Picture: Social Media
Introduction:
Jagdeep, the iconic Indian comedian, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his unparalleled wit and comic timing. Born as Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri on March 29, 1939, in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, he transcended generations, becoming a household name with his unforgettable performances. He worked in around 400 films.
1. Jagdeep Early Life and Entry into Bollywood:
Jagdeep’s journey into the world of entertainment began at a tender age, owing to his father, Syed Yawar Husain, a respected figure in the film industry. At just seven years old, he made his acting debut in the B. R. Chopra’s film ‘Afsana’ (1951). After that he worked in films like Bimal Roy’s Do Bigha Zamin (1953), K. A. Abbas’s Munna (1954), Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar (1954), Ab Dilli Door Nahin (1957) and AVM’s Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke (1957). His infectious charm and natural flair for comedy set the stage for a career that would span over six decades.
2. Career as a leading ‘Hero’
Jagdeep was launched as a protagonist by AVM in films Bhabhi (1957), Barkha (1959) and Bindiya (1960). He was seen a few more films as a leading hero but could not succeed. Later he established himself as a comedian since the film Brahmachari. He appeared in some hit songs like “Paas Baitho Tabiyat Bahel Jayegi” and “In Pyar Ki Rahon Mein” from Punarmilan (1964), “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchhi” and “Chali Chali Re Patang,” from the film Bhabhi, wherehe appeared opposite actress Nanda, and “Aa Gaye Yaaro Jeene Ke Din” from the film Phir Wohi Raat (1980).
3. The Birth of Soorma Bhopali:
Jagdeep’s portrayal of Soorma Bhopali in the cult classic ‘Sholay’ (1975) remains etched in the memories of audiences. The character’s humorous anecdotes and peculiarities showcased Jagdeep’s ability to turn even supporting roles into iconic ones.
Picture: Social Media
4. Horror Films:
He was seen in many horror films, especially with horror films specialists Ramsay Brothers. He appeared in famous films like Purana Mandir and 3D Saamri.
5. Versatility Beyond Comedy:
While comedy was his forte, Jagdeep showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles. He delivered impactful performances in films like ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ (1994) and ‘Qurbani’ (1980), proving his prowess as a character artist.
6. Directorial Ventures:
Jagdeep stepped into the director’s chair with films like ‘Soorma Bhopali’ (1988). His directorial ventures reflected his understanding of entertainment and storytelling, adding another dimension to his multifaceted career.
7. Legacy in the Era of New-age Comedy:
As the landscape of Indian cinema evolved, Jagdeep continued to be a relevant and respected figure. His influence extended to the new generation of comedians who looked up to him as a source of inspiration.
8. Fond Farewell and Legacy:
Jagdeep bid farewell to the world on July 8, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain. His contribution to Indian cinema, especially in the realm of comedy, remains unparalleled, making him an immortal figure in the hearts of millions.
9. Personal Life:
Jagdeep married thrice and he was the father of six children. In his first marriage he had three children, a son Hussain Jaffrey and two daughters Suraiya and Shakira Shafi. Hussain passed away recently with throat cancer. In 1960, he married to second time to Sughra Begum. He had two sons with this marriage, Javed Jaffrey and Naved Jaffrey, Naved and Javed were hosts of the dance reality show Boogie Woogie.
Later, Jagdeep remarried to Nazima. Couple had one daughter together, Muskaan Jafri. Muskan Jafri is six months older than her step brother Javed Jafri’s son Mizaan. His last film was Masti Nahi Sasti (2012).
Conclusion:
Jagdeep’s life and career are a testament to the power of laughter and the enduring impact of a genuine entertainer. As we reflect on the seven intriguing chapters of his journey, we celebrate the man who brought joy to countless lives and forever changed the landscape of Indian comedy.
