Jeetendra, born Ravi Kapoor on April 7, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab. He is a revered figure in the Indian film industry. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors is nothing short of inspiring.
Jeetendra’s made his debut in the 1964 film Geet Gaya Patharon Ne, alongside Jaishree. Jeetendra soon established himself as a versatile performer capable of portraying a wide range of characters.
he established himself with Ravikant Nagaich’s spy thriller Farz in 1967. A remake of Telugu film Gudachari 116 (1966), it emerged a blockbuster at the box office and made Jeetendra a star. The music of Farz composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal was also very successful and included songs that remain popular till date like – “Mast Baharon Ka Main Aashiq”, “Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye – Happy Birthday To You”, both solos by Mohammed Rafi and “Hum To Tere Aashiq Hain”, a duet by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar.
In 1968, he had three releases – Suhaag Raat, Aulad and Mere Huzoor. Both Suhaag Raat and Aulad failed to leave a mark and Mere Huzoor could only manage average business. This changed in 1969 as he delivered a hat-trick of hits with Jeene Ki Raah, Jigri Dost and Waris.
His other notable films are: Khilona (1970), Hamjoli (1970), Caravan (1971), Parichay (1972), Bidai (1974), Khushboo (1975), Naagin (1976), Dharam Veer (1977), Kinara (1977), Swarg Narak (1978), Jaani Dushman (1978), Lok Parlok (1979), Asha (1980), the Burning Train (1980), Meri Awaz Suno (1981), Ek Hi Bhool (1981), Deedar-e-Yaar (1982), Dharam Kanta (1982), Himmatwala (1983), Tohfa (1984), Dharm Adhikari (1986), Khudgarz (1987), Thanedar (1990), Rang (1993) and Ho Jata Hai Pyar (2005).
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jeetendra emerged as one of the leading actors in Hindi cinema, delivering memorable performances in numerous hit films. His collaboration with acclaimed filmmakers like Gulzar, Raj Khosla, and Ramesh Sippy resulted in several box office successes and critical acclaim.
One of the defining aspects of Jeetendra’s career was his impeccable dancing skills. Often referred to as the “Jumping Jack” of Bollywood, he enthralled audiences with his energetic dance numbers, setting trends and redefining choreography in Indian cinema.
Jeetendra‘s on-screen chemistry with leading actresses of his time, including Sridevi, Rekha, and Hema Malini, contributed significantly to his popularity and the success of his films. Together, they delivered numerous blockbuster hits, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Indian cinema.
Beyond his acting prowess, Jeetendra ventured into film production and distribution, further solidifying his presence in the industry. His production house, “Balaji Telefilms,” went on to produce a plethora of successful television shows and films, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted entertainment mogul.
Even in his later years, Jeetendra continues to be revered as an icon of Indian cinema, with his contributions to the industry spanning over five decades. His enduring charm, impeccable acting skills, and unparalleled dedication to his craft have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
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