Bollywood’s favourite comedian and actor Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, better known as Jagdeep, left for his heavenly abode on Wednesday evening. The veteran actor died of age-related issues at his Mumbai residence. He was 81.
While the veteran actor might no longer be with us, he shall live in the hearts of every Bollywood buff through the body of work he has left behind. With a career span of over six decades, Jagdeep immortalised many characters on the silver screens, the most remembered of them all being Soorma Bhopali from Sholay. He acted in more than 400 films.
He began his career as a child artist with the film Afsana, BR Chopra’s directorial debut. He then acted in several films but his journey as a comedian was established with 1968 film Brahmachari.
Anupam Kher in his tribute to the late actor recalled how he said at a party, “Hasna aasaan hai, hasaana bohot mushkil hai (It is easy to laugh, but it is very difficult to evoke laughter).”
Remembering the man who made us laugh like no other, here is a look at some iconic roles of Bollywood’s ace comedian and actor Jagdeep:
Sholay
The cult-classic 1975 film had many iconic characters, one of them being Jagdeep’s Soorma Bhopali. His catchphrase in the film, “Mera naam Soorma Bhopali aise hi nahi hai,” still echoes in our ears and will never be forgotten. With his quirky dialogues, playful eyes and superb body language, Jagdeep won hearts in theatres. Soorma Bhopali, a timber merchant, made us laugh back then and continues to do so today whenever we re-watch the film. Sholay also starred legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, Amjad Khan and Sanjeev Kumar, among others. Ramesh Sippy directed the film.
Soorma Bhopali
Jagdeep’s character in Sholay went on to become such an icon that in 1988 he directed as well as played the lead in a film based on Soorma Bhopali. The 1988 film was produced by Jagdeep’s son, Naved. The film also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Dharmendra and Danny Denzongpa among others.
Brahmachari
This is the film that marked the beginning of Jagdeep’s journey as a comic actor. He played the role of Murli Mahohar in the 1968 film. Jagdeep’s performance was widely appreciated and the film catapulted his career to greater heights. Brahmachari also starred Shammi Kapoor, Rajshree, Pran and Mumtaz.
Andaz Apna Apna
Jagdeep played the role of Bankelal Bhopali, Prem Bhopali’s (Salman Khan) father in the 1994 film. Andaz Apna Apna went on to become another classic that will forever be remembered as one of the best comedy films of all times. Paresh Rawal, Aamir Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor played key roles in the film.
Agent Vinod
The 1977 film starred Jagdeep as Chandu alias James Bond, the comical side-kick to the film’s titular character Agent Vinod (played by Mahendra Sandhu). The spy film, helmed by Deepak Bahry, went on to become a hit at the box office.
Shahenshah
The 1988 film starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead is another cult classic that will stay with us forever. While Big B played the role of inspector Vijay Srivastav, Jagdeep played Tarachand Baadlani.
Barkha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4RPnNW-qNI
Jagdeep played the lead role in this 1960 film, which was a remake of the Tamil film Thai PiranthalVazhiPirakkum. Jagdeep’s character in the film is named as Ajit, who spends time in jail because of Zamindar Haridas. How Ajit takes his revenge forms the rest of the story.
Qurbani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af9RjcwwDCE
Jagdeep played the role of Mohammad Ali in the film and once again tickled our funny bone. It released in 1980 and starred Vinod Khanna, Feroz Khan, Zeenat Aman, Amjad Khan, Amrish Puri and Kadar Khan to name a few.
Do Hawaldar
Jagdeep played the role of Nekiram in the 1979 comedy film. Farida Jalal, Asrani, Zarina Wahab, Anjana Mumtaz and Rajendra Nath also played key roles. Do Hawaldar is the story of two constables with contrasting personalities. While one of them is honest, the other one is corrupt.
Phool Aur Kaante
Jagdeep played the role of a college professor in Phool Aur Kaante, Ajay Devgn’s Bollywood debut. Despite his limited role, Jagdeep, as Professor Bihari, made his presence felt and left people laughing whenever he appeared on the screen.
ALSO READ | Jagdeep dies at 81: Ajay Devgn to Ranveer Singh, Bollywood pays last respects
ALSO READ | Veteran actor Jagdeep dies at 81 in Mumbai
ALSO WATCH | Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide at 34 in Mumbai
