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Danny Denzongpa From the hilly-kingdom of Sikkim came a young man, Danny Denzongpa who learnt acting at the FTII and even became an acting teacher for a while. A few years before an actor with such chinky looks might have been given the job of a watchman, but the students from the FTII had forced a change in the industry outlook. Danny got acting assignments. He stood out as a gang leader in Gulzar's 'Mere Apne', and impressed in B R Ishara's 'Zaroorat'.
BR Chopra's 'Dhund', in which he played a frustrated, sadistic, crippled husband, demonstrated his talent to the world. His films might have been B-grade ('Raakhi Aur Hathkadi', 'Andhi Jawani', 'Aakhri Dao') but Danny stood out with his performances. When he had author-backed roles in better films like 'Chandi Sona', 'Devta', '36 Ghante', 'Chor Machaye Shor' and 'Fakira', Danny excelled.
A professional to the core, Danny is reputed to be choosy, punctual and committed. It was this committment that he declined to play the villain in 'Sholay', a film which ultimately went to a struggling Amjad Khan. Danny, who once worked round the clock, gradually changed his attitude. He now started doing limited films to have enough time for himself and his family. He invested his monies in a beer brewery and spent time in things like writing and directing the TV serial, 'Ajnabi'.
Acting, of course, remains a priority, but Danny is laid-back and 'selective' now. Not for him the rat race.'Khuda Gawah' saw an impressive performance as a kind-hearted Pathan. 'Hum' had Danny playing a tyrant mafioso. 'Sanam Bewafa' saw him effectively countering Pran. And he gave another memorable performance in 'Ghatak.
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