | |
Aravaan | 2011 | Released | |
Chakravyuh | 2012 | Released | Mahanta, an industrialist and negotiator for the government |
Yaara O Dildaara | 2013 | Released | |
Bazodee | 2015 | Post-production | Ram Panchouri |
Mohenjo Daro (film) | 2015 | In- Production | |
Dilwale | 2015 | Released | Dev Malik |
Anarkali | 2015 | Released | Jaffer Imam |
Edict of Expulsion 1492 | 2017 | Pre- Production | Sultan Bayezid II |
Television
TV Title | Release Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Sandokan | 1976 | European TV Mini series | Sandokan |
La Tigre è Ancora Viva: Sandokan alla Riscossa | 1977 | European TV Mini series | Sandokan |
Dynasty | 1982 | TV Series | Farouk Ahmed |
General Hospital | 1983 | TV Series | Rama |
Knight Rider | November 1985 | TV Series | Vascone |
Dynasty | 1986 | TV Series | Farouk Ahmed |
On Wings of Eagles | 1986 | TV Series | Mohammed |
The Days and Nights of Molly Dod | May 1987 | TV Series | Bill |
Misteri della Giungla Nera, I – a.k.a. The Mysteries of the Dark Jungle | 1991 | TV Mini Series | Kammamuri |
Il Principe del Deserto – a.k.a. Desert Law | 1991 | TV Series | Moulet Beni-Zair |
The Bold and the Beautiful | September 1994 | TV Series | Prince Omar |
Maharaja's Daughter | 1994 | TV Series | Chandragupta |
Highlander: The Series | 20 November 1995 | TV Series | Kamir |
Bible Ki Kahaniyaan | 1995 | TV Series | Abraham, the Patriarch |
Ritorno di Sandokan, II | 6 October 1996 | TV Mini Series | Sandokan |
Noi siamo angeli – a.k.a. We are Angel | 16 February 1997 | TV Mini Series | Gen. Napoleon Durate |
Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone | 7 December 1997 | TV Series | Khamis Bin Abdullah |
Team Knight Rider | 9 February 1998 | TV Series | Aristotle Drago |
Murder She Wrote | February 1988 | TV Series | Vikram Singh |
Magnum, P.I. | 10 February 1988 | TV Series | Malcolm |
L'isola dei famosi | 2004 | Italian Reality Show | Himself |
The Bold and the Beautiful | 4 May 2005 | TV Series | Prince Omar |
Vivere | May 2006 | Italian TV Series | Emir Ibrahim |
Director's Cut | 2007 | TV Special Series | Himself |
Un medico in famiglia 5 | 2007 | Italian TV Series | Kabir |
Ganga Kii Dheej | 2010–2011 | Hindi TV Series | Dada Bhai |
Buddha | 2013 | Hindi TV Series | Asita Muni (Cameo) |
VandeMataram | 2013 | TV Special News Series | Himself |
Guns & Glory: The Indian Soldier | 2013 | TV Special News Series | Himself |
Jai Ho | 2014 | TV Special News Series | Himself |
Radio
Radio Title | Release Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Ch@t (Italian fiction) | 2007 | RAI Radio2 | Sandokan |
'Women of Gold' | 2012 | RadioOne | Himself |
'Men of Steel' | 2012 | Radio One | Himself |
Dubbing roles
Live action films
Film title | Actor | Character | Dub Language | Original Language | Original Year Release | Dub Year Release | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time | Ben Kingsley | Nizam | Hindi | English | 2010 | 2010 | |
Fantastic Four | Reg E. Cathey | Dr. Franklin Storm | Hindi | English | 2015 | 2015 |
Voice overs
Project | Type | Language | Year |
---|---|---|---|
The Keeper of the Flame - The History of TATA | Documentary | English | 2007 |
An Introduction to CHILDLINE India | Public Awareness Campaign - Narrator | English | 2008 |
Aircel Save the Tiger Campaign | Public Awareness Campaign - Narrator | English | 2009 |
Ford Motors launch Figo, India | Live Events | English | 2010 |
Somnath Temple, Gujarat | Sound & Light Show | English | 2010 |
Red Fort, New Delhi | Sound & Light Show | English | 2011 |
Virasat-e-Khalsa - Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex, Punjab | Narrator | English | 2011 |
Apollo Tyres | Advertisement | English | 2013 |
Jindal Panther | Advertisement | English | 2014 |
Banda Singh Bahadur - War Memorial, Punjab | Sound & Light Show | English | 2014 |
TAJ Hotels, Resorts & Palaces | Advertisement | English | 2014 |
DHL | Advertisement | Hindi | 2015 |
Yamaha | Advertisement | Hindi | 2015 |
Voting memberships
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (commonly known as the Oscar Academy) |
---|
The Screen Actors Guild |
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists |
The British Actors' Equity Association |
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
Cite error: Invalid <references>
tag; parameter "group" is allowed only.
<references />
, or <references group="..." />
External links
- Kabir Bedi at the Internet Movie Database
- Official website
- Special Feature – "Global Appeal – Kabir Bedi" in The Stage
- Images from the 1976 Sandokan miniseries
- Candid in-depth interview with Kabir Bedi in 2007
- Extensive interview with Filmfare in October 2001
- Interviewed by Indian Express in 1999
- Kabir Bedi discussing Taj theatre tour 2013
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Kabir Bedi Misses Late Son on Father's Day
- ↑ http://www.adambedi.com/
- ↑ Adam Bedi baptised
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://sagarmediainc.wordpress.com/2013/12/14/rotary-international-come-up-with-the-t-e-a-c-h-programme/ Archived January 29, 2015 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Kabir Bedi & Lisa Ray Discuss ‘TAJ’
- ↑ Collection of articles on Kabir Bedi
- ↑ The NT Awards - 2014 Winners
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Kabir Bedi: Awards page
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Pages with reference errors
- EngvarB from November 2013
- Use dmy dates from November 2013
- Articles with hCards
- Articles with unsourced statements from August 2015
- Wikipedia articles in need of updating from November 2010
- All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
- Articles with unsourced statements from September 2008
- 1946 births
- English Sikhs
- Indian male film actors
- Indian male voice actors
- Living people
- Indian Sikhs
- Punjabi people
- University of Delhi alumni