Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Manmohan Krishna

Manmohan Krishna (26 February 1922 – 3 November 1990) was an , , and renowned for his versatile supporting roles in over 200 films spanning four decades, particularly in the through the , and for winning the Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Abdul Rasheed in Dhool Ka Phool (1959). Born Manmohan Chadha in Lahore, Punjab Province, British India (now Pakistan), Krishna initially pursued academics, working as a physics lecturer before entering the film industry. He made his acting and singing debut as the male lead in the 1947 film Andhon Ki Duniya, directed by Keshavrao Date, marking the start of a prolific career that blended character acting with occasional lead roles and vocal contributions. Throughout the and , Krishna became a familiar face in , often portraying empathetic father figures, mentors, or comic characters in films produced by the brothers, including Yash Chopra's directorial debut and B.R. Chopra's Naya Daur (1957). His as Lehri in Basant Bahar (1956) showcased his ability to infuse warmth and humor into historical dramas, while he also lent his voice to songs in (1955). In the 1970s, he continued with memorable performances in Yash Chopra's (1975), where he played DCP Narang, and Trishul (1978), solidifying his status as a go-to for emotional depth in family-oriented narratives. Beyond acting, Krishna ventured into direction with the romantic drama (1979), which starred and , earned critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling, and garnered him a nomination for Best Director. He also appeared in , including Chadiyan Di Doli (1966), and collaborated on international projects like the Indo-Soviet film Pardesi (1957). Krishna's philosophy as an artist—"As an artiste, I am a banjara…"—reflected his nomadic journey through diverse roles, leaving a lasting legacy as one of cinema's most fondly remembered character actors until his death in at age 68.

Early life

Birth and family

Manmohan Krishna, born Manmohan Chadha, was born on 26 February 1922 in Lahore, Punjab Province, British India (present-day Pakistan). Lahore in the 1920s served as a major cultural hub in undivided India, featuring a dynamic scene of performing arts with multiple theaters hosting plays and music concerts, alongside the early development of cinema. He was the son of Dr. Meghraj Chadha and Vidyawati Chadha, and spent his formative years in this environment, where the city's artistic vibrancy provided early exposure to local theater and musical traditions.

Education and early influences

Manmohan Krishna pursued his early education in , , British , where he completed a degree in physics. Following his graduation, he served as a in physics at Rajakiya Vidyalaya, a government school in , balancing academic duties with emerging artistic pursuits. During his college years in , Krishna actively participated in stage shows, skits, and amateur theater productions, which ignited his passion for . These early experiences in pre-Partition exposed him to the vibrancy of local dramatic traditions. Krishna's interest in broadcasting developed alongside his academic path. While lecturing in , he began singing on Lahore, marking an initial foray into public performance that bridged his scholarly background with artistic expression.

Career

Film debut and initial roles

Manmohan Krishna made his debut in as the lead actor in the 1947 film Andhon Ki Duniya, directed by Keshavrao Date for . He portrayed the character of Manohar in this social drama, which explored themes of societal injustice and human relationships in post-independence , reflecting the era's focus on reformist narratives. In addition to acting, Krishna provided playback for the "Tujhe Aap Bitana Hai Apna Jeevan" in , composed by with lyrics by Deewan Sharar. This marked his singing debut, highlighting his trained vocal abilities; he had begun music training under Master Barve, learning to play the harmonium, before advancing his studies at Marris College of Music in . Following his debut, Krishna took on supporting roles in several low-budget and B-grade productions during the late and early , including Matwala Shair Ramjoshi (), Mandir (), (1949) where he played a sophisticated , and Afsar (1950) in which he also sang songs like "Jhat Khol De Kiwad Pat Khol De." These minor parts came amid the challenges of rebuilding a career in Bombay after migrating from due to , a period marked by financial instability for many displaced artists seeking steady work in the evolving .

