Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, popularly known as Jagdeep, was an Indian actor and comedian. He was best known for playing the role of ‘Soorma Bhopali’ in the Bollywood film, “Sholay.”
Wiki/Biography
Jagdeep was born on Wednesday, 29 March 1939 (age 81 years; at the time of death) in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, Central Provinces, British India.
Jagdeep in childhood
His zodiac sign was Aries. His father passed away when Jagdeep was too young. After his father’s demise and the partition of India in 1947, his family started facing financial crisis. To deal with the financial stress that they were facing, his mother moved to Mumbai. She started working in Mumbai’s orphanage as a cook to manage the finances. Eager to help his mother at the age of six or seven, Jagdeep left his studies and started selling kites, soaps, and combs by the road side to earn some money. One day, he was spotted by a film director on the streets of Mumbai who offered him a role in the film, “Afsana.”
An old picture of Jaagdeep
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Jagdeep belonged to a Muslim Family.
Parents & Siblings
Jagdeep was the son of Syed Yawar Husain Jafri (Advocate) and Kaneez Hyder. He had a brother named Amardeep.
Wife, Relationships & Children
Jagdeep got married to Naseem Begam when he was 18 years old. The couple had a son, Hussein Jaffrey and two daughters, Shakira Shafi and Suraiya Jaffry. His son, Hussein Jaffrey died of a throat infection in 2009. Hussein had lost his legs during a train accident in 2006. He, then, got married to Sughra Begum. Jagdeep had two sons from his second marriage, Javed Jaffrey (Actor, Dancer, Comedian) and Naved Jaffrey (Producer, Director).
Jagdeep’s wife, Sughra Begum and sons, Javed Jaffrey and Naved Jaffrey
He got married for the third time to Nazima. Together, they had a daughter, Muskan.
Jagdeep with his daughter Muskan
Career
Jagdeep started his career as a child artist in 1951 with B. R. Chopra’s film, “Afsana.” He, then, went on to work as a child artist in many films, including “Ab Dilli Door Nahin” (1953), “Munna” (1954), “Aar Paar” (1954), “Do Bigha Zamin” (1953), and “Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke” (1957).
Jagdeep in Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke
He made his debut as a leading actor in 1957 with the film “Bhabhi.” Subsequently, he appeared in films like “Barkhaa” (1959), “Teen Bahuraniyan” (1968), and “Bidaai” (1974). Jagdeep established himself as a comedian with the film, “Brahmachari” (1968).
Jagdeep in Bhabhi
In 1975, he gained immense popularity after playing the role of ‘Soorma Bhopali’ in the Bollywood film, “Sholay.” Later, he went on to direct a movie with the character’s name (Soorma Bhopali).
Some of his popular films include “Phir Wohi Raat” (1980), “Purana Mandir” (1984), “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994), and “3D Saamri” (1985).
Jagdeep in Andaz Apna Apna
The last film that jagdeep featured in was “Gali Gali Chor Hai” (2012). Jagdeep played the role of a police constable in the film.
Death
Jagdeep died on Wednesday, 08 July 2020 in Mumbai due to age related health issues. The actor was laid to rest at Shia Kabristan in Mumbai on 09 July 2020.
Favourite Things
- Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan
Facts/Trivia
- His hobbies included listening to songs and watching movies.
- Jagdeep was offered Rs. 3 for his first film as a child artist. His remuneration doubled when he bagged a dialogue in the film. [1]
- Jagdeep worked in more than 400 films in his career spanning over 35 years.
- Reportedly, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru got so impressed after watching his performance in the film, “Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke,” that he gifted Jagdeep his personal staff.
- Interestingly, Jagdeep had initially denied playing the role of ‘Soorma Bhopali’ in “Sholay,” which later, went on to become one of his most iconic roles.
Jagdeep in Sholay
- Jagdeep’s daughter, Muskaan (from his third wife, Nazima) is just six months older to his grandson, Meezaan (the son of Javed Jaffrey).
- Apparently, Jagdeep’s wife, Nazima’s sister once approached Jagdeep’s son, Naved for marriage. However, Naved rejected the offer as he wanted to focus on his career at that time.
- There was an age gap of 33 years between Jagdeep and his third wife, Nazima. [2]
- Some hit songs that were picturised on Jagdeep include “Paas baitho tabiyat bahal jayegi” and “In pyar ki rahon mein” from the film ‘Punarmilan’ (1964), “Chal ud ja re Panchhi” and “Chali Chali re Patang” from the superhit movie ‘Bhabhi” (1991), and “Aa Gaye Yaaro Jeene Ke Din” from the film ‘Phir Wohi Raat’ (1980).
- Jagdeep was a receipent of the IIFA award for Lifetime Achievement.
