Kabir Bedi (
Punjabi:
ਕਬੀਰ ਬੇਦੀ) is an Indian television and film actor. His career has spanned three continents including India, the United States and many European countries in three mediums: film, television and theatre. He is noted for his role as
Emperor Shah Jahan in
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story. He is best known in Europe for playing the pirate
Sandokan in the highly popular TV mini series and for his role as the villainous
Gobinda in the 1983
James Bond film
Octopussy. He is popular in Italy and is fluent in Italian.
Kabir Bedi is based in India and lives in
Mumbai.
BIOGRAPHY[EDIT]
Early life[edit]
Bedi was one of three children born into a family that had devoted itself to India's fight for independence from British
colonial rule. His father, Baba Pyare Lal Bedi, a
Punjabi Sikh,
[1] 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, and graduation from
St. Stephen's College, Delhi.
Personal life[edit]
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 former actress and magazine/newspaper columnist.
[dated info] Their son, Siddharth, who went to Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, had a long history of
schizophrenia and committed suicide in 1997 at the age of 26.
[2]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
[3] who recently made his Bollywood debut with the thriller,
Hello? Kaun Hai!.
[4] This marriage ended in divorce.
In the late 1990s, Bedi married TV and radio presenter
Nikki Bedi. They had no children and divorced in 2005. After that, Kabir Bedi has been in a relationship with British born Parveen Dusanj.
[5][6][7][8]Kabir Bedi is a firm supporter of the freedom struggle in
Burma, and has become an official ambassador of the
Burma Campaign UK.
[9] 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.
[10]
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 to have originated from Bollywood, worked in Hollywood, and become a big star in Europe.
Stage acting[edit]
As a stage actor, Kabir has performed
Shakespeare's
Othello as well as portrayed a mad 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 celebrated Canadian playwright for the
Luminato Festival in Toronto. In 2013, this play was recommissioned and went on a 8-week multi city tour of Canada.
[11]
Film career[edit]
In the
James Bond film
Octopussy, he played the villain's aide
Gobinda who battled
Roger Moore from start to finish. He remains the only Bollywood actor to appear in a James Bond movie.
Kabir has acted in over 60 Indian Bollywood films. In the historical epic
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Kabir starred as the
Emperor Shah Jahan. Other starring Bollywood roles include
Raj Khosla's
Kacche Dhaage,
Rakesh Roshan's
Khoon Bhari Maang and
Farah Khan's
Main Hoon Na.
Currently, Kabir is shooting with
Hrithik Roshan (
Kites),
Govinda (
Showman), and
Akshay Kumar (
Blue).
[12] He is also starring in
Deepa Mehta's next film,
Kamagata Maru with
Amitabh Bachchan and
John Abraham. He is presently doing a pivotal role in a Tamil film titled '
Aravaan', directed by
Vasanthabalan, who is critically acclaimed for his earlier films
Angaadi Theru and
Veyil.
Kabir played pivotal 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 prestigious
David di Donatello Award.
Television career[edit]
Kabir's has had extensive roles on American television – primetime and daytime, series and miniseries – including 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 played roles on
Dynasty,
Murder, She Wrote,
Magnum, P.I.,
Hunter,
Knight Rider and
Highlander: The Series amongst others.
In Europe, his greatest success was
Sandokan, the saga of a romantic Asian pirate during British colonial times; an Italian-German-French TV series which broke viewership records across Europe.
[citation needed]. Kabir also recently starred in a prime-time Italian television series,
Un Medico in Famiglia, on
RAI TV, the country's biggest broadcaster.
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.
[13]
Kabir Bedi after receiving his knighthood.
Radio career[edit]
In 2007 has starred in "Chat", a radio show aired by
RAI Radio2, in the role of Sandokan. In 2012, did a series of Radio One programmes titled, 'Women of Gold' and 'Men of Steel' in honour of industry champions in India.
Writing[edit]
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.
[14]
Awards and achievements[edit]
Since 1982 Kabir has been a voting member of the prestigious
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who are responsible for presenting the
Oscar awards. He is also a voting member of the
Screen Actors Guild.
He has also won numerous film, advertising and popularity awards across Europe and India.
[15]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.