Filmography:
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Masti Nahi Sasti | |
| 2012 | Gali Gali Chor Hai | |
| 2009 | A Wonderful Story About Strange Love | Rustom |
| Life Partner | Rohan’s client | |
| Ek Se Bure Do | ||
| 2007 | Journey Bombay to Goa: Laughter Unlimited | Latif Khekada – Husna’s dad |
| 2004 | Kis Kis Ki Kismat | Dipankar Chattopadya |
| Pati Ho To Aisa | ||
| 2003 | Parwana | Seth Malpani |
| Lift Karadey Remix (Short) | ||
| 2002 | Rishtey | Mama |
| Rang Mahal | ||
| 2001 | Lajja | Bansidhar Chakkiwala |
| 2000 | Apradhi Kaun | Barsatilal |
| To Fall in Love | Drunkard in Bar | |
| 1999 | Truck Dhina Dhin (TV Series) | |
| 1998 | Wajood | Bagh Singh |
| China Gate | Sub. Nageshwar Rammaiah | |
| 1997 | Daayen | |
| 1996 | Hasina Aur Nagina | |
| Talaashi | Inspector Jani | |
| Namak | Police Inspector | |
| 1995 | Kartavya | P.K. Dhoot |
| Ram Shastra | P.K. (Pyar Kiss) | |
| Kalyug Ke Avtar | Sukhiram | |
| Veer | ||
| Policewala Gunda | ||
| Pyar Do Pyar Lo | ||
| 1994 | Hum Hain Bemisal | Havaldar Khadak Singh |
| Andaz Apna Apna | Bankeylal Bhopali (as Jagdeep)[2] | |
| Madam X | Zankar | |
| Sangam Ho Ke Rahega | ||
| 1993 | Shuruaat | Malhar |
| Dui Joddha | ||
| Bechain | ||
| Khun Ro Tiko | ||
| 1992 | Insaan Bana Shaitan | |
| Muskurahat | Badriprasad Chaurasia | |
| Pitambar | ||
| Binani | ||
| 1991 | Phoolwati | |
| Roohani Taaqat | ||
| Jhoothi Shaan | Shanti Dhooth | |
| Phool Aur Kante | Professor Bihari | |
| Khooni Panja | ||
| Numbri Aadmi | Police Inspector | |
| Sanam Bewafa | Daroga | |
| Jigarwala | Shyamu | |
| Bhomli | ||
| 1990 | Jamai Raja | Aruna’s Father |
| Kasam Dhande Ki | Chughomal | |
| Hum Se Na Takrana | Chhotey Babu | |
| Pati Patni Aur Tawaif | Ustad | |
| Solah Satra | ||
| Kroadh | Mastram – Matki’s maternal uncle | |
| Shandaar | Chaurasia’s PA | |
| Amavas Ki Raat | ||
| Bheem Bhavani (TV Series) (1990) | ||
| Is Paar Ya Us Paar | ||
| Wafaa | Music Director Doodhnath | |
| 1989 | Akanksha (TV Movie) | Cripple patient complaining for foods |
| Hum Intezaar Karenge | Actor (uncredited) | |
| Main Tera Dushman | Kalva | |
| Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein | Janki Nandan | |
| Mujrim | Lakhpati | |
| Gola Barood | B.E.S.T. Bus Conductor | |
| Nigahen: Nagina Part II | Munshiji | |
| Storm | Film director (uncredited) | |
| Abhimanyu | Pyarelal / Jack | |
| Touhean | Naseeb Dar | |
| Ashes to Ashes | Ustad | |
| Ilaaka | Havaldar Thanedar Tehsildar Singh | |
| Do Yaar | ||
| Khooni Murdaa | Khairati Lal Patthar Dil aka ‘K.L.P.D.’ | |
| Bees Saal Baad | Chedhu | |
| Kasam Suhag Ki | Kalha – Bandit | |
| Sachché Ká Bol-Bálá | Gulbadan Miyan | |
| Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra | ||
| 1988 | Bai Chale Sasariye | |
| Do Waqt Ki Roti | Baal Mukut Balwant ‘Balam’ Singh | |
| Saazish | 009 | |
| Zalzala | Groom | |
| Paigham | ||
| Janam Janam | Birju | |
| Soorma Bhopali | Soorma Bhopali | |
| Kabrastan | Hitler D’Costa | |
| Sherni | Hajaam | |
| Woh Mili Thi | Vijay | |
| Be Lagaam | ||
| Emperor | Tarachand Badlani | |
| 1987 | Deewana Tere Naam Ka | Dilip Deoraj Ghayal Shiparpuri |
| Parivaar | Constable Hukumat Singh | |
