Chattar Lal

A trusted advisor whose loyalty to the crown masks his allegiance to the goddess Kali.

Chattar Lal serves as the Prime Minister to the young Maharaja Zalim Singh at Pankot Palace in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Portrayed by actor Roshan Seth, he initially presents himself as a welcoming host to Indiana Jones, Willie Scott, and Short Round upon their arrival. However, beneath this facade of aristocratic hospitality lies a darker reality: Lal is also a devoted worshipper within the Thuggee cult operating secretly beneath the palace.

Quick Facts

Role: Prime Minister; Thuggee worshipper
Affiliation: Thuggee Cult, Pankot Palace
First appears: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Lore & Background

Chattar Lal is both the Prime Minister of Pankot and, like the young Maharaja, a worshipper in the Thuggee cult. He is enchanted by the arrival of Jones and his companions but quickly becomes offended when Indy questions the palace's history or mentions his own dubious past. Like Indiana and the young Maharaja, he was apparently forced by Mola Ram to drink the Blood of Kali, which controlled him.

Reader's Guide

Chattar Lal represents the treacherous nature of Pankot Palace, acting as a bridge between the surface world of the Maharaja and the subterranean horrors of the Thuggee cult. He is initially charmed by Indiana Jones but is offended when Indy questions the palace's history and his own dubious past.