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THE HUNT FOR 'PRAN'

Introduction

A biography of Pran, the veteran film actor, authored by Bunny Reuben and published by Harper Collins, is to be released on 1st October 2004, at a grand launch in Mumbai in the presence of film stars, many of whom have worked with Pran in his long and distinguished career.

Pran & the missing generation

One of the strange facts relating to Pran's extremely successful career as a screen villain is that mothers were reluctant to name their boys "Pran" - the name coming to reflect the fear & loathing that the actor's screen portrayals generated.

This particular fact came to light when a group of college students, members of a Pran fan club, came to Mumbai to meet their screen idol. They related to a surprised Pran their curiosity at a lack of a Pran amongst them, which led them to research the rolls of the various educational institutions of Uttar Pradesh, where they themselves were students. They were astonished to find not a single student with the name Pran.

Pran, needless to say, felt that, as an actor, it was one of the greatest compliments he could receive. He felt that to be in the company of Ravana (a name similarly forsaken by mothers over the centuries) was the highest compliment a 'villain' could receive.

The Hunt for Pran

The publishers of the biography of Pran conducted a worldwide search for the oldest person called Pran, born after 1960 and will invite the person (and his 'brave' mother, to receive the first copy of Pran's biography at the Book Launch on 1st October 2004 in Mumbai. (Of course suitable documents will be required for verification of the date of birth.)

A parallel competition could be held for the youngest 'Pran', born before 1960, to identify the extent of the missing years when the name 'Pran' was considered taboo.

Details of "The Hunt for Pran" Competition

Selection criteria: Two sets of winners:

1. Birth after 1960 - oldest "new" Pran

2. Birth before 1960 - youngest "old" Pran

3. The year 1960 is indicative only and 1955 or some other date may be applicable - the intention is to find the people best identifying the time limits of the missing generation.