And Pran - A Biography

by Bunny Reuben

The following book is a riveting life story of Indian cinema's most memorable villain. For the better part of the twentieth century, he was recognized as the eponymous 'bad man' of Indian cinema. Whether a sadistic despot or a malicious village bully, a dissolute city animal or a wicked anti-national, Pran portrayed the infinite shades of evil with consummate ease. Such was the impact that, if for centuries, not a single person has been name Ravana, then for over three decades after Independence, almost no male child was named Pran, because he was 'branded' as the personification of evil. While Pran perfected the art of portraying evil in all its dimensions, he also immortalized the 'good' image in some of the most memorable characterizations ever seen on the Indian screen. Whatever the role, each performance was suffused with originality and imagination. By his use of highly stylized mannerisms, unusual get-ups, realistic make-up and different accents, Pran succeeded in rising above the ordinary, in turning stereotypes into unforgettable characters. This biography unveils the life and times of one of India's most important actors. Not only does it bring to light a career that spans more than six decades and 350 films, but it also presents an intimate portrait of the man behind the image.

446 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Himanshu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a self confessed movie buff and to be honest a die hard fan of Pran saab. So much so that in old movies I used to root for him, even imitate him (well at least try to). With such a fanatical admiration, any biography of his would be inevitably lapped up by me. However this book left me wanting for more. Now dont get me wrong, the book does cover his life in entirety but after a certain time it tends to get repetitive. Repetitive passages outlining what a good human being he was ( which I am sure he was) tends to get boring. Now I understand with the baggage of his reel life image , the author must have felt obliged to set the record straight about Pran saab's real character but after a point its gets a bit irritating..
That aside the book is a very fine peek in the life of this thespian who I am sure all will agree made the career of likes of Dilip Kumar , Shammi Kapoor , Amitabh Bacchan to name a few......

[Mayank Shandilya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most significant thing about this book is that it doesn't necessarily concentrate on Pran but villainy in Hindi movies over a decade and the story becomes a part just because Pran has been an actor whose performances have been regarded as pre requisites to acting especially in negative shades.The most special thing about Pran's becoming was that he was chosen by a writer just because of eyes.i mean how great is that because if u came down to the basics of acting it is your eyes which makes you seem convincing.truly amazing!!!

[D Kamboj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the times, biographies of film personalities make fascinating reads because people are more fascinated with movies than with books. So it becomes a double pleasure as most of us are movie buffs. However, even this biography suffers from the same fault which besets most of the biographies.

The book is more of a hagiography instead of a critical analysis of all aspects of the life & works of an unparalleled thespian. Only positives things about Pran have been written and it seems that he was an angel while in reality every human being is a grey character.

However, the book do provides details about Pran’s best roles, movies, acting techniques and all other positive aspects of his life. Sprinkled with anecdotes which are mainstays of a biography, this book is a detailed account of the actor’s life and one can learn about Mumbai film industry, acting techniques and living life from it.

[Gurpreet Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a biography of the man who lived 60 years in movies and left behind a work of over 350 films !
very interesting read but not much hidden is revealed by Bunny Reuben and I feel the editing needs to have been done carefully to weed out repetitive words and instances .
Many photographs tell their own tales of his journey that began in 1920 .
Movie goers and movie buffs will find it very interesting .
Enjoy.

[Munish Handa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am not much into autobiographies nor into Film personalities lives … but was always fascinated by Pran ji as an actor and also because I used to hear a lot about him from my granddad who was his classmate from Pakistan days. So picked up this book when I saw it.
Relished it to the core, more because Reuben narrated the man, the legend so well
Good read

[Sudipta Dubey]

A typical biography but a film buff would surely remain hooked.

[Neville Krishnaswamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay book and surely a must read...but I am sure it could have been better written. Many articles or quotes are repeated. Experiences from working with co-stars could have been given more weightage. After it is PRAN who the book is about.