Ranjeet Birthday: Heartfelt Wishes to Bollywood’s Iconic Villain Who Redefined Screen Presence

Legendary Bollywood villain Ranjeet is celebrating his 83rd birthday on 12 September 2025. Born on 12 September 1942 in Jandiala Guru, near Amritsar, Ranjeet’s name is etched among the most famous villains in Hindi cinema. Having worked in numerous films, Ranjeet’s powerful acting gave even the lead actors tough competition.

Ranjeet’s real name is Gopal Bedi, but legendary actor Sunil Dutt advised him to adopt a screen name, saying that it would suit the film industry better. Gopal accepted his advice and changed his name to Ranjeet. Having worked in around 200 films, Ranjeet was so terrifying on screen that women would be scared of him—since in over 150 of those films, he performed rape scenes. In the film world, his identity became synonymous with a rapist.

Ranjeet on Sharmeelee Role: Family Reaction to Villain Debut

When Ranjeet played his first negative role, his performance was appreciated and he achieved success, but his family was not happy. He revealed this on The Kapil Sharma Show while talking about his first rape scene in the film Sharmeelee. He said, “The film Sharmeelee became a superhit, and I was stamped as a new rapist villain. When I invited my family to the premiere in Delhi, they walked out of the auditorium midway. At home, I was faced with sad, disappointed faces. They threw me out of the house for spoiling the family’s name and asked how my father would face people in Punjab after watching me pull Rakhee Gulzar’s hair, tearing her clothes, and throwing her to the ground. They told me I should play roles like an army officer or doctor, not such shameful characters. They said, ‘How will we ever face people in Amritsar after this?’”

Ranjeet Life Story: Expelled from Air Force to Bollywood Villain

Ranjeet was once in the Air Force’s flying department but was expelled due to special circumstances. While in training, Ranjeet clashed with the training officer, who later got him expelled for bad behavior. However, the real reason, as Ranjeet revealed in an interview, was that he had befriended the officer’s daughter during training in Coimbatore. On learning this, the officer repeatedly threatened to ruin Ranjeet’s career. Just 4–5 months into training, Ranjeet was expelled from the Air Force. After that, destiny brought him to films.

Ranjeet Bollywood Journey: From Reshma Aur Shera to Fame

Ranjeet got his first break through the help of a British citizen of Indian origin. Though his first film never materialized, he was introduced to Sunil Dutt, and soon after, he worked in Reshma Aur Shera. From there, his career skyrocketed, and today, he needs no introduction.

Reflecting on his Bollywood journey, Ranjeet said, “I became an actor by chance. I was never serious about acting. I had no godfather in the industry, yet I got so many films. I barely had time to go home and often slept in my car. I didn’t even know how much money I was earning. People would announce films with me without my knowledge, and I never refused them either.”

Ranjeet on 70s Villain Roles: ‘Rape Specialist’ Tag

The famous actor of the 70s, Ranjeet, played numerous rapist roles. However, he has no complaints about this. He once said, “Back then, rape scenes weren’t vulgar. My job was to ensure the heroine was comfortable. Later, people began calling me a rape specialist. Those days weren’t like today—there were no lovemaking scenes. I used to joke that if you really want that, then go make a blue film.” With a laugh, he added, “I often joke that fashion destroyed my career.”

Ranjeet: Iconic Villain of Bollywood & TV Journey

Legendary villain Ranjeet played unforgettable roles in many superhit films throughout his career. His films include Sharmeelee, Sharaabi, Suhaag, Rocky, Namak Halaal, Amar Akbar Anthony, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Satte Pe Satta, Laawaris, Dharam Veer, Karan Arjun, Bunty Aur Babli, Saawan Bhadon, Welcome, Housefull 4, and Housefull 5.
Beyond films, Ranjeet also left his mark on television with shows like Hitler Didi, Trideviyaan, and Basera.

Ranjeet & Amitabh Bachchan: Rare Kashmir Shoot Story by Photographer R.T. Chawla

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Legendary Bollywood photographer R.T. Chawla once shared a story about Ranjeet: “The title of my lecture is ‘The Industry’s Top Villain.’ Let me tell you an interesting story. It was when a new electronic camera had just come out—the Electronic 35. With that camera, I clicked your (Ranjeet’s) pictures and got to know you closely. It started in Kashmir, where a song shoot was happening. Amitabh Bachchan would sometimes speak in the local Pasha language. A small temple had been built there. I handed Amitabh that big camera and he took a picture of me. When I went to the temple later, Amitabh wasn’t there, only director Prakash Mehra and his assistant Mehndi. The next day, I came again with the negatives and showed you the pictures I had clicked. Later, you sent me a photo with Amitabh, but sadly, I never kept it safe. Amitabh’s eyes and mouth looked quite odd in it. I kept visiting for the next few days as well. There was also an officer there, highly regarded in British studios, who asked me to show him the shoot. I took him along, but that day, no major actor was present—only a patchwork scene was being filmed.”

Ranjeet’s Signature Arabic Look: The Story Behind Bollywood Villain’s Iconic Style

Ranjeet, who scared audiences on screen, is often spotted at events in an Arabic look. Explaining why, senior journalist and critic Chaitanya Padukone said, “That look has now become a part of his identity. Initially, when he was doing films continuously, he dressed modern like other actors. He was always a well-dressed actor with a good fashion sense. About 20 years ago, he adopted the Arabic look as his fashion statement. In fact, in the 1977 film Chor Sipahi, he was seen in a similar look but without the robe, only with an Arabic-style head covering. Later, he began wearing the kufiya (an Arabic term for headscarf) regularly, and about 25–30 years ago, he also added the robe. Since then, it has become his signature style.”

Speaking about his look, Ranjeet said, “I connect with this look now, and most importantly, it’s very comfortable and not at all sophisticated. I enjoy wearing such clothes.”

Interestingly, the actor who spread terror on screen neither eats meat nor drinks alcohol—he is a pure vegetarian. Ranjeet is also active on social media, where he often shares old photos and videos reminiscing about his past.

On behalf of the Bollyy family, heartfelt birthday wishes to the charismatic and legendary actor Ranjeet! Your brilliant performances and unforgettable characters will forever live in the hearts of cinema lovers. We wish you good health and a long life.

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