Feroz Khan & Sanjay Khan: Bollywood’s Larger-than-Life Brothers
By
Tanveer Zaidi (Actor – Author – Educationist)
Feroz Khan and Sanjay Khan, two of Bollywood’s most iconic and flamboyant stars, were not just siblings but commanding personalities who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Known for their intensity, both on and off the screen, they were sometimes considered challenging collaborators, owing to their strong temperaments and firm principles.
Feroz Khan: The Maverick Showman
Feroz Khan earned a reputation for being passionate, driven, and relentlessly committed to his cinematic vision. A perfectionist, he often demanded the same dedication from his team, sometimes leading to on-set friction.
His fiery temper could cause delays or conflicts, but his magnetic charm and larger-than-life presence often defused tension just as quickly.
Beyond being a leading man, Feroz Khan transitioned into a trailblazing filmmaker. He introduced cutting-edge technology to Indian cinema and gave his films a Hollywood-style grandeur.
His bold storytelling and stylish direction made him one of the biggest showmen on the continent, forever changing the landscape of Indian filmmaking.
Sanjay Khan: The Enigmatic Star
With his dashing looks and deep, commanding voice, Sanjay Khan captivated audiences with a string of hit films. However, his personal life often courted controversy.
Allegations of domestic abuse, particularly involving actress Zeenat Aman, marred his reputation, although Sanjay firmly denied these claims, stating, “A journalist had personal issues with me and started spreading false stories.”
Known for his ambition and complex persona, Sanjay Khan’s relationships and decision-making often drew scrutiny. Despite that, he remained an immensely talented actor with an undeniable screen presence, and his contributions to film and television were widely appreciated.
Kings of Cinema and Commerce
Feroz and Sanjay Khan were more than just stars—they were astute businessmen and cultural icons.
Among the wealthiest figures in the industry, they owned sprawling properties including a luxurious beachfront bungalow in Juhu worth hundreds of crores, and a lavish farmhouse in Bangalore valued at over ₹250 crores.
Their lifestyle reflected their larger-than-life image—royal, extravagant, and unapologetically grand.
A Clash of Titans
The Khan brothers shared screen space in a few films, one of them being the blockbuster Mela.
While the film was a massive success, director Prakash Mehra reportedly chose not to repeat the collaboration, famously quipping, “I’d love to cast the Khan brothers in every film, but who wants kicks on their back?”
Legacy of Legends
Feroz and Sanjay Khan will always be remembered not just for their acting prowess and entrepreneurial success but for their fierce individuality, unshakable confidence, and the charisma they brought to everything they touched. Love them or fear them—they were impossible to ignore.