Some stars have propelled Hindi cinema to great heights with their exceptional acting skills. These celebrities have set a benchmark with their brilliant performances, an aspiration for every artist in today’s time. Sanjeev Kumar, one of these stalwarts, may no longer be with us, but the indelible impression of his excellent work remains intact. Born on July 9, 1938, Sanjeev Kumar’s real name was Harihar Jethalal Jariwala. His journey, both professionally and personally, was incredibly interesting. On his death anniversary, let’s take a look at some significant aspects of Sanjeev’s life.
Sanjeev Kumar was born in Surat, but his family relocated to Mumbai when he was just seven years old. Upon arriving in the city of dreams, Sanjeev Kumar became enamored with the world of cinema. He started his acting career on stage and later joined the Indian Theater. With unwavering determination, Sanjeev triumphed over struggles and steadily progressed toward success.
In 1960, Sanjeev Kumar made his acting debut with the film ‘Hum Hindustani’. Although he did not achieve instant success with his first film, he refused to give up and continued taking on small roles. It was in 1968 when his film ‘Raja Aur Rank’ was released and became a huge hit, making Sanjeev Kumar an overnight star. Despite his young age, Sanjeev convincingly portrayed older characters on stage. He often played the role of a father to his contemporaries, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional acting skills, overshadowing even the lead actors.
Sanjeev Kumar immortalized himself with his iconic character in the film ‘Sholay’. Portraying the role of Thakur, he left an everlasting impression. During that time, news of Sanjeev’s alleged relationship with Hema Malini created quite a buzz. Meanwhile, Dharmendra was deeply in love with Hema.
Sanjeev Kumar was one of those actors whose eyes could emote. His facial expressions and the language of his eyes fascinated the audience. He effortlessly adapted to every character, making him a versatile star. In the film ‘Parichay,’ he portrayed Jaya Bachchan’s father, while in ‘Anamika,’ he romanced her. Additionally, in ‘Sholay,’ he played the role of Jaya Bachchan’s father-in-law. Furthermore, in the film ‘Naya Din Nai Raat,’ Sanjeev astounded everyone by portraying nine different characters.
Today, as we remember Sanjeev Kumar on his death anniversary, we pay tribute to his incredible talent and the immense contributions he made to Indian cinema. His versatile performances and ability to breathe life into every character continue to inspire actors and movie enthusiasts. Sanjeev Kumar will forever remain a legend, leaving behind a rich legacy that will be cherished by generations to come.
