Source:Wikipedia
Kabir Bedi (born 16 January 1946) is an Indian television and film actor. His career has spanned three continents covering India, the United States and especially Italy among other 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 and the villainous Sanjay Verma in the 80's blockbuster Khoon Bhari Maang. He is best known in Italy and Europe for playing the pirate Sandokan in the popular Italian TV mini series and for his role as the villainous Gobinda in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. Kabir Bedi is well-known in Italy and is fluent in Italian. He is based in India and lives in Mumbai.
Early life
Bedi was one of three children born into a Sikh 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. Kabir Bedi did his schooling at Sherwood College, Nainital, Uttarakhand and graduation from St. Stephen's College, Delhi.
Personal life
Bedi married four 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 and former actress. Their son, Siddharth, who went to Carnegie Mellon University, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed suicide in 1997 at the age of 26.
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 who made his Hindi Film debut with the thriller, Hello? Kaun Hai!. This marriage ended in divorce.
In the early 1990s, Bedi married TV and radio presenter Nikki Bedi. They had no children and divorced in 2005. After that, Bedi has been in a relationship with British-born Parveen Dusanj, whom he married a day before his 70th birthday.
Bedi supports the anti-Government struggle in Myanmar, and is an official ambassador of the Burma Campaign UK. 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.
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 who started out in Hindi films, worked in Hollywood films and became a 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 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.
Film career
In the James Bond film Octopussy, he played the villain's aide Gobinda.
Kabir has acted in over 60 Indian films. In the historical epic Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Kabir starred as the Emperor Shah Jahan. Other starring Hindi film 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). He also starred in Deepa Mehta's film, Kamagata Maru with Amitabh Bachchan and John Abraham. He acted in the Tamil film 'Aravaan', directed by Vasanthabalan.
Kabir played 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 David di Donatello Award. In 2017, he acted in a Telugu historical movie Gautamiputra Satakarni, as Nahapana, an important ruler of the Western Kshatrapas.
Television career
Kabir has appeared on American television, in 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 acted in Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Magnum, P.I., Hunter, Knight Rider and Highlander: The Series.
In Europe, his greatest success was Sandokan, the saga of a romantic Southeast Asian pirate during British colonial times; an Italian-German-French TV series which broke viewership records across Europe. Kabir recently starred in a prime-time Italian television series, Un Medico in Famiglia, on RAI TV.
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.
In the Indian Biblical television series 'Bible Ki Kahaniya', Bedi played both the young and aged Abraham.
Radio career
In 2007 he starred in "Chat", a radio show aired by RAI Radio2, in the role of Sandokan. In 2012, he did a series of Radio One programmes titled, 'Women of Gold' and 'Men of Steel' in honour of industry champions in India. In 2017 he did another series in English for Radio One, 'Ten On Ten' celebrating top ten innovations out of India. He also did the year end special series, 'Best of 2017'.
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.
Charity
In February 2017, Bedi was announced as the new 'brand ambassador' for international development organisation, Sightsavers, saying on his appointment, "Today there is immense awareness and attempt towards eye health and care in India and Sightsavers have shown way to people at large in the country with their achievements in the area of eye care."
Awards and achievements
Since 1982 Kabir has been a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (who are responsible for presenting the Oscar awards) and he is a voting member of the Screen Actors Guild.
He has won numerous film, advertising and popularity awards across Europe and India.
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. He has recently received Honorary Degree from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha,India.
Filmography
Film Title Release Year Character
Hulchal 1971 Mahesh Jetley
Seema 1971
Rakhi Aur Hathkadi 1972 Suraj
Sazaa 1972
Anokha Daan 1972
Kuchhe Dhaage 1973 Roopa
Yauwan 1973 Jhumru
Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain 1974
Maa Bahen Aur Biwi 1974
Ishq Ishq Ishq 1974
Anari 1975
Nagin 1976 Uday
Daaku 1976
Harfan Maula 1976
Vishwasghaat 1976 Uday
Bullet 1976 Durga Prasad/D.P.
