Amjad Khan (12 November 1940 – 27 July 1992) was an Indian actor and film director whose career in Hindi cinema extended over two decades and encompassed more than 130 films. Born in Bombay, British India, he belonged to a Pashtun family and was the son of the actor Jayant. His younger brother, Imtiaz Khan, also entered the film industry. Khan became widely recognised for his portrayals of antagonists, most notably Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975) and Dilawar in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), roles that established his reputation for a distinct screen presence and vocal authority. Khan received his early education at St. Andrew's High School in Bandra and later attended R. D. National College, where he served as general secretary. He was active in theatre during his school and college years, performing alongside his brother. He completed a master's degree in philosophy from Bombay University, graduating with first-class honours, and frequently won awards as both actor and director at intercollegiate theatre festivals. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Persian, he also earned a master's degree in Persian literature. Khan began his film career as a child actor, appearing in Nazneen (1951), followed by roles in Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1957) and Maya (1961). He later assisted director K. Asif on Love and God, in which he also made a brief appearance. After Asif's death, the film remained incomplete until its eventual release in 1986. Khan's career gained momentum after Sholay, for which he prepared by studying Abhishapth Chambal, a work on Chambal dacoits by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri. His performance led to a series of roles in mainstream Hindi cinema throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, frequently opposite Amitabh Bachchan. Beyond villainous roles, Khan took on several unconventional and historically grounded characters. He portrayed Wajid Ali Shah in Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) and Emperor Akbar in Meera (1979). His work included comedies such as Qurbani (1980) and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), and he directed Chor Police (1983) and Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985). Khan's health declined after developing Bell's palsy in 1984, leading to significant weight gain. He died of a myocardial infarction on 27 July 1992 at the age of 51.