Shatrughan Sinha and West Indian cricket legend Sir Viv Richards in conversation

Shatrughan Sinha says in his over four-decade-year-long film career, he never saw the roles offered to him as good or bad.  "I just did my best. That `s what I`d suggest to the younger generation. You should prove to yourself that you are the best. If not, then prove that you are the most different. Be original and don`t lose hope," he said in an interview with IANS.

Currently, there`s a scholarship being awarded in Shatrughan Sinha\`s name in the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) to Diploma students.

Shatrughan Sinha was born Shatrughan Prasad Sinha on December 9, 1945, in Patna, Bihar to Bhubaneswari Prasad Sinha and Shyama Devi Sinha. The youngest of four brothers - Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and himself, he was educated in Patna Science College and is an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India Pune (FTII). (Photo courtesy: mid-day archives)

Popularly known by the names "Shotgun Sinha" and "Bihari Babu", Shatrughan Sinha is still remembered for his popular dialogue `Khamosh`!

hatrughan Sinha is considered as one of the most unconventional actors in Hindi cinema along with Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, and Suniel Shetty

Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha have twin sons, actors Luv Sinha and Kush Sinha, and a daughter, Bollywood actress, Sonakshi Sinha.

An undated photo of Shatrughan Sinha and wife Poonam with sons Luv and Kush. Luv Sinha made his Bollywood debut in 2010 with the film, `Sadiyaan`. Both Luv and Kush are identical twins.

Apart from his stellar Bollywood career, Shatrughan Sinha also made a successful foray into politics. In picture: Shatrughan Sinha clicked reading a Hindi magazine with Sanjay Dutt on the cover.

After being a member of Lok Sabha (2009-2014, 2014-2019) and Rajya Sabha twice he was also Union Cabinet Minister of Health and Family Welfare (Jan 2003-May 2004) and Shipping (Aug 2004) during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Shatrughan Sinha, wife Poonam with sons Luv, Kush and daughter Sonakshi. Sona made her Bollywood debut in 2010 with Salman Khan`s Dabangg.

Shatrughan Sinha and screen legend Dilip Kumar during an awards event

In 2017, Shatrughan Sinha was feted with the lifetime achievement honour at the Filmfare Awards. He received the honour from his friend Amitabh Bachchan. In picture: Shatrughan Sinha and wife Poonam with Salman Khan

Shatrughan Sinha and Shashi Ranjan in conversation

Starting his Bollywood career with Dev Anand`s "Prem Pujari", Shatrughan Sinha went on to act in more than 200 Hindi movies. Some of his popular movies are "Kalicharan", "Vishwanath", "Kala Pathar", "Dostana", "Naseeb" and "Gautam Govinda.

In picture: Shatrughan Sinha and wife Poonam Sinha after the birth of their sons Luv and Kush.

Here`s wishing a very happy birthday to Shatrughan Sinha!

Shatrughan Sinha with Pankaj Udhas (L)

Shatrughan Sinha made his acting debut in a small role as police officer in the 1969 film, `Saajan`. He later shot to superstardom in Subhash Ghai`s 1976 hit `Kalicharan`.

Here`s Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha`s wedding picture. The duo got married in 1980. Shatrughan Sinha\`s wife Poonam was a former Miss Young India (1968) and worked in minor roles in Hindi films. She was credited on-screen as Komal and shared screen space with future husband Shatrughan in the 1973 film `Sabak`.