Rise as character actor

Manmohan Krishna achieved a major breakthrough with his portrayal of Abdul Rasheed in Yash Chopra's Dhool Ka Phool (1959), where he depicted a kind-hearted Muslim chauffeur who discovers and raises an abandoned child as his own son, embodying a nurturing father figure amid themes of religious harmony. This role, highlighted by his emotional delivery in the song "Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega," earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and propelled his career forward, shifting focus from earlier leading parts to acclaimed character performances. In the ensuing years, Krishna solidified his position as a versatile , frequently embodying morally ambiguous antagonists and villains that added nuance to social and dramatic narratives. In Manoj Kumar's (1967), he played Kishan, a scheming associate to the corrupt moneylender Charan Das, contributing to the film's critique of greed and moral decay through a subtly menacing presence. These roles underscored his transition to typecast supporting antagonists by the late 1950s and 1960s. He also appeared in , including Chadiyan Di Doli (1966), and collaborated on international projects like the Indo-Soviet film Pardesi (1957). Krishna's range extended into the 1970s with key contributions to Yash Chopra's blockbusters, where he balanced intensity with restraint. In Deewaar (1975), as the upright of (DCP) Narang, he provided authoritative support to the protagonist's redemption arc, contrasting his earlier adversarial parts while maintaining narrative tension. Likewise, in Trishul (1978), his depiction of Seth Din Dayal, a shrewd firm owner entangled in familial rivalries, highlighted morally gray authority figures driving the story's emotional conflicts. These performances reinforced his adaptability across genres. Spanning four decades from the to the , Krishna amassed over 200 film credits, evolving from romantic leads in early works to indispensable character roles that enriched ensemble casts in landmark productions.

Directorial ventures

Manmohan Krishna transitioned to directing later in his career after establishing himself as a prominent character actor, marking his debut behind the camera with the 1979 romantic drama , produced under the banner. The film, set against the picturesque valleys of Bhadarwah in , follows the poignant love story of , a simple village girl living with her widowed father, and , a young man from the city who arrives in the area. Their budding romance faces opposition from family and societal expectations, culminating in themes of sacrifice, honor, and tragic inevitability, highlighting the tensions between individual desires and traditional rural values. Krishna also took on a supporting role in the film as Saiji, the storyteller, allowing him to blend his acting expertise with directorial vision in a dual capacity. The cast featured newcomers as Yusuf and as Noorie, alongside veteran actors like and , whose performances added depth to the narrative's exploration of familial bonds and cultural constraints. This project reflected Krishna's inclination toward socially resonant tales that emphasized emotional authenticity over commercial spectacle, drawing from his years of portraying nuanced characters in to craft intimate, character-driven . Despite his ongoing acting commitments across multiple productions, Krishna's directorial effort on demonstrated his ability to manage the rigors of , though the process was challenging given his established on-screen presence. The film initially faced lukewarm distributor interest but gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth, ultimately achieving commercial success as one of the higher-grossing films of and earning Krishna a nomination for the . stands as his sole directorial venture, underscoring his selective approach to projects that aligned with his passion for heartfelt, socially aware narratives.

Notable collaborations

Manmohan Krishna developed a significant professional partnership with and his brother , appearing in multiple productions under their B.R. Films banner that showcased his range from supportive figures to antagonists, contributing to his establishment as a reliable often cast in authoritative or morally complex roles. This collaboration extended to 's directorial debut, (1959), where Krishna played the benevolent Abdul Rasheed, earning him the Award for Best for his nuanced depiction of a Muslim gentleman aiding the protagonists amid themes of illegitimacy and redemption. He reprised his association with in Daag (1973), taking on the role of Deewan, the principled father of the heroine, in a tale exploring and familial duty. Earlier, in B.R. Chopra's Naya Daur (1957), Krishna portrayed Jumman Dada, the assertive workers' spokesman who challenges the exploitative industrialist Sethji, exemplified his skill in portraying class-conflict figures with underlying complexity. Krishna's collaborations extended to leading stars like in high-impact films, where his supporting performances added depth to ensemble narratives. In Yash Chopra's seminal action-drama (1975), he enacted DCP Narang, the upright police commissioner and father of a key character, whose interactions underscored themes of and in the blockbuster that defined Bachchan's "angry young man" persona. Similarly, in Prakash Mehra's (1978), Krishna appeared as the Piano Instructor, a minor yet memorable role in the rags-to-riches saga starring Bachchan, reinforcing his image as a subtle enhancer of dramatic tension. He also worked with other directors, such as in Jambulingam's (1972), where he played Dinanath Chandra, a paternal figure in a story of nationalistic fervor and personal sacrifice. Throughout his career, Krishna occasionally ventured into , adding to his multifaceted profile as an artist beyond . These efforts, though sporadic and mostly in early films, highlighted his versatility and influenced perceptions of him as a complete entertainer in cinema's golden era.

Personal life

Family relationships

Manmohan Krishna was married to , who served as a professor of history at Islamia College in . The couple had one son, Dr. Ram Chaddha, a renowned spine surgeon at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.

