Parikshit sahni biography books

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His notable roles included appearances in films like “Deedar” (1951), “Pavitra Paapi” (1970), “3 Idiots” (2009), and “PK” (2014).

He also appeared in numerous other Bollywood films, showcasing his versatility and range. Balraj Sahni’s life was marked by political activism and a deep commitment to social causes.

This wide range of roles established his presence in Hindi cinema.

Punjabi

His Punjabi film debut was in “Marhi Da Diva” (1989). He later married Nandini Sahni, and they have a son, Varn Sahni. His education included time at Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School in Pune, Lawrence School in Sanawar, and finally, St.

Stephen’s College in Delhi. Parikshit’s parents were reportedly teaching at Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, Bengal when he was born. Initially aiming for architecture in Moscow, his struggles with mathematics led him to the Moscow Cinema Institute, where he pursued a five-year course in direction, scriptwriting, and editing.

His childhood was spent across various locations including Kashmir, Dharamshala, and Ambala, shaping his diverse experiences and perspectives.

Physical Appearance

  • Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
  • Hair Colour: Salt & pepper
  • Eye Colour: Dark brown

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, Balraj Sahni (born Yudhishthir Sahni), was a highly acclaimed Indian film and stage actor.

Through his explorations of various religious scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible, he developed a deeper spiritual understanding.

Career

Assistant director

Parikshit Sahni’s early career included assisting Raj Kapoor on “Mera Naam Joker,” although he left to pursue acting.

parikshit sahni biography books

Damayanti Sahni, Parikshit’s mother, tragically passed away at a young age due to complications from amoebic dysentery after working among the underprivileged. Balraj Sahni’s second wife, Santosh Chandhok, was an author and television writer. His work with the Communist Party of India significantly shaped his worldview and family life.

He furthered his education with a one-year Fine Arts degree at Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai. Parikshit’s half-sister, Sanober Sahni, is from this second marriage.

Parikshit’s sister, Shabnam Sahni, faced personal challenges and passed away due to a brain haemorrhage.

Wife & Children

Parikshit Sahni was married to Aruna Sahni, with whom he had two daughters, Aditi and Tania.

Following the 1947 Partition of India, his family relocated to Mumbai. He also acted in “Udeekan” (1978).

TV Series

Parikshit Sahni’s television appearances include roles in shows such as “Gul Gulshan Gulfam” (1987), “Mirza Ghalib” (1988), “The Great Maratha” (1994), “Heena” (1998), and “Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar” (2007).

Balraj Sahni Productions

Parikshit Sahni established his own production company, Balraj Sahni Productions.

His experiences also included working on the Russian film “War and Peace,” where he performed various tasks including assisting and even cleaning.

Actor

Film

Hindi

Parikshit Sahni’s acting career began as a child artist in “Hulchul” (1951). Balraj Sahni’s later marriage was to Santosh Chandhok.

He produced and directed various television serials and films, including a children’s film titled “Pakda Gaya Par Kaun.”

Writer

Parikshit Sahni authored a biography of his father, “The Non-Conformist: Memories of My Father Balraj Sahni” (2019), and “Strange Encounters” (2022).

Facts/Trivia

  • He is fondly remembered for his role in “Gul Gulshan Gulfam.”
  • He enjoys reading and writing; he initially did not want to act, preferring writing and directing.
  • He overcame a period of substance abuse following personal tragedies.
  • He once played a role that required him to spit on his father, who was also in the film, a difficult scene he overcame with his father’s help.
  • He injured his spine during the filming of “Veer Shivaji,” requiring a year of recovery.
  • He briefly used the screen name Ajay Sahni.
  • He has a painting studio in Lokhandwala.

