Danny Denzongpa is an Indian actor, director and businessman. He was born on 25 February 1948 in Gangtok, Sikkim. His zodiac sign is Pisces. He completed his schooling from Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital. He did his graduation and diploma from St Joseph College, Darjeeling, and Indian Film and Television Institute, Pune. 

He is married to Gawa Denzongpa. They have a daughter, Pema Denzongpa, and a son, Rinzing Denzongpa. 

Interesting facts about Danny Denzongpa

His hobbies include horse riding, painting, writing, and sculpting. 

During his childhood, he dreamed of joining the Indian Army. Witnessing the India-China war in the 1960s, his mother did not allow him the join the armed forces. This led him to consider pursuing a career in acting. 

He took admission in the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Before that, he had won the Best Cadet Award from West Bengal and even participated in the Republic Day Parade. 

Changing the name

Jaya Bachchan was one of his classmates in his acting school. They were good friends, and on Jaya’s suggestion, he shortened his name from ‘Tshering Phinsoo Denzongpa’ to ‘Danny Denzongpa.’ 

Danny was not proficient in Hindi speaking skills, which prevented him from getting roles in the Hindi entertainment industry.

He was seen in two Nepali films called ‘Chisso Chisso Hawama’ and ‘Manko Kura Lai Bandhi Narkha.’

Danny’s major Bollywood role

After years of struggle, Danny finally got a major role in the 1972 film ‘Dhund.’ His negative role in the film helped him make a name for himself in Bollywood. 

Danny Denzongpa showed his exceptional singing skills in the duet song ‘Suno Suno Kasam Se’ and ‘Mujhe Dosto Tum Gale Se Laga Lo.’

The iconic role of ‘Gabbar Singh’ was initially offered to Danny Denzongpa, however, due to his busy schedule, he declined the offer. 

Danny’s ‘Phir Wahi Raat’ was a major hit at the box-office. 

Danny runs his brewery business in states like Sikkim, Orissa, and Guwahati. 

Danny’s successful acting career

Danny Denzongpa is popular in the entertainment industry for playing the roles of villains. He is still remembered for his iconic portrayal of characters. 

He has worked in more than 200 films in his 40 years of career. 

Danny Denzongpa’s popular films are, Khuda Gawah (1992), Krantiveer (1994), Balwaan (1992), Asoka (2001), China Gate (1998), The Burning Train (1980), Vijaypath (1994), Hum (1991), Baby (2015), Bang Bang (2014), Agneepath (1990), Robot (2010), Ghatak (1996) and Uunchai (2022).

Awards

In the year 1992, he won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for the film ‘Sanam Bewafa.’

In 1993, he received the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for ‘Khuda Gawah.’

In the year 2003, Danny Denzongpa was honoured with the Padma Shri Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.