Popularly known for playing Shakaal in Shaan, Kulbhushan Kharbanda is one of the most veteran actors of Hindi film industry. It all began when he and his friends formed Abhiyaan, a theatre group which gave him first-hand experience in acting. In 1972, he moved to Kolkata and joined Padatik, one of the top-notch institutions in the field of theatre. There, he got trained under the tutelage of thespian Shyamanand Jalan and further polished his acting skills.

Later he moved to Mumbai. As an actor, he first got his recognition in Shyam Benegal`s Nishant. His character Police Patel was appreciated by all. After that, the actor-director duo collaborated on several projects, including Manthan (1976), Bhumika: The Role (1977), Junoon (1978), and Kalyug (1980). The turning point in his career was Ramesh Sippy`s Shaan (1980). His role as the bald villain Shakaal put him in the limelight and after that, he started getting opportunities in the mainstream Hindi cinema.

The Mahesh Bhatt`s 1982 released Arth was another path-breaking film in the actor`s career. He then went on to appear in several blockbuster films, including Shakti (1982), Mandi (1983), Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), Uttar Dakshin (1987), Yateem (1988), Pratibandh (1990), Bekhudi, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Damini (1993), Maachis (1996), Border (1997), China Gate (1998), Hera Pheri, Pukar (2000), Lagaan (2001), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005), Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), and Jodhaa Akbar (2008).

He has also acted in a few regional and international projects. His Punjabi films Chan Pardesi and Mahaul Theek Hai were successful and made him popular among the Punjabi audience. Apart from films and theatre, he has also acted in a few soap operas like Shanno Ki Shaadi. In 2016, he made a brief appearance in a Telugu film titled Dictator featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead. His 2018 projects include Soorma helmed by Shaad Ali and is based on the life of the legendary hockey player Sandeep Singh. His 2019 releases include Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, No Fathers in Kashmir and Khandaani Shafakhana.