Birthday special: Lesser known facts about Shatrughan Sinha

Wishing a very happy seventieth birthday to Shatrughan Sinha and presenting some lesser known facts about him.

This Bihari babu from Patna who decided to live his dreams embarked on his film journey during the late sixties, with the release of Dev Anand's 'Prem Pujari'. And since then, the actor made everyone 'Khamosh' with his matchless acting skills and unique style statement.

As the veteran actor-politician turns seventy today, lets learn some unknown facts about him:

Shatrughan Sinha was initially considered for the role of Amitabh Bachchan in 'Sholay'.

The Bihari babu is an alumnus of the renowned 'Film and Television Institute of India', Pune. Considering his great contribution to the film industry, a scholarship is being awarded in his name to the Diploma students.

His wife Poonam Singh who is a former Miss India (1968), started a film production house under the name 'Shotgun Movies'.

He is the first ever Bollywood star to have held a public portfolio. Initially he handled the Union Health Ministry and eventually took over Shipping.

Shatrughan Sinha announced a month's salary as bonus to the unit members of 'Kalicharan' within 24 hours of its release.

Shatrughan Sinha has three brothers Bharat, Laxman and Ram. There after he named his own twin sons after the kids of Lord 'Rama' as Luv and Kush. Hence the Mumbai's juhu residence of the veteran actor is aptly named as 'Ramayana'.