Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi
Known for Acting · 64 credits
- Born
- 1910-01-01
- Died
- 1982-08-14
- Place of birth
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Also known as
- Kanaiya Lal · Lala · Munim · Sukhilala · Kanhaiyalal
Biography
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
Movies (64)
Insaan
1952
Malhar
1951
Dost
1974
as Gadibabu
Mother India
1957
as Sukhilala
Hum Paanch
1980
as Lala Nainsukh Prasad Srivastav
Diwana
1967
as Kaka
Meri Surat Teri Ankhen
1963
as Rahmat
Upkar
1967
Neelam
1945
Ek Hi Raasta
1939
as Banke
Satyam Shivam Sundaram
1978
as Pandit Shyam Sunder
Ram Rajya
1967
Sahara
1958
as Chaudhary Gaman Singh
Daku Aur Jawan
1978
Gunga Jumna
1961
as Kallu
The Test
1960
as Pandit Tarkalankar
Biradari
1966
as Rammurthy 'Dudhwala'
Hum Log
1951
as Lalaji / Haricharandas
Banphool
1971
as Muninji
Jadu Tona
1977
Bandhan
1969
Mr. Sampat
1952
as Seth Makhanlal Jhaverimull Gheewala
Noor Mahal
1965
Meri Bhabhi
1969
Aurat
1940
as Sukhilala
Grahasti
1963
as Station Master Ram Swarup
Chirag
1969
Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein
1977
Samaj Ko Badal Dalo
1970
as Kundanlal
Dulhan Ek Raat Ki
1967
Gaban
1966
Doli
1969
Ram Aur Shyam
1967
Bharosa
1963
as Raunaklal
Oonche Log
1965
as Master Gunichand
Zindagi
1964
Apna Desh
1972
as Sevaram
Shri Krishnarjun Yudh
1945
as Narad
Naukari
1954
as Hari
Sitara
1980
Heera
1973
as Dhaniram
Rishte Naate
1965
Daag
1952
Son of India
1962
as Paro's dad
Jeevan Mrityu
1970
as Jagat Narayan
Daadi Maa
1966
Jeet
1949
as Thakur Kalyan Singh
Gaali
1944
Ghunghat
1960
as Saroj's Father
Gramophone Singer
1938
Himalay Ki Godmein
1965
as Ghoghar Baba
Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke
1969
Aurat
1967
Gharana
1961
Bahut Din Hue
1954
as Pujari
Buzdil
1951
Aasra
1941
as Ticket Examiner
Duniyadari
1977
as Mevalal Sahukar
Nai Roshni
1941
as Mohan
Radhika
1941
as Mohant
Dost
1944
as Lobhi Chand
Lal Haveli
1944
as Chacha
Naata
1955
Ramayani
1945
About 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 portraya… With 64 credits spanning from 1938 to 1980, Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi has appeared in 64 films and 0 TV shows.
Fans searching for Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi movies, Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi filmography, or the latest projects starring Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi Movies
- Insaan (1952)
- Malhar (1951)
- Dost (1974) — as Gadibabu
- Mother India (1957) — as Sukhilala
- Hum Paanch (1980) — as Lala Nainsukh Prasad Srivastav
Where to Watch Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi Films
Most Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi, check our movies catalogue and browse page.