Later years and death

In the 1980s, Manmohan Krishna's acting roles diminished significantly owing to his advancing age and deteriorating health, shifting from the prolific output of previous decades to more sporadic appearances in supporting parts. He appeared in films including Aulad (1987) as Vicky's father, Vijay (1988) as a judge, and Touhean (1989). These limited engagements marked a gradual withdrawal from the industry, with no further credited roles after 1989. Krishna died on 3 November 1990 in Bombay, , , at the age of 68.

Legacy

Critical reception

Manmohan Krishna's performances as a , particularly in villainous roles, were widely praised by critics for their nuance and depth, elevating antagonists beyond mere stereotypes through subtle emotional layering and moral ambiguity. In films such as Sadhna (1958), where he portrayed the manipulative , and Bees Saal Baad (1962), as the enigmatic murderer, reviewers highlighted his ability to humanize complex adversaries, blending menace with underlying vulnerability to create memorable interpretations. Krishna received formal recognition early in his career with the for his role as the compassionate Abdul Rasheed in (1959), a win that underscored his versatility in transitioning between benevolent and antagonistic figures. Despite limited additional major awards or nominations in later decades, he garnered significant peer respect within the industry, often cited for lacking the spotlight of leads yet consistently delivering impactful supporting turns. Contemporary reviews from the and frequently commended Krishna's distinctive voice modulation and authoritative screen presence, which lent gravitas to his characters and enhanced the dramatic tension in films produced during Hindi cinema's golden era. Publications of the time emphasized how his sonorous delivery and poised demeanor made even brief appearances unforgettable, as seen in his collaborations with directors like and .

Cultural impact

Manmohan Krishna's performances as a in introduced layers of sophistication and moral ambiguity to the archetype, distinguishing his characters from the stereotypical antagonists of the era. In films like Sadhna (1958), where he portrayed the menacing yet charismatic one-eyed Lalu , Krishna infused his roles with psychological depth, influencing the portrayal of complex adversaries in Bollywood narratives. His contributions to socially themed cinema underscored themes of and social harmony, leaving a lasting imprint on Indian . In Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Krishna played a compassionate advocating , delivering the iconic song "Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega," which became a symbol of India's syncretic ethos during the post-Independence period. He reprised similar nuanced roles in Dharmputra (1961), highlighting the perils of communal bigotry, thereby reinforcing cinema's role in addressing societal divisions. For this performance in Dhool Ka Phool, he received the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his impact on films that promoted progressive values. Posthumously, Krishna's legacy endures through retrospectives and commemorations in Indian film circles, with his work featured in discussions of character acting and in documentaries and anniversaries after 1990. His four-decade career, spanning over 200 films, continues to influence perceptions of versatile supporting roles in Bollywood's cultural landscape.

