Born in 1939, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey, known for his stage name, Jagdeep had begun his career as a child artist extra in B.R. Chopra's Afsana. While he had received accolades for his roles, it was his Soorma Bhopali character in Sholay that became widely recognised and loved. Known for his impeccable comic timing, a brilliant actor, Jagdeep (81) passed away on July 8, 2020, due to age-related health issues. Since we had grown up watching his antics on big screens, his demise marks the end of our childhood. (Also Read: Rare And Unseen Pictures Of Rishi Kapoor: A Throwback To His Childhood And Moments Spent With Family)
Producer Mehmood Ali, a family friend, had informed PTI about the demise of Jagdeep and was quoted as saying, “He passed away at 8.30 p.m. at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well because of age-related issues." Bollywood remembers the comedian as someone "who brought so much joy to the audience."
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Jagdeep was a proud father of all-rounder, Jaaved Jaaferi and Naved Jaffery, and his grandson, Meezaan Jaaferi, who had made his Bollywood debut in 2019. The last rites of Jagdeep will be performed at Mumbai's Shia Kabarstan, Mustafa Bazaar in Majgaon, today. Jaaved was snapped by the paparazzi as he had left for his father's funeral.
In a throwback interview with the PTI, recalling his father’s journey in cinema, Jaaved Jaaferi had once said Jagdeep was destined to be a part of show business. He had said, “My father was a child when he was looking for a job after Partition. When someone asked him if he wanted to work in films, he said all he needed was a job. He was chosen from the streets to star in a film as a child actor. He was destined to be in the industry, it was fate.” (Also Read: Life Of Saroj Khan: Married Her 41-Year-Old Guru-Dance Director B. Sohanlal When She Was 13-Year-Old)
Bollywood actor, Ajay Devgn tweeted a condolence note for the family, "Heard the sad news of Jagdeep Saab’s demise. Always enjoyed watching him on screen. He brought so much joy to the audience. My deepest condolences to Jaaved and all members of the family. Prayers for Jagdeep Saab’s soul." Shilpa Shetty Kundra posted a still from her film, Rishtey and penned a eulogy, "Extremely saddened by the news of Jagdeep ji's demise. I had the good fortune to share screen space with him in Rishtey, such wonderful comic timing, in his inimitable style and an even more wonderful human being. Heartfelt condolences to @meezaanj, @jaavedjaaferi @navedjafri_boo & the entire family. Sending love, prayers, & strength to cope with this difficult loss #RIPJagdeepJi."
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Johny Lever recalled the first time he had ever faced a camera in his tribute to Jagdeep, "My first film & the first time I ever faced the camera, was in the film #yehrishtanatoote with the legend himself #Jagdeep bhai. We will miss you...May his soul rest in peace. Our prayers & deepest condolences to the family." Offering condolence, Kunal Kemmu tweeted, "Thank you for the decades of giggles tickles laughter and entertainment #Jagdeep sir. You will always be missed and remembered. One of the few names that brought smiles to faces just by the very mention of your name. Love and prayers to the family."
In a throwback interview with Zoom, Jaaved Jaaferi had lauded his father, Jagdeep's performances as a child artist and had revealed the values and lessons his father had passed on to him. Jaaved had said, "In my opinion, he was the best child actor I have seen in Hindi cinema till now and I don't exaggerate. If I look at his work as a child actor, it just flows so naturally. Look at a film like Do Bigha Zamin, look at him as shoe shine boy, look at Aar Paar. And you see that this kid is crying real, there is no glycerine, which is another amazing thing about him, he can cry. As a child he is crying real tears with the scene. So, for me, that was amazing. And then he passed it on to me, to us. And for me that was important. That stayed with me and those values still uphold." (Also Read: Irrfan Khan's Son, Babil Khan Shares Emotional Note About His Dad Losing Against Hunks At Box-Office)
RIP Jagdeep ji!
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