C S Dubey
Subscribe to read full article
This section is for paid subscribers only. Our subscription is only $37/- for one full year.
You get unlimited access to all paid section and features on the website with this subscription.
Not ready for a full subscription?
You can access this article for $2 , and have it saved to your account for one year.
- Real Name: Chandrashekhar Dubey
- Born: 4 September 1924 (Kannod, Madhya Pradesh)
- Died: 28 September,1993
- Primary Cinema: Hindi
Known for portraying cunning, deceitful, and exploitative figures in Hindi cinema, C S Dubey was a character actor par excellence. Unlike conventional villains such as mafia dons or corrupt politicians coded skillfully within the language of Hindi cinema, his characters were rooted in everyday society, representing the hidden oppressors within the community. His ability to embody these roles with authenticity attracted strong reactions from audiences including people often resorting to hurling abuses at him or switching off their televisions when he appeared on screen.
Born as Chandrashekhar Dubey on September 4, 1924, in Kannod, Madhya Pradesh, he possessed a remarkable voice from a young age which became his most valuable asset later when he started working in radio and cinema. Deeply inspired by the Indian freedom struggle, he abandoned everything and joined the movement eventually leading to his arrest at just 18 years old. Upon his release, he decided to leave Madhya Pradesh and move to Bombay in search of a new path.
Post-partition, a huge chunk of the population shifted to Pakistan which left new vacancies within the film industry in Bombay. Many actors such as A K Hangal, Om Prakash, Iftikhar Khan and others made their acting debut during this time. Chandrashekhar was also among one of them. His first screen appearance was a minor role in the song Hum Mast Dilon Ko Lekar from Sunehre Din (1949), where he was seen seated in the front of a car, singing the song’s verses. However, a chance encounter with director Amiya Chakravarty led to his first break in the industry. Initially hired by Amiya in his office, Dubey’s talent and dedication resulted in him making his official acting debut with Chakravarty’s Daag (1952), which starred Dilip Kumar, Nimmi, Lalita Pawar, and Kanhaiyalal. His next significant appearance came in Patita (1953), where he played Bhiku Chacha, a morally corrupt associate of the landlord who kept hounding Usha Kiran’s character for the rent. This role helped him carve a niche as a character actor who excelled in playing morally bankrupt figures. Later, he went on to work in Guru Dutt’s Mr. and Mrs. 55 (1955), marking the beginning of a prolific career in Hindi cinema.
C S Dubey became synonymous with roles depicting corrupt moneylenders, cowardly associates, deceitful traders, and dishonest officials. His performances were so convincing that audiences reacted strongly to his presence, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most compelling character actors of his time. The 1960s and 1970s saw his career flourish as he became a staple in Hindi films. Some of his most notable performances came in Kathputli (1957), Ardhangini (1959), Teesri Kasam (1966), Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968), Aradhana (1969), Khilona (1970), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Saudagar (1973), Imtihan (1974), Aandhi (1975), Chhoti Si Baat (1976), Chitchor (1976), Dream Girl (1977), Manzil (1979), Do Premee (1980), Angoor (1982), Mard (1985), Karma (1986), and Aag Ka Gola (1990).
His performance in Zinda Dil (1975) popularized the phrase “Dhakkan Khol Ke,” which became an instant hit. He later incorporated this catchphrase into his radio shows, reinforcing his influence beyond the silver screen. His voice also found a lasting place in Vividh Bharati’s Hawa Mahal, where he lent his vocal talents to radio dramas.
Despite his on-screen notoriety, C S Dubey was a philanthropist at heart. He dedicated a portion of his earnings to supporting the underprivileged and funding education for those in need. Before passing away on September 24, 1993, he made his onscreen appearance in Dalaal (1993). With his passing, Hindi cinema lost an actor who brought to life some of its most memorable antagonists. Though he thrived in negative roles, his real-life persona was marked by generosity and social commitment. C S Dubey remains an unforgettable figure in the history of Indian cinema, a character actor who provided a face to the faceless evil of everyday oppressors of society.
-
Filmography (146)
SortRole
-
Gair The Outsider 1999
-
Aatank Hi Aatank 1995
-
Antim Nyay 1993
-
Dalaal 1993
-
Phoolwati 1992
-
Iraada 1991
-
Narsimha 1991
-
Ghar Ho To Aisa 1990
-
Karishma Kali Kaa 1990
-
Galiyon Kaa Badshah 1989
-
Nishanebazi 1989
-
Parayaa Ghar 1989
-
.jpg)
