Bollywood’s Forgotten Star: Tariq Khan’s Rise, Fall and Reinvention

Tariq Khan’s name once glittered alongside the biggest names of 1970s Hindi cinema, yet he has gradually slipped from popular memory. Born on 9 November 1951 in Lucknow, he hailed from a film‑savvy background: his uncle Nasir Hussain was a celebrated producer‑director, and through this lineage he is a first cousin of today’s megastar Aamir Khan.

His debut as a performer came with the 1973 musical drama "Yaadon Ki Baarat", following an earlier uncredited stint on the set of Nasir Hussain’s "Karwan" (1971). The film’s soundtrack, featuring the upbeat numbers "Aap Ke Kamre Mein" and "Leke Hum Deewana Dil", highlighted Tariq’s charismatic dance moves and his skill with the guitar, earning him a legion of teenage fans. The movie also marked a small cameo by a young Aamir Khan, playing the child version of the character Monte.

The momentum continued with roles in "Jakhmi" (1975) and the commercially successful "Hum Kise Se Kum Nahin" (1977). The latter brought Tariq a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor, placing him among the notable supporting talents of the decade. He subsequently appeared in a string of films such as "Jamaane Ko Dikhana Hai", "Shaukeen", "Pasand Apni Apni", "Manzil Manzil", "Baat Ban Jaye" and "Jabardast". While these titles maintained his visibility, none replicated the soaring popularity of his early hits.

By the early 1990s, the offers dwindled, prompting him to step away from acting. His final cinematic appearance was in the 1995 comedy "Mera Damaad". In later statements, Tariq explained that the irregular flow of film work compelled him to seek stability outside the entertainment industry. He subsequently built a business in cargo, courier and travel services, carving out a new professional identity. Tariq Khan’s journey—spanning rock‑star flamboyance, critical acclaim, and entrepreneurial reinvention—offers a compelling slice of Bollywood’s eclectic history.