[16]
FILMOGRAPHY[EDIT]
Film Title | Release Year | Status | Character |
Hulchal | 1971 | Released | Mahesh Jetley |
Seema | 1971 | Released | |
Rakhi Aur Hathkadi | 1972 | Released | Suraj |
Sazaa | 1972 | Released | |
Anokha Daan | 1972 | Released | |
Kachche Dhaage | 1973 | Released | Roopa |
Yauwan | 1973 | Released | |
Manzilen Aur Bhi Hain | 1974 | Released | |
Maa Bahen Aur Biwi | 1974 | Released | |
Ishq Ishq Ishq | 1974 | Released | Diwana/Ravikant Vyas |
Anari | 1975 | Released | |
Nagin | 22 January 1976 | Released | Uday |
Daaku | 1976 | Released | |
Harfan Maula | 1976 | Released | |
Vishwasghaat | 1976 | Released | Uday |
Daku Aur Mahatma | 1977 | Released | |
Bullet | 1977 | Released | Durga Prasad/D.P. |
The Black Corsair | 1976 – Italy | Released | |
La tigre è ancora viva: Sandokan alla riscossa! | 1977 | Released | Sandokan |
The Thief of Baghdad | 1978 | Released | |
Ashanti | 1979 | Released | Malik |
Aakhri Kasam | 1979 | Released | Kishan/Badal |
Yuvraj | 5 October 1979 | Released | |
40 Days of Musa Dagh | 1982 | Released | Gabriel Bagradian |
Girl from India/Man from Africa | 1982 | Released | |
Octopussy | 1983 | Released | Gobinda |
Khoon Bhari Maang | 12 August 1988 | Released | Sanjay Verma |
Mera Shikar | 1988 | Released | |
Police Public | 11 May 1990 | Released | Senior Inspector Shah Nawaz Khan |
Haar Jeet | 1990 | Released | |
Shera Shamshera | 1990 | Released | |
Kurbaan | 31 May 1991 | Released | Inspector Suraj Singh |
Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi | 19 April 1991 | Released | |
Vishkanya | 1991 | Released | Forest Officer Vikram Singh |
Dil Aashna Hai | 25 December 1992 | Released | Digvijay Singh |
Yalgaar | 23 October 1992 | Released | Raj Pratap Singhal |
Beyond Justice | 1992 | Released | Moulet |
Lambu Dada | 1992 | Released | |
Kshatriya | 29 March 1993 | Released | Thakur Ganga Singh (Police Officer) |
Yugandhar | 1993 | Released | |
Salaami | 18 March 1994 | Released | Captain |
Lie Down with Lions | 12 June 1994 | Released | Kabir |
The Maharaja's Daughter | 1994 | Released | Chandragupta |
OP Centre | 26 February 1995 | Released | Abdul |
Kismat | 16 June 1995 | Released | Rajan |
Aatank Hi Aatank | 4 August 1995 | Released | Police Inspector |
Mashamal - Ritorno al Deserto | 19 June 1998 | Released | Example |
Figlio di Sandokan, II | 1998 | Stuck/On hold | Sandokan |
Kohram | 13 August 1999 | Released | Brig. Bedi |
The Lost Empire | 11 March 2001 | Released | Friar Sand |
Kranti | 15 March 2002 | Released | Mahendra Pratap Rana |
Maine Dil Tujhko Diya | 23 August 2002 | Released | Mr. Varma (Ayesha's Father) |
Talaash | 3 January 2003 | Released | Chhote Pathan |
The Hero: Love Story of a Spy | 11 April 2003 | Released | Mr. Zakaria |
Rudraksh | 13 February 2004 | Released | Ved Pujan |
Asambhav | 23 July 2004 | Released | |
Kismat | 20 February 2004 | Released | Raj Mallya |
A/R Andata & Ritorno | 2 April 2004 | Released | Tolstoj |
Main Hoon Na | 30 April 2004 | Released | Gen. Amarjeet Bakshi |
Bewafaa | 25 February 2005 | Released | Anjali's Father |
Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story | 18 November 2005 | Released | Emperor Shah Jahan |
Do Raha | 2006 | Under Production | |
Jaanleva | 2006 | Post-Production | Rakesh Khullar |
A All About Her | 2006 | Stuck/On Hold | |
Take 3 Girls | 2006 | Stuck/On Hold | Mo |
Showman | 2008 | Under Production | |
Blue | 2009 | Released | |
Kites | 2010 | Released | |
Aravaan | 2011 | Released | |
Chakravyuh | 2012 | Released | Mahanta, an industrialist and negotiator for the government |
Yaara O Dildara | 2013 | Post-Production | |
Scandalous | 2015 | In-production | Ram |
Mohenjo Daro Mohenjo Daro (film)| 2015 | In-production | Mahanta, an industrialist and negotiator for the government |
Television[edit]
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 – aka The Mysteries of the Dark Jungle | 1991 | TV Mini Series | Kammamuri |
Il Principe del Deserto – aka 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 |
Ritorno di Sandokan, II | 6 October 1996 | TV Mini Series | Sandokan |
Noi siamo angeli – aka We are Angel | 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 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 |
DUBBING ROLES[EDIT]
Live Action Films[edit]
Voice Overs[edit]
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 |
VOTING MEMBERSHIPS[EDIT]
REFERENCES[EDIT]
EXTERNAL LINKS[EDIT]
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