Feroz Khan Biography: Age, Death, Net Worth, Movies, Height, Parents, Children, Awards

Feroz Khan was an Indian actor, film editor, producer, and director, renowned for his flamboyant style and contributions to Bollywood cinema.

Often called the “Clint Eastwood of the East,” he was a style icon known for his cowboyish swagger and roles in over 60 films.

Profile

• Full Name: Zulfiqar Ali Shah Khan
• Stage Name: Feroz Khan
• Born: September 25, 1939
• Age: 69 years old at the time of death (April 27, 2009)
• Birthplace: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian Actor, Film Editor, Producer, and Director
• Height: 6 feet
• Parents: Sadiq Ali Khan Tanoli (father), and Fatima (mother)
• Siblings: 5, Sanjay Khan (brother), Akbar Khan (brother), Sameer Khan (brother), Khurshid Shahnavar (sister), and Dilshad Bibi (sister)
• Spouse: Sundari Khan (m. 1965, div. 1985)
• Children: 2, Fardeen Khan (son, b. 1974), and Laila Khan (daughter, b. 1970)
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $1 million to $3 million

Early Life and Education

Feroz Khan was born on September 25, 1939, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, to Sadiq Ali Khan Tanoli, an Afghan from Ghazni, Afghanistan, and Fatima, of Persian descent from Iran. The eldest of six siblings, including actors Sanjay Khan and Akbar Khan, Feroz grew up in a culturally diverse household.

His mother’s family was involved in horse breeding, fostering his lifelong passion for horses. As a child, he was mischievous, frequently expelled from school, and disciplined by his father, though fondly remembered by his mother for his spirited nature.

He attended Bishop Cotton Boys’ School and St. Germain High School in Bangalore. Initially planning to study engineering in Germany, Feroz was drawn to acting after watching Ashok Kumar’s Kismet (1943), prompting his move to Mumbai.

Career

Feroz Khan debuted in Bollywood with Didi (1960) as a second lead, followed by low-budget films like Reporter Raju (1962) and the English-language Tarzan Goes to India (1962) with Simi Garewal. Early in his career, he played supporting and villainous roles in films like Oonche Log (1965) alongside Raaj Kumar.

His breakthrough came with Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), earning him a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. Other successful films included Safar (1970), Khotte Sikkay (1974), and Geeta Mera Naam (1974).

In 1971, Feroz became a producer and director to enhance his leading man opportunities, debuting with Apradh (1972), the first Indian film to feature auto racing in Germany, co-starring Mumtaz. His 1975 directorial Dharmatma, inspired by The Godfather and the first Indian film shot in Afghanistan, was a blockbuster, showcasing Hema Malini in a glamorous role.

Qurbani (1980), which he produced, directed, and starred in, was a major hit, launching Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan with “Aap Jaisa Koi”. His directorial ventures like Janbaaz (1986) and Dayavan (1988) featured bold themes and all-star casts, though his later films Yalgaar (1992) and Janasheen (2003) saw declining success.

He returned to acting with a memorable role as RDX in Welcome (2007), his final film (web:0, web:19). Feroz’s cowboy-inspired style revolutionized Bollywood’s conventional hero image.

X posts from 2019–2023 celebrate his legacy as a style icon.

Awards and Nominations

• Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award (1970): Won for Aadmi Aur Insaan
• BFJA Award for Best Supporting Actor (1971): Won for Aadmi Aur Insaan
• Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2000): Won
• Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Nomination (1971): Safar
• Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Nomination (1975): International Crook
• IIFA Award (2004): Honored
• Zee Cine Award (2008): Honored
• Stardust Award (2009): Honored

Social Media

Feroz Khan’s social media account is unknown to the media

Personal Life

Feroz Khan married Sundari Khan in 1965 after a five-year courtship, and they had two children: Laila Khan (b. 1970), an artist married to Farhan Furniturewala, and Fardeen Khan (b. 1974), an actor married to Natasha Madhwani, daughter of actress Mumtaz.

Feroz and Sundari divorced in 1985 (web:2, web:3). He also had a stepdaughter, Sonia Shahani, from Sundari’s previous relationship, who worked as a continuity assistant on Qurbani.

Feroz remained single post-divorce, stating in an interview, “In a lighter vein, I would say you can be either married or happy”. His hobbies included horse breeding, horse racing, snooker (organizing competitions), reading philosophy books, and writing poetry in his later years.

Of Pashtun and Persian descent, he practiced Islam and was a devotee of Sai Baba, wearing a gold ring in his honor. Feroz was known for friendships with politicians and controversial figures like Haji Mastan, though he claimed to know only their “good human beings” side.

In 2006, his remarks in Pakistan about India’s secularism sparked controversy, leading to a visa ban by President Pervez Musharraf. Feroz died of lung cancer on April 27, 2009, at his Bangalore farmhouse, buried near his mother’s grave at Hosur Road Shia Kabristan.

Filmography

• Didi (1960) – Second Lead
• Tarzan Goes to India (1962) – Supporting Role
• Arzoo (1965) – Supporting Role
• Oonche Log (1965) – Supporting Role
• Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969) – Supporting Role
• Safar (1970) – Supporting Role
• Upaasna (1971) – Lead Role, with Sanjay Khan
• Mela (1971) – Lead Role, with Sanjay Khan
• Apradh (1972) – Lead Role, Director, Producer
• Khotte Sikkay (1974) – Lead Role
• Geeta Mera Naam (1974) – Supporting Role
• Dharmatma (1975) – Lead Role, Director, Producer
• Kaala Sona (1975) – Lead Role
• Nagin (1976) – Lead Role, with Sanjay Khan
• Qurbani (1980) – Lead Role, Director, Producer
• Kachche Heere (1982) – Lead Role
• Janbaaz (1986) – Lead Role, Director
• Dayavan (1988) – Lead Role, Director
• Yalgaar (1992) – Lead Role, Director
• Prem Aggan (1998) – Producer, Director
• Janasheen (2003) – Lead Role, Director
• Welcome (2007) – RDX (Supporting Role)

Net Worth

Feroz Khan’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2009 was $1 million to $3 million His wealth came from acting in over 60 films, producing and directing hits like Dharmatma and Qurbani, and investments in horse breeding.

He donated to NGOs for education and health but kept his philanthropy private.