13th September 2023, Mumbai: The world of Bollywood cinema lost a gem as the renowned actor, Satinder Kumar Khosla, fondly known as Birbal Khosla, passed away. At the age of 84, his passing leaves a space that will be hard to fill in the Hindi film industry.
Birbal Khosla dies due to cardiac arrest
Birbal’s untimely demise was the result of a cardiac arrest, as reported by India Today. His final rites are scheduled for today. The news reached the masses through his dear friend, Jugnu.
Remembering his iconic roles
Birbal’s charm wasn’t just limited to his comical roles. His memorable portrayal as the prisoner with a half moustache in “Sholay” will always be etched in our memories. Starting his cinematic journey in 1967 with “Upkar,” Birbal graced the silver screen in over 500 films across various languages like Hindi, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Punjabi. His diverse filmography includes notable films such as “Dil,” “Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke,” “Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi,” “Sadma,” and “Charlie Chaplin.”
Birbal Khola’s notable work
Birbal’s association with legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Hema Malini speaks volumes about his caliber and contribution to cinema. His last appearance was in the 2022 movie “10 Nahi 40.” Interestingly, his widely recognized stage name, ‘Birbal’, was a gift from Manoj Kumar and Raj Khosla.
The Indian film industry has indeed lost a star, but his legacy will shine forever in the galaxy of cinema.
-by Jeet Pasad