Little known facts about 'Sher Khan' Pran

New Delhi, July 13: The legendary actor Pran, was known as the‘Villain of the Millennium' and has ruled the film Industry for over six decades as the No.1 villainToday took his last breaths in Mumbai's Lilawati hospital .He was suffering from illness for long . He passed away today evening after a protracted battle against illness. We wish his soul to rest in peace. Here we share some rarely known facts about this legend.1. Just a day before India's Independence on August 14, 1947, Pran alongwith his wife and a year old son ventured into Mumbai from Lahore. Before Partition, the actor had already appeared as a villain in 22 flicks but partition gave him an unwanted short break.2. Pran used to stay in Taj Hotel but with no work he was going short with money which made him to shift to a guest house.3. It took eight months for Pran to get his first offer. 1948 ‘Ziddi' opposite Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal proved to be a box office hit and Pran got a mere sum of Rs. 500 as a fee. Thereafter there was line of offers for the actor in the name of Apradhi, Putli and Grihasti. But BR Chopra's Afsana was his first biggest hit after he shifted to Mumbai.4. Pran was an on screen bad man but was also cast as a hero for “Khandaan'. The movie was a superhit but despite that he avoided doing lead roles because he didn't like to sing and dance onscreen. Really such was Pran's screen presence in a negative role that people even hated naming their children after his name.5. Ashok Kumar was amongst the best pals of Pran. So, the duo shared the screens for more than 25 times among which include Naya Zamana, Chori Mera Kaam, Chor Ke Ghar Chor, Lakeeren and Purab Aur Pachhim.6. Like Ashok Kumar, Pran loved to do films with Amitabh Bachchan. Both were seen in about 15 flicks together. Some of them include Kasauti, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Majboor, Dostana, Naseeb, Kaalia and Sharaabi. It was Pran who recommended Big B to Prakash Mehra for ‘Zanjeer'. His favourite word ‘Barkhurdaar' in ‘Zanjeer' became immensely popular over the years.7. Apart for acting in flicks Pran, though for once, also donned Producer's hat for ‘Lakshman Rekha' in 1992.8. Pran in 1972 was awarded Filmfare trophy for the best actor in a supporting role in flick “Paakezah” but he refused to accept as he was of the view that Ghulam Mohammed should be awarded with this trophy for composing beautiful music in the flick.9. Though Pran is a big cricket fan and shares friendship with West Indies captain Sir Frank Worrell but owns a football team titled “Bombay Dynamos Football Club”10. Amid his health related issues in 90's, Pran avoided working in flicks thereafter. It was only Big B's request that he agreed to work in two of his flicks namely Mrityudand and Tere Mere Sapne in which he gave his shots in a seated position as his legs used to shake a lot.Recently the actor was hospitalized in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital as his health deteriorated. We prey for his good health and wish him a very Happy Birthday.