| Pyaar Ki Jeet | Nathulal | |
| Superman | Towffle | |
| Kaun Jeeta Kaun Hara | ||
| Khooni Mahal | Gangua | |
| 1986 | Aag Aur Shola | Laddan |
| Baat Ban Jaye | Nagath Narayan / Pt. Chakravew Vabisya Narayan Agnihotri | |
| Insaaf Ki Awaaz | Havaldaar Kanhaiya | |
| Nagina | Munshiji | |
| Aisa Pyaar Kahan | Bhootnath (Kasturi’s father-in-law) | |
| Jumbish: A Movement – The Movie | Minister | |
| Pyaar Ke Do Pal | Scout Master | |
| Janbaaz | Sheru | |
| Karamdaata | Majnu | |
| Locket | Friendly appearance | |
| Sultanat | Arms supplier | |
| Raat Ke Baad | ||
| Jaal | Khatarnak Khan – Shankar’s friend | |
| Kaanch Ki Deewar | Jaswant’s tutor (as Jagdip) | |
| Pyar Ki Pahli Nazar | ||
| 1985 | 3D Saamri | Changez Khan |
| Aurat Pair Ki Juti Nahin Hai | Jamuna Das | |
| Ek Chitthi Pyar Bhari | Murugan | |
| Phaansi Ke Baad | Jaggi | |
| Pyaari Bhabhi | ||
| Zulm Ka Badla | ||
| Khoon aur Sazaa | ||
| Telephone | Dilawar Khan Dilliwale | |
| Ramkali | Rustom | |
| Hum Dono | Nursing Home Boy | |
| Ganga Ki Beti | ||
| Yeh Kaisa Farz | ||
| 1984 | Grahasthi | 5 Star Hotel Manager |
| Hanste Khelte | Pandu | |
| Rakta Bandhan | Bhola | |
| Shapath | Father of 7 children | |
| Yahan Wahan | Fatik chand bondopadhaya | |
| Love Marriage | Dudhwala | |
| Karishmaa | Thakkar | |
| Ram Ki Ganga | Professor Pyarelal | |
| Jeene Nahi Doonga | Jhumru – Jayshri’s boyfriend | |
| Purana Mandir | Daku Machhar Singh | |
| Kunwari Bahu | ||
| Aaj Kaa M.L.A. Ram Avtar | ||
| Tohfa | ||
| Aakhir | ||
| Bad Aur Badnaam | Mishraji | |
| Divorce | Chakram | |
| Pakhandi | ||
| 1983 | Faraib | Raghunath |
| Haadsaa | Anthony Gonsalves | |
| Kaise Kaise Log | Tony | |
| Lalach | ||
| Lal Chunariyaa | Sunil | |
| Bade Dil Wala | Jaganath ‘Jaggu’ Prasad Srivastava | |
| Woh 7 Din | Ganga Prasad (Gangu) | |
| Love in Goa | Pankaj (Raju’s Fan) | |
| Rachna | Ustad | |
| Mangal Pandey | Parwaz Mirza (uncredited) | |
| Kehdo Pyar Hain | ||
| Mayuri | ||
| Raja Jogi | ||
| Salam E Mohabbat | ||
| 1982 | Aparoopa | |
| Bheegi Palkein | Husseinbhai Madadgari | |
| Jeeo Aur Jeene Do | ||
| Zakhmee Insaan | ||
| Anokha Bandhan | Kalyanjibhai Bhojwala | |
| Vidhaata | Peter John DeCosta | |
| Sun Sajna | Balraj Kitoria (Hotel Manager) | |
| Ghazab | Salim (in the play) | |
| Sanam Teri Kasam | Banke Bihari Patnewala | |
| Dial 100 | Bhaijan Bhopali | |
| Ustadi Ustad Se | Kaamdev | |
| Honey | ||
| Nek Parveen | ||
| 1981 | Bhagya | |
| Jeene Ki Arzoo | ||
| Kalkut | ||
| Ladaaku | ||
| Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahani | ||
| Sansani: The Sensation | Nawab Dhanekhapuri | |
| Sharada | Jagdeep | |
| Kaalia | George (Guest Appearance) | |
| Khoon Ka Rishta | Gopal-Dhrupad Damal | |
| Gehra Zakhm | Jimmy | |
| Fiffty Fiffty | Photographer | |
| Shama | John | |
| Sahhas | Karvat | |
| Jail Yatra | Chinareddy Eveready (Guest Appearance) | |
| Yeh Rishta Na Tootay | Bhagwan Das (as Jag Deep) | |
| Wardaat | Kabadi | |
| Khoon Aur Paani | Havaldar Maan Singh Gangotra | |
| Mangalsutra | Jaggu | |
| Aakhri Mujra | ||
| Farz Aur Pyar | Ashok | |
| Parakh | ||
| Sangdil | ||
| Yeh Kaisa Nashaa Hai | ||
| 1980 | Dhamaka | |
