Shatrughan Sinha's acting career began with a small role as a police inspector in the 1969 film Sajan, followed by a Pakistani military officer in Dev Anand's Prem Pujari, which was delayed in release. He then appeared in villainous roles in films like Pyar Hi Pyar, Banphool, Rampur Ka Laxman, and Heera.
Shatrughan played supporting roles in many films, including Gulzar's Mere Apne in 1971, and co-starred with his future wife Poonam Sinha in the movie "Sabak" (1973). He also appeared in films like Khilona, Dost, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Jheel Ke Us Paar, and Gambler.
He acted with Amitabh Bachchan in films like Raaste Ka Paththar, Yaar Meri Zindagi, Shaan, and Kala Paththar, which were flops. His films as the lead hero between 1970 to 1975 were not hits, but his first successful film as lead hero was Kalicharan in 1976, directed by Subhash Ghai.
Shatrughan's notable films as lead hero include Ab Kya Hoga, Khan Dost, Yaaraon Ka Yaar, Dillagi, Vishwanath, Muqabla, Jaani Dushman, and many more. He co-starred with Sanjeev Kumar in films like Bereham, Hathkadi, Bad Aur Badnaam, Chehre Pe Chehra, Hirasat, and Qatl.
Shatrughan has also sung a song in the film Naram Garam in 1981, titled Ek Baat Suni Hai Chachaji, composed by R.D.Burman. He has been a bankable action hero from the early eighties to mid-nineties, starring in films like Naram Garam, Bombay 405 Miles, and Taqdeer.
Shatrughan's career as a lead hero faced a setback with flops like Jawalamukhi, Chor Police, and Ameer Aadmi Garib Aadmi, but he bounced back with films like Dil E Nadan, Aaj Ka M.L.A Ram Avtaar, Maqsad, and Paapi Pet Ka Sawal Hai.
He has also starred in films like Jeene Nahi Doonga, Bhawani Junction, Aandhi-Toofan, Ramkali, Ilzaam, Asli Naqli, and many more. He has co-starred with Jeetendra in films like Hoshiyar, Khudgarz, Ranbhoomi, and Mulzim, and with Dharmendra in films like Insaniyat Ke Dushman, Loha, Aag Hi Aag, Hawalaat, and Zalzala.
Shatrughan has continued to work in films like Telephone, Sherni, Khoon Bhari Maang, Adharm, Betaaj Badshah, and Chaand Kaa Tukdaa. He has credited Rajesh Khanna for getting him the role in Kalicharan and for revival of his career as lead hero in the 1980's, but their friendship was affected when Shatrughan stood as the BJP candidate against Rajesh Khanna in the 1992 election.
Shatrughan has also ventured into television, hosting shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Dus Ka Dum, and Kaun Banega Crorepati. He is the cousin of producer Virendra Sinha and has three children, Luv, Kush, and Sonakshi.
