Did you know Vinod Khanna debuted as a villain, rose to stardom, and walked away from fame and fortune at the peak of his career?

Time of India

08-07-2025

Before the industry knew him as a superstar,
was already breaking the mould. Charismatic, unconventional, and fearless in his choices, he navigated Bollywood on his own terms—rising from villainous roles to leading man status, only to walk away from it all at the peak of his fame.
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His story is not just about stardom, but about courage, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of something deeper. Here's a look at the extraordinary journey of one of Indian cinema's most enigmatic icons.
Vinod's entry into films was anything but typical. Starting out as an antagonist, he quickly grabbed attention with his intense performances. But unlike many who remained typecast in negative roles, his undeniable charisma and screen presence paved the way for a smooth transition into lead roles, turning him into one of the most admired heroes of his time.
In 1980, Qurbani marked a turning point in the actor's career and reshaped Bollywood's box office game. Packed with slick action, chart-topping music, and a gripping narrative, the film struck a chord with audiences and set theatres buzzing with excitement. Tickets were sold in advance, and for three continuous months, the movie ran houseful in cinemas.
Qurbani, directed, produced, and co-starring
, featured
and Vinod Khanna in pivotal roles.
Interestingly, the part eventually played by Vinod was initially offered to Amitabh Bachchan, who turned it down—paving the way for Khanna to step in and deliver a career-defining performance that catapulted him to new heights.
Made on a modest budget of Rs 1.55 crore, Qurbani became a runaway hit, raking in Rs 6 crore in India and over Rs 12 crore worldwide—a staggering figure for its time. Legend has it that the earnings were so overwhelming, Feroz Khan had to hire an entire team just to keep track of the cash flow.
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Between 1971 and 1982, Vinod Khanna was unstoppable. He acted in over 47 multi-starrer hits such as Hera Pheri (1975), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1975), Zameer (1975), Khoon Pasina (1977), Parvarish (1977) and Amar Akbar Anthony (1977). Trade experts often remarked that Vinod Khanna's presence in a film was as good as a seal of success—his name alone could draw crowds and boost box office numbers.
At the height of his stardom, Vinod Khanna made a move that stunned the industry—he walked away from fame to pursue a spiritual path.
Drawn to the teachings of Osho, he left behind the glamour of Bollywood in search of inner peace. Though he eventually returned to the screen, the unmatched magic of his golden era proved hard to recreate.
Vinod Khanna's journey wasn't just one of stardom, but of profound transformation. From playing intense villains to becoming a beloved superstar, and eventually stepping away to embrace a spiritual path, his life was marked by depth, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to living on his own terms.
In an era ruled by towering icons, Vinod Khanna didn't merely hold his ground—he flourished. His remarkable journey, marked by bold choices and undeniable talent, remains one of Bollywood's most compelling and unforgettable sagas.