| Ganga Aur Suraj | ||
| Taxi Chor | Jaggu | |
| Ek Baar Kaho | Hanuman Singh (hotel caretaker) | |
| Phir Wohi Raat | Krupachand Reswani | |
| Jal Mahal | Munshi Aashiq Hussain Dildar | |
| Cobra | Prem | |
| Qurbani | Mohammad Ali | |
| Choron Ki Baaraat | Shekhar’s friend | |
| Morchha | Ram Mohan Bhajiyawala | |
| Two and Two Make Five | Ramdheen, the landlord (Guest Appearance) | |
| Kali Ghata | Birbal / Police Inspector Sharma | |
| Badla Aur Balidan | ||
| Banmanush | ||
| Room No. 203 | ||
| 1979 | Chambal Ki Rani | |
| Dada | Jagdeep / Fake Moti | |
| Do Hawaldar | Nekiram | |
| Jaan-E-Bahaar | Mithailal (Rai’s Manager) | |
| Sukhi Pariwar | Atar Chand | |
| Sunayana | Jaggoo | |
| Lakshmi Pooja | King’s Executioner | |
| Tarana | Baadal | |
| Yuvraaj | Rajkumar Chandradev | |
| Raadha Aur Seeta | Bhagwandas | |
| Surakksha | Kabari | |
| Jaani Dushman | Nathuram | |
| Naya Bakra | Producer | |
| Sarkari Mehman | Nawab Khan | |
| Shikshaa | Harishchandra | |
| 1978 | Assignment Bombay | |
| Chowki No.11 | ||
| Karmayogi | Malpani | |
| Swarg Narak | Vinod’s friend | |
| Dil Aur Deewaar | Kanhaiya | |
| Do Musafir | Murali | |
| Damaad | Bankey | |
| Anjane Mein | Abdullah | |
| Bhola Bhala | Tamanchewala | |
| Ganges of Saugand | Mathuradas | |
| Khunnus | ||
| Sampoorna Sant Darshanam | ||
| 1977 | Aakhri Sajda | |
| Agar… If | School-teacher | |
| Agent Vinod | Chandu alias James Bond | |
| Alibaba Marjinaa | Mustafa (Cobbler) | |
| Angaare | ||
| Dil Aur Patthar | Jagga | |
| Dildaar | Saudagarmal | |
| Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye | Jagdish | |
| Ek Hi Raasta | ||
| Janam Janam Na Saath | ||
| Kachcha Chor | Popatlal | |
| Khel Kismat Ka | ||
| Ladki Jawan Ho Gayi | ||
| Mandir Masjid | ||
| Prayashchit | ||
| Tinku | Bajirao | |
| Vishwasghaat | Chana Puri | |
| Jai-Vijay | Mangal Singh | |
| Aaina | Music Instructor | |
| Jadu Tona | ||
| Minoo | Drama Director | |
| 1976 | Do Ladkiyan | Ganeshi |
| Farrari | Soorma Bhopali | |
| Jai Mahalaxmi Maa | ||
| Koi Jeeta Koi Haara | ||
| Sangram | Jani | |
| Shahi Lutera | ||
| Bullet | Zafarullah Khan | |
| Two Strangers | Masterjee (Guest Appearance) | |
| Sharafat Chhod Di Main Ne | Jahangir Daruwala | |
| Khaan Dost | Abdul | |
| Shankar Shambhu | Havaldar Naik | |
| Nagin | Hukha Bhopali (uncredited) | |
| Fauji | ||
| Noor E Ilaahi | ||
| 1975 | Angaarey | Moulana |
| Biwi Kiraya Ki | ||
| Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty | Film hero | |
| Jaggu | Birju | |
| Raaja | Producer Malpani | |
| Rani Aur Lalpari | King of the Lilliputs | |
| Toofan | ||
| Sholay | Soorma Bhopali (Guest Appearance)[3] | |
| Pratiggya | Kanha | |
| Maze Le Lo | ||
| Mere Sartaj | Munir-Ul-Haq Qadri | |
| 1974 | Archana | Babloo |
| Azad Mohabbat | ||
| Humshakal | Biharilal | |
| Insaaniyat | Abdulla | |
| My Friend | ||
| Pagli | Blacksmith | |
| Shaitaan | The Pimp | |
| Shandaar | Tolaram | |
| Roti | Khadak Singh | |
| Bidaai | Shankar Lal | |
| International Crook | D.D.T. | |
| Asliyat | ||
| 1973 | Ghulam Begam Badshah | Harbhajan |
| Kahani Hum Sab Ki | Hardayal 1 / Hardayal 2 / Dhanno | |
| Khoon Khoon | Pancham | |
| Mere Gharib Nawaz | Feroza’s watchman | |
