Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Acting Jan 1, 1910 Aug 14, 1982 (aged 72) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

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

64 Acting Credits

1 Crew Credits

Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi

Acting

Mother India

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Hum Paanch

Ram Aur Shyam

Gunga Jumna

Oonche Log

The Test

Naukari

Upkar

Apna Desh

Banphool

Jeevan Mrityu

Gaban

Diwana

Himalay Ki Godmein

Hum Log

Gharana

Dost

Son of India

Biradari

Jadu Tona

Sahara

Bandhan

Daag

Crew

Doli