After a stint at teaching and radio broadcasting, Sahni started his acting career with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (in plays like ‘The Inspector General’ and ‘Doll’s House’) and like the rest of his IPTA comrades, he was politically conscious and Left-leaning (he was also arrested in the Communist witchhunt of the early fifties). His debut film in a lead role, ‘Dharti Ke Lai’ (1946) by K.A. Abbas, was about the Bengal famine and though it got much appreciation for its portrayal of the bitter truth, it did not get Sahni — who played a starving peasant — immediate attention. Apparently, he stayed hungry for several days to get that look of deprivation on his face. The film also featured his wife Damyanti in a lead role.

1. Amaanat (1977)
2. Jallian Wala Bagh (1977)
3. Garam Hawa (1973)
4. Hanste Zakhm (1973)
5. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
6. Pyaar Ka Rishta (1973)
7. Jangal Mein Mangal (1972)
8. Jawani Diwani (1972)
9. Shayar-e-Kashmir Mahjoor (1972)
10. Jawan Mohabbat (1971)
11. Paraya Dhan (1971)
12. Dharti (1970)
13. Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970)
14. Holi Ayee Re (1970)
15. Mere Humsafar (1970)
16. Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (1970)
17. Naya Raasta (1970)
18. Pavitra Paapi (1970)
19. Pehchan (1970)
20. Do Raaste (1969)
21. Ek Phool Do Mali (1969)
22. Nanha Farishta (1969)
23. Talash (1969)
24. Duniya (1968)
25. Izzat (1968)
26. Neel Kamal (1968)
27. Sunghursh (1968)
28. Hamraaz (1967)
29. Aman (1967)
30. Ghar Ka Chirag (1967)
31. Naunihaal (1967)
32. Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966)
33. Aasra (1966)
34. Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966)
35. Pinjre Ke Panchhi (1966)
36. Faraar (1965)
37. Waqt (1965)
38. Haqeeqat (1964)
39. Punar Milan (1964)
40. Anpadh (1962)
41. Shaadi (1962)
42. Kabuliwala (1961)
43. Batwara (1961)
44. Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961)
45. Sapne Suhane (1961)
46. Suhag Sindoor (1961) (as Balraj Sahani)
47. Anuradha (1960)
48. Bindya (1960)
49. Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
50. Black Cat (1959)
51. Chhoti Bahen (1959)
52. Heera Moti (1959)
53. Satta Bazaar (1959)
54. Ghar Grihasti (1958)
55. Ghar Sansar (1958)
56. Khazanchi (1958)
57. Lajwanti (1958)
58. Sone Ki Chidiya (1958)
59. Bhabhi (1957)
60. Kath Putli (1957)
61. Lal Batti (1957)
62. Mai Baap (1957)
63. Pardesi (1957)
64. Era Bator Sur (1956)
65. Taksaal (1956)
66. Garam Coat (1955)
67. Seema (1955)
68. Tangewali (1955)
69. Aulad (1954)
70. Majboori (1954)
71. Naukari (1954)
72. Akash (1953)
73. Bhagyawan (1953)
74. Do Bigha Zamin (1953)
75. Rahi (1953)
76. Badnam (1952)
77. Hulchul (1951) (as Balraj)
78. Humlog (1951)
79. Maldar (1951)
80. Gudia (1947)
81. Badnami (1946)
82. Dharti Ke Lal (1946)
83. Door Chalen (1946)