Parikshit Sahni’s Notable Film Roles

Film TitleYearRole
Deedar1951Shyamu
Pavitra Paapi1970Kedarnath
3 Idiots2009Salim Qureshi
PK2014Jayprakash Sahni

Parikshit Sahni

1986Barrister VinodBarrister VinodLead role in this Doordarshan crime drama series.1986Katha SagarMultiple charactersAnthology series on Doordarshan; appeared in several episodes.[15]1987–1988Gul Gulshan GulfaamMalla KhaliqLead role as houseboat owner; produced by Sahni for Doordarshan, shot in Kashmir.[33][34]1988Mirza GhalibSupporting roleHistorical drama on Doordarshan.[15]1994–1998JunoonSupporting roleLong-running family drama on Doordarshan DD Metro; one of the longest-running prime-time series at the time.[65][66]1994ChandrakantaMaharaja Surendra SinghSupporting role as king of Naugarh in this fantasy series on Doordarshan.[54]1994The Great MarathaMalhar Rao HolkarHistorical series on Doordarshan.[67]1994–1996AjnabeeVarious/guest appearancesCrime anthology on DD Metro.[65]1997–1998GaathaVarious charactersLead anthology series on Star Plus.[36][59]1997–1999TanhaSupporting roleFamily drama on Doordarshan.1998–2003HeenaNawab MirzaMajor supporting role as the protagonist's father on Sony Entertainment Television.[68][69]2011–2012MaaRetired judgeSupporting role as the matriarch's husband on Star Plus.[70]

Parikshit Sahni Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Stage nameAjay SahniProfessionActorPhysical Stats & MoreHeight (approx.)in centimeters- 170 cm
in meters- 1.70 m
in feet & inches- 5’ 7”Eye ColourDark brownHair ColourSalt & pepperCareerDebutFilm: Hindi- Hulchul (1951)
Punjabi- Marhi Da Diva (1989)Personal LifeDate of Birth1 January 1939 (Sunday)Age (as of 2025)86 YearsBirthplaceMuree town, district Rawalpindi, United Provinces of British India (now, Pakistan)Zodiac signCapricorn SignatureNationalityIndian School• Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School in Pune
• Lawrence School, Sanawar
College/University• St.

Stephen’s College, Delhi
• Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai
• Cinema Institute in MoscowEducational Qualification• 1 year Fine Arts degree at Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai
• A bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Moscow but dropped out midway to pursue direction, scriptwriting, and editing at Cinema Institute in Moscow
ReligionSince childhood, Parikshit was an athiest; however, he became spiritual when read the holy scriptures of several religions such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible.HobbyPaintingRelationships & MoreMarital StatusMarriedFamilyWife/Spouse• First wife- Aruna Sahni (deceased)

Second wife- Nandini Sahni (Surgeon based in Jaipur)

ChildrenDaughter- Aditi Sahni and Tania Sahni (from first marriage)

Son- Varunjai Sahni (Jaipur based abstract artist) (from second marriage)

ParentsFather- Balraj Sahni (Indian actor and teacher)
Mother- Damayanti Sahni (Indian actor)

Step-mother- Santosh Chandhok (Author and television writer)
SiblingsSister- Shabnam Sahni (1947-1972)
Half-sister- Sanober Sahni (step mother Santosh Chandhok)Other relative(s)Uncle- Bhisham Sahni (Hindi fiction writer)

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Parikshit Sahni, a name synonymous with talent and legacy in Indian cinema, has had a remarkable journey spanning decades.

He married Damayanti Sahni, also an actor. His wife, Aruna Sahni, held notable family connections, being the niece of the late Bollywood actor Dev Anand and the cousin of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

Religious Views

Raised in an atheist household, Parikshit Sahni’s perspective evolved over time.

From his early life influenced by his renowned father to his own successful career as an actor, writer, and director, his story is one of fascinating contrasts and achievements.

Wiki/Biography

Parikshit Sahni (stage name Ajay Sahni) was born on Sunday, 1 January 1939 (age 83 years; as of 2022) in Muree town, Rawalpindi district, United Provinces of British India (now Pakistan).