Raza Murad on Prem Rog 1982: How Raj Kapoor made him a villain
Synopsis
Raza Murad has revealed on social media that it was Raj Kapoor who 'rediscovered' him as a screen villain with Prem Rog in 1982 — a casting decision that triggered an unbroken three-film run as the lead antagonist under the prestigious RK Films banner, spanning Prem Rog, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, and Henna. Few actors can claim that kind of consecutive trust from a single iconic production house.
Key Takeaways
Raza Murad credited Raj Kapoor with launching his villain career by casting him in 'Prem Rog' ( 1982 ).
He played Thakur Virendra Pratap Singh of Sumergan — his first screen villain role.
Murad went on to play the lead antagonist in three consecutive RK Films productions: 'Prem Rog' (1982), 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' (1985), and 'Henna' (1991).
In 'Henna,' he portrayed Shahbaaz Khan , a scheming Pakistani police officer.
Murad recently criticised Bollywood stars for not attending the funeral of veteran actor Mushtaq Khan , who died on 24 September .
He was most recently seen in the Hindi TV series 'Megha Barsenge.'
Veteran actor Raza Murad has opened up about a pivotal turning point in his career — the moment legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor cast him as a villain in the 1982 classic 'Prem Rog,' setting him on a path that would define decades of his work in Hindi cinema. Murad shared his memories on social media, crediting Kapoor with unlocking his potential as an antagonist.
The Role That Changed Everything
In a post on social media, Murad reflected on his role as Thakur Virendra Pratap Singh of Sumergan in 'Prem Rog,' describing it as his debut as a screen villain. In his own words: 'My first movie as a villain. Raj Kapoor rediscovered me as a baddie, Thakur Virendra Pratap Singh of Sumergan, in his magnum opus 'Prem Rog' in 1982, then again in 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' (1985), and the rest is history. Never looked back after that.'
The association with Raj Kapoor and the storied RK Films banner did not end there. Murad went on to portray antagonists in two more consecutive productions under the same banner, a run he considers a rare privilege.
Three Films, One Prestigious Banner
After 'Prem Rog' and 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' (1985), Murad's third outing under RK Films came with 'Henna' (1991), where he played Shahbaaz Khan, a scheming Pakistani police officer and the film's principal antagonist. Reflecting on the trilogy of roles, Murad said: 'I consider myself very lucky to have played the main villain in three consecutive films under the prestigious RK banner.'
Notably, this unbroken streak of lead-villain roles under a single, iconic production house is rare in the history of mainstream Bollywood, underscoring the trust Raj Kapoor placed in Murad's screen presence.
A Career Built on Memorable Antagonists
Over the years, Raza Murad has carved out a formidable niche as one of Hindi cinema's most recognisable faces in negative roles. His filmography spans several decades and includes titles such as 'Tridev,' 'Aankhen,' 'Mohra,' 'Gupt: The Hidden Truth,' 'Jodhaa Akbar,' 'Bajirao Mastani,' 'Padmaavat,' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi.' Most recently, he appeared in the Hindi television series 'Megha Barsenge.'
Murad in the News: Bollywood Funeral Controversy
Beyond the nostalgic recollection, Raza Murad has recently been in the spotlight for a different reason. Following the death of veteran actor Mushtaq Khan on 24 September, Murad publicly criticised prominent Bollywood figures for their absence at the funeral. In a strongly worded video message, he questioned why major industry names failed to pay their last respects to an actor who had dedicated nearly five decades to Hindi cinema — a statement that drew wide attention and reignited conversations about solidarity within the film fraternity.
As Raza Murad continues to reflect on a career spanning multiple generations, his account of the Raj Kapoor connection offers a rare first-person window into how one filmmaker's instinct can reshape an actor's entire professional identity.
Point of View
And that kind of directorial vision is conspicuously absent from modern franchise cinema. The fact that Murad held the villain's brief across three consecutive RK productions also speaks to a consistency of creative trust that today's actors rarely enjoy across even two films with the same director. His simultaneous controversy over Mushtaq Khan's funeral adds an ironic layer: a man shaped by an era of deep industry bonds now publicly mourning their erosion.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Raza Murad talking about Prem Rog?
Raza Murad took to social media to share memories of how Raj Kapoor cast him as the villain Thakur Virendra Pratap Singh of Sumergan in the 1982 film 'Prem Rog,' which he describes as his first screen villain role and the start of a transformed career.
Which three RK Films did Raza Murad play the villain in?
Raza Murad played the lead antagonist in 'Prem Rog' (1982), 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' (1985), and 'Henna' (1991) — three consecutive productions under the prestigious RK Films banner founded by Raj Kapoor.
Who did Raza Murad play in the film Henna?
In 'Henna' (1991), Raza Murad portrayed Shahbaaz Khan, the film's principal antagonist described as a scheming Pakistani police officer. It was his third successive villain role under the RK Films banner.
Why did Raza Murad criticise Bollywood stars recently?
Following the death of veteran actor Mushtaq Khan on 24 September, Murad publicly condemned prominent Bollywood figures for not attending the funeral, questioning the industry's sense of solidarity toward a colleague who had worked in Hindi cinema for nearly five decades.
What is Raza Murad known for in Bollywood?
Raza Murad is best known for his negative roles across several decades of Hindi cinema, including films such as 'Tridev,' 'Mohra,' 'Gupt: The Hidden Truth,' 'Jodhaa Akbar,' 'Bajirao Mastani,' 'Padmaavat,' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi.' He was most recently seen in the TV series 'Megha Barsenge.'
