“Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India"
Veteran Bollywood actor Jagdeep, unfortunately, passed away on Wednesday, 8 July 2020. The actor was suffering from age-related health issues. He was 81.
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, known by his stage name Jagdeep was popular for his comedic timing in Indian cinema.
Jagdeep is fondly remembered for his role as Soorma Bhopali in the 1975 hit film, Sholay.
His popular dialogue, “Mera naam Soorma Bhopali aise hi nahin hai” is remembered by millions of his fans.
He was also known for his role as Bankelal in Andaz Apna Apna (1994).
Alongside his comic roles, he starred in the horror films like Purana Mandir (1984), Qurbani (1980) and Shehenshah (1988).
Jagdeep also took the director’s seat for his film Soorma Bhopali (1988). Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Rekha made cameo appearances in the film.
Close family friend and producer Mehmood Ali told PTI:
“He passed away at 8.30 pm at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well due to age-related issues.”
Since the news of the actor’s death was announced, celebrities from the film fraternity have been paying tributes online.
Taking to his blog, Amitabh Bachchan wrote about Jagdeep’s tragic demise. He expressed:
“Last night we lost another gem. Jagdeep, the actor of exceptional comedic repertoire, passed away.
“He had crafted a unique individual style of his own .. and I had the honour of working with him in several films .. the more prominent ones in the eyes of the audience being Sholay and Shahenshah.”
Amitabh continued to recall the time he worked in a film produced by Jagdeep. He added:
“He had even requested me to do a small guest role in a film he was producing, which I did.
“A humble human … loved by millions. My duas and my prayers.”
Big B also referred to the late actor by his real name. He said:
“Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri .. his real name, adopted Jagdeep as his film name and gave the film fraternity such memorable performances, that brought so much joy and happiness all around.
“Adopting Jagdeep as his film name was such a gracious factor that exhibited the unity in diversity of the country .. there were many others at the time that did the similar.
“The eminent and distinguished .. Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Jayant – Amjad Khan’s father, a giant of an actor and many others.”
Anil Kapoor took to Twitter to share his condolences. He wrote:
“Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India … I was his huge fan & was lucky enough to have worked with him in Ek Baar Kaho & many more films.
“He was also extremely supportive & encouraging … sending my heartfelt condolences & prayers to my friend Javed & family.”
Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India…I was his huge fan & was lucky enough to have worked with him in Ek Baar Kaho & many more films…he was always extremely supportive & encouraging…sending my heartfelt condolences & prayers to my friend Javed & family… pic.twitter.com/0ZXsridyL8
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) July 8, 2020
Actress Genelia D’Souza also expressed her grief. She tweeted:
“RIP Jagdeep Sahab … Remember shooting with you during Life Partner and cracking up with laughter all through the scene.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have got that chance to work with you. All my condolences to the family.”
RIP Jagdeep Sahab … Remember shooting with you during Life Partner and cracking up with laughter all through the scene.. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have got that chance to work with you..
All my condolences to the family— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) July 8, 2020
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh paid tribute to Jagdeep. He said:
“Sad to hear of the passing of one of India’s iconic and versatile actor Jagdeep sahab who enthralled the audiences for many decades.
“My condolences to @jaavedjaaferi @NavedJafri_BOO and prayers for the strength of the family.”
Sad to hear of the passing of one of India’s iconic and versatile actor Jagdeep sahab who enthralled the audiences for many decades. My condolences to @jaavedjaaferi @NavedJafri_BOO and prayers for the strength of the family ??#RIPJagdeepSahab
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 9, 2020
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also offered his condolences. He wrote:
“Jagdeep ji was a great actor and a noble soul. His passing away is a great loss. God bless his soul. Heartfelt condolences @jaavedjaaferi.”
Jagdeep ji was a great actor and a noble soul. His passing away is a great loss. God bless his soul. Heartfelt condolences @jaavedjaaferi https://t.co/pGgueKJ9UG
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 9, 2020
Jagdeep’s career spanned over six decades. The actor starred in approximately 400 films.
He is survived by his two sons, filmmaker Naved Jaaferi and actor Javed Jaaferi.
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