Raza Murad revisits 'Henna' memories with FTII friend Kiran Kumar
Synopsis
Raza Murad's throwback post with Kiran Kumar is more than nostalgia — it surfaces the untold story of Henna's troubled production, completed by Randhir Kapoor after Raj Kapoor's death, and the 57-year friendship between two FTII batchmates who brought its most memorable supporting roles to life in Manali.
Key Takeaways
Raza Murad shared a throwback photograph with Kiran Kumar from the Manali shoot of Henna ( 1991 ).
The two actors have been friends for 57 years , having studied together at FTII, Pune from 1969 to 1971 .
Kiran Kumar played Ashraf , Henna's self-sacrificing elder brother; Raza Murad played the antagonist Shahbaaz Khan , a corrupt Pakistani police officer.
Henna was originally planned by Raj Kapoor and completed by his son Randhir Kapoor after Raj Kapoor's death.
The 75-year-old Raza Murad's credits span films including Jodhaa Akbar , Padmaavat , Mohra , and Ram Lakhan .
Veteran actor Raza Murad has shared a throwback photograph alongside his longtime friend and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) batchmate Kiran Kumar, taken during the outdoor shoot of the 1991 film Henna in Manali. The nostalgic post, accompanied by a heartfelt caption, offers a rare glimpse into the making of one of Hindi cinema's most memorable cross-border love stories.
A Friendship Spanning 57 Years
In his caption, Raza wrote: 'With my very dear friend of 57 years, Kiran Kumar. We were batchmates in the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from 1969 to 1971. We have done many films together, which includes Henna (1991).' The two actors have maintained a close personal and professional bond across five decades of Hindi cinema.
The Characters They Played
Raza recalled the distinct roles each of them essayed in the film. Kiran Kumar played Ashraf, Henna's elder brother, 'who sacrifices his life to save Chander Prakash' — the character portrayed by Rishi Kapoor. Raza himself played the antagonist: 'the dreaded villain, the corrupt Pakistani police officer, Shahbaaz Khan, who holds the entire village to ransom to forcibly marry Henna' — the role played by Pakistani actress Zeba Bakhtiyar. He described the Manali outdoor schedule as leaving him with 'very pleasant memories.'
The Film and Its Troubled Production
Henna was originally conceived and initiated by the legendary Raj Kapoor, but his death before filming was complete meant the project was taken over and completed by his son Randhir Kapoor. The film stars Rishi Kapoor, Zeba Bakhtiyar, and Ashwini Bhave. Its storyline follows an Indian man who develops amnesia after falling into a river and is carried across the border to Pakistan, where local villagers shelter him — until tragedy unfolds when his memory returns.
Raza Murad's Career at a Glance
Now 75 years old, Raza Murad has built an extensive filmography spanning several decades. His notable credits include Prem Rog, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Khud-daar, Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Pyar Ka Mandir, Aankhen, Mohra, Gupt, Ek Hi Raasta, Jodhaa Akbar, and Padmaavat, as well as the television series Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. His career reflects a sustained ability to command screen presence across both lead and character roles. The post serves as a reminder of a golden era of Hindi cinema — and of the enduring friendships it forged.
Point of View
Shaped by the same 1969–71 batch, going on to define the character-actor landscape for three decades. What the post also quietly underscores is the complicated legacy of Henna itself: a Raj Kapoor vision completed posthumously by Randhir Kapoor, a film that introduced a Pakistani leading actress to Bollywood, and a cross-border love story that remains culturally resonant. In an era of algorithm-driven casting, the depth of craft these veterans brought to supporting roles — villain, sacrificial brother — is worth revisiting.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Raza Murad and Kiran Kumar?
Raza Murad and Kiran Kumar are longtime friends and batchmates from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where they studied together from 1969 to 1971. They have collaborated on numerous films over the decades, including Henna (1991).
What roles did Raza Murad and Kiran Kumar play in Henna (1991)?
Kiran Kumar played Ashraf, Henna's elder brother who sacrifices his life to save the character Chander Prakash played by Rishi Kapoor. Raza Murad played Shahbaaz Khan, a corrupt Pakistani police officer and the film's primary antagonist.
Who directed Henna (1991) and why is its production history significant?
Henna was originally conceived and initiated by Raj Kapoor, but he passed away before filming was completed. His son Randhir Kapoor took over and completed the film, making it one of the last projects associated with the Kapoor family's iconic RK Films legacy.
Who starred in Henna (1991)?
The film starred Rishi Kapoor alongside Pakistani actress Zeba Bakhtiyar, who made her Bollywood debut, and Ashwini Bhave. It told the story of an Indian man who loses his memory and is sheltered by Pakistani villagers.
What is Raza Murad known for?
Raza Murad, now 75, is a veteran character actor known for films including Prem Rog, Ram Lakhan, Mohra, Jodhaa Akbar, and Padmaavat, as well as the television series Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. He is widely regarded for his commanding screen presence across villain and supporting roles.
