'Raaj Kumar beat a man so badly that he died': Bollywood actor Raza Murad

Khaleej Times

30-03-2025

Bollywood is no stranger to drama and intrigue, but sometimes, the stories behind the camera are even more surprising than the ones on screen.
In a recent interview with ANI, veteran actor Raza Murad peeled back the curtain on some of the most astonishing and lesser-known aspects of legendary actor Raaj Kumar's life.
Known for his distinctive voice, stoic demeanor, and unforgettable presence, Kumar left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
However, Murad's account sheds light on an intense and controversial moment in the actor's life.
Murad recalled an incident from Kumar's earlier years and said, "Once, Raaj sir was at Juhu beach with a friend and his girlfriend. Someone passed a bad comment about the lady, and Raj sir got so angry that he beat the man so badly that he died."
Murad continued, "And there was a murder case against Raj sahab. Because my father was a very good friend of his, he would go to every court hearing to support him."
The incident, according to Murad, led to a lengthy legal battle, though Kumar was ultimately acquitted.
"It was a long case, but he was acquitted in the end. The whole ordeal took several months," Murad told.
Despite the controversy, Murad described Kumar as a man who lived life on his own terms.
"He was a Kashmiri Pandit, and before he entered the film industry, he was a police sub-inspector. Later, he became a massive star," Murad reminisced.
He also shared a memory evealing the actor's towering presence.
"I remember when we went to his cottage, and I was given a garland to offer him. When I saw him, I thought I was looking at the Qutub Minar - such a tall man. But what he did was incredible. He bent his neck to my level so I could place the garland on him," the Ram Teri Ganga Maili actor said.
Kumar's career took off after his performance in Mother India (1957), but his rise to superstardom was marked by a strong sense of individuality.
Murad went on to recount how Kumar's dialogue delivery became iconic, with fans expecting him to speak in his signature style.
"People loved his style. It was his trademark. He would speak in that slow, deliberate way, and everyone loved it. He was Jani for everyone," Murad said.
Beyond his on-screen persona, Kumar was known for his rich heart and unorthodox ways.
Murad recounted an amusing story about the actor's experience on a flight to London.
"Raaj Kumar was sitting in first class, and a group of fans, who were seated in economy class, wanted to meet him. The air hostess allowed just one person to go up. When the fan met him, Raaj Kumar looked around and quipped, 'Jani, where have you brought us, to Dharavi?'," adding, "It was typical of him to make everyone feel special with his unique humour."
Murad also shared a story of Kumar's admiration for Dilip Kumar, another icon of Indian cinema.
After watching Ganga Jamuna, Kumar visited Dilip Kumar's house at 1.30am. "He told Dilip Kumar, 'After seeing Ganga Jamuna, I have come to know that there are only two actors in this country, Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar.' He had the utmost respect for him," Murad revealed.
Kumar's legendary status in Bollywood is well-acknowledged. Born Kulbhushan Pandit in 1926, he transitioned from a police sub-inspector to one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema.
His debut film, Rangeeli (1952), did not immediately establish him, but Mother India (1957) did, cementing his status as a leading man in the Indian film industry.
Over a career spanning decades, Kumar starred in over 70 films, including Pakeezah (1972) and Waqt (1965).
Kumar passed away in 1996 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire actors and filmmakers alike.