Danny Denzongpa – Full Biography
Early Life & Background
- Birth Name: Tshering Phintso Denzongpa
- Stage Name: Danny Denzongpa
- Date of Birth: 25 February 1948
- Place of Birth: Yuksom, Kingdom of Sikkim (now Sikkim, India)
- Family: Born into a Nepali-speaking Bhutia Buddhist family
- Education:
- Schooling at Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital
- College at St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling
- Trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
- Early Ambition: Initially wanted to join the Indian Army, even participated in the Republic Day parade as “Best Cadet” in West Bengal, but later shifted to acting.
Film & Acting Career
Debut & Early Years
- Film debut with Zaroorat (1971).
- Early positive roles included Mere Apne (1971).
- First negative role in Dhund (1973).
Rise & Recognition
- Acted in over 190 films across Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, and international cinema.
- Known as one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains but also played strong supporting and positive roles.
- Directed the horror film Phir Wahi Raat (1980).
- International project: Seven Years in Tibet with Brad Pitt.
Notable Roles
- Kancha Cheena in Agneepath
- Roles in Khuda Gawah, Ghatak, Enthiran (as Dr. Bohra), Baby, Naam Shabana, Boss, Bang Bang!, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Uunchai
Singing & Other Talents
- Playback singer who sang with Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, and others.
- First major song: duet with Lata Mangeshkar in Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972).
- Also an artist with interests in painting, writing, and sculpting.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Gawa Denzongpa (princess from Sikkim royal family)
- Children:
- Son: Rinzing Denzongpa (actor)
- Daughter: Pema Denzongpa
- Residence: Juhu, Mumbai
- Past Relationships: Had a famous relationship with Parveen Babi, also linked with actress Kim Yashpal.
Awards & Honors
- Padma Shri (2003) – India’s fourth highest civilian award.
- Filmfare Awards – Best Supporting Actor for Sanam Bewafa and Khuda Gawah.
Business & Ventures
- Founded Yuksom Breweries in Sikkim in 1987, which became one of the biggest breweries in Northeast India.
- Selective about films in later years, preferring meaningful roles.
Also Read – Kulbhushan Kharbanda Veteran Actor of Iconic Bollywood Roles