| Rani Aur Jaani | Mittu bhai | |
| Suraj Aur Chanda | Crazy man | |
| Taxi Driver | Drunkard at Club | |
| Aa Gale Lag Jaa | Jaggi | |
| 1972 | Aan Baan | Bankhe |
| Aankh Micholi | Dr. Mangal | |
| Anokhi Pehchan | ||
| Apna Desh | Shambhu / Ali Baba | |
| Babul Ki Galiyan | Sudheer’s Friend #1 | |
| Bandagi | ||
| Dharkan | ||
| Dil Daulat Duniya | Kanhaiya ‘Kunnu’ | |
| Dil Ka Raaja | Bajrang ‘Chakravarti’ V. Singh | |
| Gora Aur Kala | Munna Singh / Chunni Singh | |
| Jaanwar Aur Insaan | Bahadur | |
| Rani Mera Naam | ||
| Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa | Sur Mohan | |
| Wafaa | Devdas Thakur | |
| Bhai Ho To Aisa | Jaggi | |
| Chori Chori | ||
| 1971 | Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari | Jugal Kishore |
| Ganga Tera Pani Amrit | Barber | |
| Kabhi Dhoop Kabhi Chhaon | Ramesh / Tara | |
| Lagan | Pereira | |
| Parde Ke Peechey | Gautam | |
| Rakhwala | Gopi | |
| 1970 | Aansoo Aur Muskan | Dada |
| Darpan | Rickshawala | |
| Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani | Surendra | |
| Himmat | Tiger | |
| Ishq Par Zor Nahin | Lalit | |
| Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi | Kanhaiya | |
| Sharafat | Bhola | |
| Mere Humsafar | ||
| Khilona | Mahesh | |
| Kaun Ho Tum | ||
| 1969 | Anmol Moti | |
| Balak | Anantram ‘Anant’ D. Das | |
| Do Bhai | Gullu | |
| Hum Ek Hain | ||
| Jeene Ki Raah | Sunder | |
| Jigri Dost | Kasturi (Neelkanth’s son) | |
| Jyoti | Pritam | |
| Ek Masoom | Jagdeep | |
| Sapna | ||
| 1968 | Roop Rupaiya | |
| Teen Bahuraniyan | Mahesh – Sheela’s Assistant | |
| Brahmachari | Murli Manohar | |
| Lutera Aur Jadugar | ||
| Pyar Bana Afsana | ||
| 1967 | Naunihal | Kavi |
| Pyar Ki Baazi | Hero | |
| 1966 | Aakhri Khat | Actor (uncredited) |
| Aasra | Harish | |
| Do Dilon Ki Dastaan | ||
| Laadla | Murli | |
| Rustom Kaun | Qawwali Singer (uncredited) | |
| Afsana | Guloo | |
| Sarhadi Lutera | Akram | |
| Shankar Khan | ||
| 1965 | Faisla | Jagga |
| Noor Mahal | Vijay | |
| 1964 | Baghi | |
| Jekara Charanva Mein Lagle Paranva | ||
| Punar Milan | Sunil | |
| Qawwali Ki Raat | ||
| Samson | ||
| 1963 | Band Master | |
| Raja | ||
| 1960 | Bindya | Ramu |
| 1959 | Baap Bete | |
| Barkha | Ajit | |
| 1958 | Malik | |
| Solva Saal | Child Artiste (uncredited) | |
| 1957 | Ab Dilli Dur Nahin | Masita |
| Bhabhi | Baldev ‘Billu’[4] | |
| Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke | Mehmood | |
| 1956 | Aawaz | Charlie |
| Dhake Ki Malmal | ||
| Kismet Ka Khel | Ahmed | |
| 1955 | Mr. & Mrs. ’55 | Paper Boy (uncredited) |
| Railway Platform | Purse-Snatcher | |
| 1954 | Aar-Paar | Elaichi Sandow |
| Bhai Sahab | ||
| Munna | Child Artiste | |
| Naukari | Boot Polish Boy | |
| 1953 | Chalis Baba Ek Chor | |
| Do Bigha Zamin | Laloo Ustad, shoeshine boy[5] | |
| Foot Path | Pickpocket (as Jagdip) | |
| Laila Majnu | Child Artiste (uncredited) | |
| Papi | ||
| Shahenshah | Actor (uncredited) | |
| 1952 | Aasmaan | Child artiste (uncredited) |
| Dhobi Doctor | Young Kishore Kumar | |
| 1951 | Afsana | Child in theatre play |
| Sazaa | Actor (uncredited) | |
| 1950 | Madhubala | Child Artiste (uncredited) |