EP-354 | Untold Stories of Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Balraj Sahni & Amitabh Bachchan | Parikshit Sahni

Parikshit Sahni is one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors, known for his memorable performances in Kabhi Kabhie, Tapasya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. The son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni, he has carried forward a remarkable cinematic legacy with grace and depth.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parikshit Sahni takes us through the golden era of Bollywood, sharing stories of working with icons like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakhee.

He opens up about his father’s advice, his early years in Moscow studying film direction, assisting Raj Kapoor on Mera Naam Joker, and how he became an actor. Sahni also talks about the magic of directors like Yash Chopra and Rishikesh Mukherjee, and what made films of the '60s and '70s truly timeless.

This episode is a nostalgic journey through the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, told by someone who lived it.

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee

02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s

04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey

09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore

10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni

13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia

16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'

18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life

22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake

25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style

27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan

30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra

34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan

36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi

39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar

42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades

46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'

51:10 – Family

52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab

54:03 – Writing Two Books

55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry

58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia?

1:01:35 – Closing Remarks