Parikshit Sahni is one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors, known for his memorable performances in Kabhi Kabhie, Tapasya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. The son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni, he has carried forward a remarkable cinematic legacy with grace and depth.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parikshit Sahni takes us through the golden era of Bollywood, sharing stories of working with icons like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakhee.
He opens up about his father’s advice, his early years in Moscow studying film direction, assisting Raj Kapoor on Mera Naam Joker, and how he became an actor. Sahni also talks about the magic of directors like Yash Chopra and Rishikesh Mukherjee, and what made films of the '60s and '70s truly timeless.
This episode is a nostalgic journey through the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, told by someone who lived it.
00:00 – Introduction
00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee
02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s
04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey
09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore
10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni
13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia
16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'
18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life
22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake
25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style
27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan
30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra
34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan
36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi
39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar
42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades
46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'
51:10 – Family
52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab
54:03 – Writing Two Books
55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry
58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia?
1:01:35 – Closing Remarks