Born as Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on July 9, 1938, Sanjeev Kumar was perhaps one of the greatest actors to grace the silver screen. His filmography includes more than 100 films. This actor was adept at molding himself into any character.
From playing the role of Thakur in Sholay, a particularly capable character in Prayas, his comedy in Angoor, helplessness in Khilona or his seriousness in Aandhi, these were just some of the rare examples of his acting.
Later, pursuing her burning ambition to act in films, she joined the Filmalaya Acting School. After completing the course, he got several small roles in films like Hamhindustani (1960), Nishan (1965) and Alibaba and 40 Chor (1966).
But, the film that changed his life was Sangharsh (1968). It was directed and produced by Harnam Singh Rawail and featured a stellar cast including Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanti Mala and Balraj Sahni. Sanjeev ji not only won the applause for himself, but also impressed Dilip to such an extent that the elder actor asked director Harnam Singh Rawail, “Where did you get this boy?”
Apart from this, in 1970 L.V. Prasad’s Khilona, which cemented his place in Indian cinema. In this he played the role of a mentally unstable man who falls in love.
He went from strength to strength in the years that followed, and gave hits such as Parichay (1972), Anamika (1973), Aandhi (1975), Trishul (1978) and Silsila (1981). Sanjeev Kumar was also known for his impeccable comic timing, and his close friend Gulzar used these qualities in the comedy film Angoor (1982).
Sanjeev Kumar ji never looked back after this. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Dastak in 1971, and was awarded the same honor again in 1973.
His acting skills set a new standard for world cinema as the audience was impressed by his acting and expression of emotions. This is why Sanjeev Kumar became one of the most versatile actors in the world.
Sanjeev Kumar’s co-stars and friends often witnessed his sense of humor. Sharmila Tagore shares in her biography, “He had a great sense of humor. Once at the airport a fan came up to him excitedly and asked how his day was. He immediately patted him on the shoulder and launched into a long explanation about health. Ultimately I had to intervene.”
When in that era actors were chasing stardom and leading roles, Sanjeev Kumar was only concerned about the characters he got to portray on screen. That’s probably why gaining a few kilos never bothered him, because he was competing with his acting skills and not his looks.
The only thing that could match his acting skills was his love for good food. Ever the fun-loving man, Sanjeev Kumar was so fond of food that after packing up he was often seen at his favorite restaurant in the city or at his friend’s house.
He called his mother Baa; His wish was for her to get married, although this was never possible. They decided not to tie the knot for the rest of their lives.
Sanjeev Kumar succumbed to heart disease in 1985 at the age of 47, leaving behind a grief-stricken family, friends, colleagues and fans. It is believed that fans flocked to his residence in Bandra to pay their last respects, and along with his brother Kishore and nephew Uday Jariwala, Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha performed the last rites.
