KKN Gurugram Desk | Veteran actor Jeevan (real name: Omkar Nath Dhar) left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema with his iconic performances—most notably as the divine sage ⟪Narad Muni⟫ and numerous memorable villain roles between 1935 and 1990. Today, his legacy flourishes through his son Kiran Kumar, a respected actor in his own right with a career spanning over five decades and starring roles in more than 100 films across multiple languages.
Kiran Kumar has not only upheld his father’s reputation but also carved out his own identity in Bollywood and regional cinema. His nuanced portrayals—especially negative or antihero roles—have earned him consistent acclaim.
Who Is Jeevan? A Cinematic Legend
Born in 1915 in Srinagar, Jeevan began his acting journey in the 1930s and became widely known for playing Narad Muni a record 49 times . Later, he shifted to villainous roles, leaving unforgettable impressions in films like “Johny Mera Naam”, “Heer Ranjha”, and “Maharaja” . His career continued until the late 1980s, showcasing his versatility and impact over six decades in the film industry.
Kiran Kumar: Continuing the Legacy
Born Deepak Dhar on October 20, 1953, in Bombay, Kiran Kumar adopted his screen name to distinguish himself while following in his father’s footsteps .
Career Beginnings
Kiran made his acting debut as a child artist in “Love in Simla” (1960) and gradually entered mainstream Bollywood in the 1970s . He also ventured into regional films such as Gujarati and Rajasthani productions, giving him a well-rounded career early on.
Education & Training
A Kashmiri by heritage, he attended Daly College in Indore, followed by R.D. National College in Bandra, and later joined the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune .
Prolific Career: Over 100 Films and Iconic Negative Roles
Kiran Kumar built his brand on strong supporting and villainous characters in Hindi cinema.
Some of his most notable roles include:
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Lotiya Pathan in “Tezaab” — one of his most iconic performances
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Pasha in “Khuda Gawah” (1992) opposite Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi .
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Cast in “Do Matwale” (1991) and “Chalaak” (1973), showcasing his versatility .
His filmography extends to critical and commercial hits like “Khudgarz,” “Loha,” “Bobby Jasoos,” and “LOC: Kargil” , demonstrating his ability to adapt to diverse characters across genres.
Television Success and Recent Projects
Beyond the silver screen, Kiran found fame on television through landmark series such as “Ghutan,” “Katha Sagar,” “Papa,” and “Inspector Avinash” . His grasp of both movie and TV roles underscores his lasting influence.
In recent years, he’s appeared in films like “Brothers” and “Bobby Jasoos”, and made a cameo in Akshay Kumar’s “Bholaa” (2023) —proving he remains active and relevant after more than 50 years in the industry.
Box Office Appeal and Critical Recognition
While Kiran Kumar may not be a typical hero, his strong character roles consistently added depth to his films. His portrayal in “Khuda Gawah” earned him critical acclaim and a Filmfare nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role.
His villainous portrayals in “Tezaab” and later collaborations contributed to the success of these movies, making him a bankable performer.
Family: Upholding a Legacy Across Generations
Kiran married actress Sushma Verma, and they have three children:
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Shaurya Kumar, an actor
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Vikas Kumar, working with filmmaker David Dhawan
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Srishti Kumar, a mass media graduate and jewelry entrepreneur who runs “Sush & Shish”
This next generation is gradually stepping into creative fields, reinforcing the family’s cinematic legacy.
Multilingual Career: Hindi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani Films
Despite his start in Bollywood, Kiran also became a leading actor in Gujarati cinema, sometimes referred to as the “Bachchan of Gujarati films” . He delivered hits in regional films, showcasing his ability to connect with different audiences.
Jeevan and Kiran Kumar exemplify how talent, adaptability, and resilience create a generational legacy. Jeevan’s impactful villain roles and Kiran’s over 100-film career—spanning film and television—demonstrate the family’s lasting influence.
Now, as Kiran’s children explore the creative arts, the Dhar acting lineage shows no sign of fading. With a cinematic heritage that continues to evolve, their motto stands true: “Talent transcends generations.”
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