Actor Sajid Khan Passes Away at 70: A Journey from ‘Mother India’ to Global Stardom

Renowned actor Sajid Khan, known for his portrayal of the character Birju in Sunil Dutt’s classic film ‘Mother India,’ has passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer. His son Sameer confirmed the sad news, revealing that Sajid had been contending with cancer for some time and succumbed on Friday, December 22.

In recounting his father’s journey, Sameer shared that Sajid, who was adopted by Rajkumar Pitamber Rana and Sunita Pitamber and raised by filmmaker Mehboob Khan, later established a residence in Kerala with his second wife. Following a period of relative inactivity in the film industry, Sajid shifted his focus to philanthropy. He developed a strong affinity for Kerala, visited the region frequently, and eventually remarried, choosing to settle down there.

Sajid Khan’s connection to ‘Mother India’ actress Kumkum was highlighted in the context of her recent passing, with condolences from Nassir Khan and Naved Jafri.

The actor was laid to rest at the Kayamkulam Town Juma Masjid in Kerala’s Alappuzha district. After his notable role in ‘Mother India,’ which earned an Oscar nomination, Khan took on the lead role in Mehboob Khan’s “Son of India.” Achieving global stardom as a teen idol, Khan portrayed the character Rajji in ‘Maya,’ a local boy who befriends Jay North’s character. The success of the film led to a series with the same name, further enhancing Khan’s popularity.

Sajid Khan also made notable appearances in an episode of the American TV show ‘The Big Valley’ and served as a guest judge on the music show “It’s Happening.” His fame extended to the Philippines, where he starred in movies like ‘The Singing Filipina,’ ‘My Funny Girl,’ and ‘The Prince and I’ alongside Nora Aunor.

Additionally, Khan played the role of a dacoit chief in the Merchant-Ivory production ‘Heat and Dust.’