References

  1. [1]
    Manmohan Krishna
    ### Summary of Manmohan Krishna's Pre-Career Life
  2. [2]
    Manmohan Krishna(1922-1990) - IMDb
    Manmohan Krishna was born on 26 February 1922 in Valsad, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Daag: ...
  3. [3]
    List of Awards won by Dhool Ka Phool Movie - Yash Raj Films
    Best Supporting Actor Award 1959 - Manmohan Krishna wins the Filmfare award for the best supporting actor for the movie DHOOL KA PHOOL - a film directed by ...
  4. [4]
    Manmohan Krishna - Biography - IMDb
    Manmohan Krishna was born on February 26, 1922 in Valsad, Bombay Presidency, British India. He was an actor and director, known for Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Daag ...
  5. [5]
    The Punjabi contribution to cinema-1 - Punjabics.com
    By the early 1920s there were nine film theatres in Lahore At any rate, by the early 1920s there were nine film theatres in Lahore. It was the era of silent ...
  6. [6]
    Hindi Movie Actor Manmohan Krishna Biography, News ... - NETTV4U
    DOB : 11-08-1921 · Date of death: 03-11-1990 · Lived For : 69 Years · Language : Hindi · Star Sign : Leo · Gender : Male.
  7. [7]
    Manmohan Krishna
    ### Summary of Manmohan Krishna's Education, Early Life, and Influences
  8. [8]
    Andhon Ki Duniya (1947) - IMDb
    Andhon Ki Duniya · Director. Keshavrao Date · Writer. S.V. Vartak · Stars · Leela Chitnis · Munawwar Sultana · Manmohan Krishna.
  9. [9]
    Andhon Ki Duniya | Atul's Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi ...
    “Andhon Ki Duniya” (1947) was directed by Keshavrao Daate for Rajkamal Kalamandir. The movie had Leela Chitnis, Manmohan Krishna, Munawwar Sultana, mahipal ...
  10. [10]
    Hindi Film Song - Tujhe Aap Bitana Hai Apna Jeevan (Andho Ki ...
    Tujhe Aap Bitana Hai Apna Jeevan ; Album. Andho Ki Duniya ; Genre. Filmi ; Year. 1947 ; Singer. Manmohan Krishna ; Lyricist. Deewan Sharar.
  11. [11]
    Tujhe Aap Bitana Hai Apna Jeevan - Lyrics of Hindi Film Songs
    Tujhe Aap Bitana Hai Apna Jeevan ; Singer: Manmohan Krishna ; Movie: Andhon Ki Duniya (1947) ; Music Director: Vasant Desai ; Lyricist: Deewan Sharar.
  12. [12]
    Apna Desh (1949) | Dustedoff
    Feb 26, 2022 · Born in Lahore on February 26, 1922, Manmohan Krishna had not set out to be in cinema; while a lecturer of Physics at Lahore's Rajkiya ...
  13. [13]
    Dhool Ka Phool Movie - Release Date, Cast & Crew Details | YRF
    Dhool Ka Phool movie (1959) starring with Rajendra Kumar, Mala Sinha was ... role - Manmohan Krishna who won the award for his role as Abdul chacha. It ...
  14. [14]
    Full cast & crew - Naya Daur (1957) - IMDb
    Cast ; Dilip Kumar · Shankar ; Vyjayanthimala · Rajni ; Ajit Khan · Krishna. (as A j i t) ; Chand Usmani · Manju ; Jeevan Dhar · Kundan. (as Jeevan).
  15. [15]
    Full cast & crew - Upkar (1967) - IMDb
    Manmohan Krishna · Manmohan Krishna · Kishan. (as Manmohankrishan). Madan Puri · Madan Puri · Charan Das. (as Madanpuri). Aruna ...
  16. [16]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072860/fullcredits/
  17. [17]
    Deewaar (1975) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Deewaar (1975) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses ... Manmohan Krishna · DCP. Narang · Madan Puri · Madan Puri · Samant. (as ...
  18. [18]
    Trishul (1978) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Trishul (1978) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses ... Manmohan Krishna · Seth Din Dayal · Iftekhar · Iftekhar · Mr. P.L. Varma.
  19. [19]
    Manmohan Krishna - Yash Raj Films
    Manmohan Krishna, after playing an array of character roles in the Hindi Cinema, made his directorial debut under the YRF banner with the film NOORIE (1979).<|control11|><|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Noorie (1979) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (355) Noorie: Directed by Manmohan Krishna. With Farooq Shaikh, Poonam Dhillon, Madan Puri, Iftekhar. NOORIE tells a simple and touching story of Noorie and ...
  21. [21]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0150251/fullcredits
  22. [22]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050758/fullcredits
  23. [23]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072860/fullcredits
  24. [24]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079590/fullcredits
  25. [25]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0175448/fullcredits
  26. [26]
    https://www.hindigeetmala.net/singer/manmohan_krishna.php
  27. [27]
    Manmohan Krishna - 10+ songs sung by the singer - Page 1 of 2
    Lyrics, video and detailed information about 10+ songs from Hindi films and albums, which are rendered by singer - Manmohan Krishna - Page 1 of 2.
  28. [28]
    Manmohan Krishna Death Anniversary: From Physics Professor to ...
    Born on February 26, 1922, in Lahore, Pakistan, his journey was unique. He started as a physics professor, but his passion led him to entertain through radio ...
  29. [29]
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0471443/awards/
  30. [30]
    Deewaar
    ### Summary of Manmohan Krishna's Role and Reception in *Deewar* (1975)
  31. [31]
    Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2025
    Filmfare Awards Winners. Here is the complete list of Fimfare Award Winners from past 63 years, starting from 1953 to 2025.<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Manmohan Krishna - Awards - IMDb
    Manmohan Krishna - Awards - IMDb - Awards, nominations, and wins. ... Filmfare Awards. Dhool Ka Phool (1959). 1960 Winner Filmfare Award. Best Supporting Actor.
  33. [33]
    Your guide to 10 socially relevant films from Bollywood
    Apr 3, 2020 · In Dhool Ka Phool, the great character star Manmohan Krishna sang, “Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega.” He returns in Dharmputra, to prove ...
  34. [34]
    https://www.cinemaazi.com/film/dhool-ka-phool