Balraj Sahni, born Yudhishthir Sahni on May 1, 1913, in Rawalpindi, British India (now Pakistan), was a distinguished Indian film and stage actor. He initially pursued a career in civil service but later found his passion in acting, becoming a prominent figure in Indian cinema during its golden era. Sahni was associated with the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), where he developed his theatrical skills. He made his film debut in 1946 with "Insaaf," but it was his role as Shambhu Mahato in "Do Bigha Zamin" (1953) that brought him significant acclaim, earning the film an International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Throughout his career, he starred in notable films such as "Kabuliwala" (1961), "Waqt" (1965), and "Garm Hava" (1973), often portraying characters that reflected the socio-economic realities of India. Sahni was also an accomplished writer, penning several books including his autobiography "Meri Filmi Aatmakatha." He received the Padma Shri award in 1969 for his contributions to Indian cinema. Balraj Sahni passed away on April 13, 1973, due to a cardiac arrest, shortly after the death of his daughter.