Jeevan : An ‘Iconic’ Villain of Bollywood, started his career in 1935.

Original ‘Narad Muni’ (Mythological character) of Hindi cinema- Jeevan, he played 49 times Narad Muni on silver screen. His real name was Onkar Nath Dhar, was a prominent Hindi film actor known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of roles. He was born on October 24, 1915, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, and he passed away on June 10, 1987. Jeevan’s career spanned several decades, and he left a significant impact on the Hindi film industry.

Jeevan was born into a well-educated Brahmin family in Srinagar, which is a picturesque town in the northernmost part of India. His family later moved to Lahore, which was part of undivided India at the time. His grandfather, a nobleman, served as the Governor of the Gilgit Agency. His mother died during childbirth and he lost his father when he was just three years old.

Young Jeevan always wanted to work in films as films always fascinated him but being a member of noble family, his family did not allow him to work in films. Those days films are considered as taboo. So, he ran away from home to join industry. His journey into the world of films began in the 1930s. He made his acting debut with the film “Fashionable India” in 1935. However, he struggled initially and did not find much success. It was his role in the film “Mela” (1948) that brought him recognition and marked the beginning of his successful acting career.

One of Jeevan’s defining characteristics as an actor was his versatility. He had the ability to seamlessly transition between various roles, from playing a charming hero to portraying menacing villains. He was equally comfortable in both comedic and serious roles. This versatility endeared him to both the audience and filmmakers.

He has played Narad Muni in more than 60 films of different languages. His most famous film as ‘Narad Muni’ was the 1950 hit film “Har Har Mahadev” with Trilok Kapoor and Nirupa Roy. His iconic style of pronouncing ‘Narayan-Narayan’ was very famous among audience. He became notable otherwise for his roles in Romantic India in 1935, Afasana in 1946 and Station Master in 1942.

He was very good friend of actor Dev Anand and appeared in his films from 1946 to 1978. He also worked with Manmohan Desai films such as Amar Akbar Anthony and Dharam Veer as villains. He also starred in the Punjabi film Teri Meri Ek Jindri. His last film was Iraada released in 1991, Directed by Indrajeet Singh. He died on 10 June 1987 at the age of 71.

Memorable Films:

Jeevan appeared in over 150 films during his career. Some of his most notable films include:

Naya Daur (1957) – In this film, Jeevan played a pivotal role alongside Dilip Kumar and Vyaijanthimala.

Kohinoor (1960) – He delivered an outstanding performance as a comedian and villain in this film starring Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari. This film is also notable for some rare comical and funny scenes by Dilip Kumar, Jeevan and Meena Kumari.

Johny Mera Naam (1970) – Jeevan played the character of Heera as an antagonist.

Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) – He portrayed a memorable role of Robert in this mass entertainer.

Jeevan was often typecast as a villain due to his intense and menacing on-screen presence. His portrayal of negative characters in films like “Amar Akbar Anthony” and “Chacha Bhatija” earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s top villains. Despite playing the antagonist, he managed to win the admiration of audiences with his acting prowess.

Jeevan led a relatively private personal life and did not share much about his family or personal relationships with the media. He was known for his dedication to his craft and the Hindi film industry. His son Kiran Kumar is also an actor who got fame as ‘Lutiya Pathan’ in film Tezaab (1988).

Jeevan’s contribution to Indian cinema is significant, particularly in the realm of character actors. He remains an iconic figure in Bollywood for his exceptional acting skills and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles.

His career in the film industry spanned several decades, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and appreciated by the film fraternity. He left an indelible mark with his diverse and memorable performances, making him a respected and beloved figure in the history of Hindi cinema.