Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Kanhaiyalal was born in Varanasi into a theatrical family. His father, Pandit Bhairodutt Choube, owned a drama company but disapproved of his son’s interest in acting. Undeterred, Kanhaiyalal began working backstage and gradually transitioned into small stage roles. After his father's death, he moved to Bombay to pursue a career in cinema—initially aspiring to become a writer and director. However, fate had other plans, and he made his screen debut as an extra in Sagar Ka Sher. He rose to national and international fame for his iconic portrayal of the scheming moneylender Sukhilala in Mehboob Khan’s Mother India (1957), one of Indian cinema’s most legendary villains. He had originally played the same role in Aurat (1940), making him the first Indian actor to reprise a character in a remake 17 years later. Mother India also earned the distinction of being India’s first official entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best International Feature Film—cementing Kanhaiyalal’s performance in global film history. Known for his mastery of negative and elderly roles, Kanhaiyalal acted in over 100 films including Ganga Jamuna, Upkar, Apna Desh, Dushman, and Grahasti. He also wrote dialogues and lyrics for films like Sadhana. His cinematic legacy lives on through the 2022 documentary Naam Tha Kanhaiyalal, produced by his daughter Hemaa Singh. TMDB mini biography by: Ashvin Borad
Known For: Acting
Birthday: 1910-01-01
Place of Birth: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Also Known As: Kanaiya Lal, Lala, Munim, Sukhilala, Kanhaiyalal

Movies List of Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

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Mother India

1957 Movie
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Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke

1969 Movie
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Zindagi

1964 Movie
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Gaban

1966 Movie
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Samaj Ko Badal Dalo

1970 Movie
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The Test

1960 Movie
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Naata

1955 Movie
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Dost

1974 Movie
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Ram Aur Shyam

1967 Movie
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Son of India

1962 Movie
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Diwana

1967 Movie
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Duniyadari

1977 Movie
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Grahasti

1963 Movie
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Gunga Jumna

1961 Movie
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Heera

1973 Movie
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Apna Desh

1972 Movie
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Hum Paanch

1980 Movie
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Oonche Log

1965 Movie
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Noor Mahal

1965 Movie
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Biradari

1966 Movie
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Banphool

1971 Movie
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Naukari

1954 Movie
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Jadu Tona

1977 Movie
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Ramayani

1945 Movie
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Sahara

1958 Movie
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Sitara

1980 Movie
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Bandhan

1969 Movie
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Ghunghat

1960 Movie
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Himalay Ki Godmein

1965 Movie
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Dulhan Ek Raat Ki

1967 Movie
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Bahut Din Hue

1954 Movie
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Chirag

1969 Movie
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Daadi Maa

1966 Movie
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Aurat

1967 Movie
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Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein

1977 Movie
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Hum Log

1951 Movie
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Daag

1952 Movie
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Lal Haveli

1944 Movie
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Jeet

1949 Movie
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Doli

1969 Movie
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Upkar

1967 Movie
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Mr. Sampat

1952 Movie
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Daku Aur Jawan

1978 Movie
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Meri Bhabhi

1969 Movie
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Rishte Naate

1965 Movie
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Aurat

1940 Movie
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Bharosa

1963 Movie
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Nai Roshni

1941 Movie
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Jeevan Mrityu

1970 Movie
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Dost

1944 Movie
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Gaali

1944 Movie
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Shri Krishnarjun Yudh

1945 Movie