The Black Corsair 1976 – Italy
Daku Aur Mahatma 1977
The Thief of Baghdad 1978
Ashanti 1979 Malik
Aakhri Kasam 1979 Kishan/Badal
Yuvraj 5 October 1979
The Archer: Fugitive from the Empire 1981
40 Days of Musa Dagh 1982 Gabriel Bagradian
Satan's Mistress 1982 The Spirit
Octopussy 1983 Gobinda
Counterforce 1988 Koura
Khoon Bhari Maang 12 August 1988 Sanjay Verma
Mera Shikar 1988
Police Public 11 May 1990 Senior Inspector Shah Nawaz Khan
Haar Jeet 1990
Shera Shamshera 1990
Kurbaan 31 May 1991 Inspector Suraj Singh
Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi 19 April 1991
Vishkanya 1991 Forest Officer Vikram Singh
Dil Aashna Hai 25 December 1992 Digvijay Singh
Yalgaar 23 October 1992 Raj Pratap Singhal
Beyond Justice 1992 Moulet
Lambu Dada 1992
Kshatriya 29 March 1993 Thakur Ganga Singh (Police Officer)
Yugandhar 1993 Col Kanir
Salaami 18 March 1994 Captain
Lie Down with Lions 12 June 1994 Kabir
The Maharaja's Daughter 1994 Chandragupta
OP Centre 26 February 1995 Abdul
Kismat 16 June 1995 Rajan
Aatank Hi Aatank 4 August 1995 Police Inspector
Mashamal - Ritorno al Deserto 19 June 1998 Example
Figlio di Sandokan, II 1998 Sandokan
Kohram 13 August 1999 Brig. Bedi
The Lost Empire 11 March 2001 Friar Sand
Kranti 15 March 2002 Mahendra Pratap Rana
Maine Dil Tujhko Diya 23 August 2002 Mr. Varma (Ayesha's Father)
Talaash: The Hunt Begins... 3 January 2003 Chhote Pathan
The Hero: Love Story of a Spy 11 April 2003 Mr. Zakaria
Father 2004 Karl, father (a violinist)
Rudraksh 13 February 2004 Ved Pujan
Asambhav 23 July 2004
Kismat 2004 Raj Mallya
A/R Andata & Ritorno 2 April 2004 Tolstoj
Main Hoon Na 30 April 2004 Gen. Amarjeet Bakshi
Bewafaa 2005 Anjali's Father
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story 2005 Emperor Shah Jahan
Do Raha 2006
Jaanleva 2006 Rakesh Khullar
A All About Her 2006
Take 3 Girls 2006 Mo
Showman 2008
Blue 2009 Captain Jagat Malhotra
Kites 2010 Bob Grover
Yaara O Dildaara 2013
Aravaan 2012
Chakravyuh 2012 Mahanta, an industrialist and negotiator for the government
Dilwale 2015 Dev Malik
Anarkali 2015 Jaffer Imam
Tera surroor 2016
Mohenjo Daro 2016 Maham
Gautamiputra Satakarni 2017 Nahapana
Edict of Expulsion 1492 2017 Sultan Bayezid
Paisa Vasool (2017 film) 2017 R.A.W. Chief
Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3 2018 Royal Hari Singh
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
Il Ritorno di Sandokan 6 October 1996 TV Mini Series Sandokan
Noi siamo angeli – a.k.a. We are Angels 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
'Ten on Ten' - 'Ten Biggest Impacts This Last Decade' 2017 Radio One Himself
'Best of 2017' 2017 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 Performed alongside Yudhvir Dahiya who voiced Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan and Joy Sengupta who voiced Toby Kebbell as Prince Garsiv in Hindi.
Fantastic Four Reg E. Cathey Dr. Franklin Storm Hindi English 2015 2015 Performed alongside Karan Trivedi who voiced Miles Teller as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in Hindi.
Voice overs in ads and commercials
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
Mount of Excellence Documentary narrator English 2015
Parle Advertisement Hindi & English 2016
Tanishq Advertisement English 2016
Konark Sun Temple, Odhisa Sound & Light Show English 2017
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