Legendary actor Balraj Sahni’s first-ever biography authored by his son and actor Parikshat Sahni

Balraj Sahni is considered one of the finest, most natural actors hailing from the golden era of Indian cinema. His performances in such Indian classics as Do Bigha Zamin and Garam Hawa are considered master-classes in the art of acting. His contribution to the performative arts has not only inspired many other actors but also earned him lifelong admiration from a host of actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Om Puri among others.

Actor, director, producer and now author, Parikshat Sahni says, ‘Writing about Balraj Sahni, my father and an inspiration to many, has been a redemptive and a cathartic experience for me. I am happy that I got the opportunity to share untold stories about Dad, and pay my tribute to him, his life and his craft through The Non-Conformist. I hope his fans and the lovers of cinema will be able to unravel the man behind the actor and enjoy the book. I would like to thank Penguin Random House India and my publisher Milee Ashwarya for the opportunity and for publishing The Non-Conformist.’

The book will present a unique and insightful take on the legendary actor from the point of view of his son. Replete with untold stories and unseen photos, The Non-Conformist will give readers an intimate glimpse of Balraj Sahni as a man and an actor, as a husband and a friend, as a parent and a patriot. In his foreword to the book, renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan shares his experiences with Balraj Sahni, commemorating the late actor’s contribution to Indian cinema.

Milee Ashwarya, publisher, Ebury Publishing and Vintage Publishing, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘The Non-Conformist is a personal, intimate and real portrayal of an iconic star who left us too early. Balraj Sahni was known for his simplicity, sincerity, talent and non-conformism, and in the book his son Parikshat Sahni paints a moving picture of the man, actor, father, colleague and friend who continues to touch many lives. It has been my pleasure and honour to work with Parikshat Sahni on the book, and I am delighted and proud to have it on our list.’

Parikshat Sahni is a well-known actor who has appeared in several films and TV series. His first stint in the movies began as a child artist and he went on to act in over 30 films. He is famous for playing the lead in the television series Gul Gulshan Gulfaam and Gaatha. He has also appeared in three of Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster films Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots and PK. During his long and successful career in Hindi cinema, Parikshat also worked as producer and director for Balraj Sahni Productions. He directed a children’s film, Pakda Gaya Par Kaun, under the banner. He lives in Mumbai and likes to paint in his free time.