Raaj Kumar, also referred to as Raj Kumar, is an Indian actor who is best remembered for his the brooding characters he plays, and husky voice. Kumar worked in Hindi films for over four decades and worked in over seventy films during the years which include classic hits such as Mother India (1957), Waqt (1965), Pakeezah (1971), Lal Patthar (1971), and Saudagar (1991). Born in 1929, in Baluchistan, now in Pakistan, he was named Kulbhushan Pundit and he led a regular middle-class life until the 1940s,when he moved to Mumbai where he worked as a Sub Inspector. His interest in Hindi films drew him to the Bombay film industry. Kumar made his debut with Rangoli (1952) but the film did not get him recognition. He played the role of a poor farmer and Nargis’ husband in Mehboob Khan's Mother India (1957). The film received wide acclaim and was even nominated for an Oscar. The film made Kumar a star and he established himself within the industry.

In the coming years, Kumar delivered notable performances in films such as Paigham (1959), Gharana (1961), and Dil Ek Mandir (1963), amongst others. In the multi-starrer film Waqt (1965), he starred alongside stalwarts such as Balraj Sahni, Sunil Dutt, and Shashi Kapoor and delivered some of the most memorable dialogues of the film. In fact, during his career Raaj Kumar came to be known for his unique and charismatic delivery, which set him apart from the leading actors of the time.

In the following year, he played the romantic lead opposite Waheeda Rehman in Neel Kamal (1968), which was followed by perhaps his best remembered role opposite Meena Kumari in Kamal Amrohi’s classic Pakeezah (1971). One of the most romantic and memorable dialogues in Hindi cinema are the lines spoken by Raaj Kumar to Meena Kumari in the film, and have acquired a cult following.

Lal Patthar (1971) and Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973) were his next films to make it big. Kumar is famous for playing diverse characters during his career. In Waqt (1965), he essayed the role of a debonair businessman whereas in Paigham (1959) he played a simple mill worker, and was a romantic hero in Pakeezah (1971). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in Dil Ek Mandir (1964) and for Waqt (1965).

In the later part of his career during the 1980s and 90s, Kumar played character roles in a number of films such as Kudrat (1981), Ek Nai Paheli (1984), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Jung Baaz (1989) and Saudagar (1991). His last film appearance was in God and Gun (1995).

Kumar died in July 1996, after two years of battling with throat cancer. His death was seen as a great loss to the Bollywood film industry, and he remains one of the best-loved and admired actors to this day.