Sanjeev Kumar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sanjeev Kumar
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Sanjeev Kumar
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| Born |
Harihar Jethalal Jariwala
9 July 1938 |
| Died | 6 November 1985 (aged 47) |
| Other names | Haribhai |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1960–1985 |
Sanjeev Kumar (born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala; 9 July 1938 – 6 November 1985) was a very talented Indian film actor. He won many important awards, including two National Film Awards for Best Actor. He got these awards for his amazing acting in the movies Dastak (1970) and Koshish (1972).
Sanjeev Kumar acted in many different types of movies. These included romantic dramas, exciting thrillers, and funny comedies. He was known for playing roles that were not always glamorous. Sometimes, he even played characters much older than his real age.
Some of his famous movies include Sholay, Trishul, and Angoor. In Angoor, he played two different characters, which was a very memorable performance. People remember him for how well he could play any character.
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Early Life and Acting Start
Sanjeev Kumar was born as Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on 9 July 1938. His family was Gujarati and lived in Surat. He moved to Mumbai when he was very young.
He started his acting journey in a film school. This led him to Bollywood, where he became a very successful actor. Many people believe he was one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.
Sanjeev Kumar had two younger brothers and one sister.
His Journey in Films
Sanjeev Kumar began his acting career on stage. He worked with groups like IPTA and the Indian National Theatre. Even when he was young, he liked to play older characters. At just 22, he played an old man in a play called All My Sons. The next year, he played a 60-year-old man with six children in another play.
His first small role in a movie was in Hum Hindustani in 1960. He got his first main role in the film Nishan in 1965. In 1968, he acted with the famous actor Dilip Kumar in Sangharsh. He also starred with Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana in the hit movie Sachaai (1969).
Gujarati Films
Sanjeev Kumar also acted in Gujarati films. In 1966, he played the main role in Kalapi. This movie was about the life of the poet Kalapi. He also starred in another Gujarati film, Mare Javun Pele Par (1968).
Working with Director Gulzar
In 1970, the movie Khilona made Sanjeev Kumar famous across India. The director Gulzar noticed him around this time. Gulzar often cast Sanjeev Kumar in roles where he played older men. These films included Parichay, Koshish (1973), Aandhi (1975), and Mausam (1975).
However, Gulzar also cast him as a young man in films like Angoor (1981) and Namkeen (1982). Sanjeev Kumar won an award for his excellent acting as a deaf and mute person in Koshish.
Popular Movies and Co-Stars
Sanjeev Kumar starred in many popular movies. These included Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Manchali (1973), and Aap Ki Kasam (1974). He worked with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee in Arjun Pandit, winning an award for his role.
He acted with many famous actresses. He did three films with L. Vijayalakshmi. He also worked with Mala Sinha in films like Raja Aur Runk (1968), which was a big success. He was paired with Tanuja in movies like Priya and Anubhav. With Rakhee, he starred in Paras and Trishna. He also had hits with Leena Chandavarkar and worked often with Sulakshana Pandit and Moushmi Chatterjee.
Remakes of Southern Films
Many producers wanted to remake popular Tamil and Telugu films into Hindi. They often chose Sanjeev Kumar for the main roles. These remakes helped him become an even greater actor.
For example, Khilona was made at the same time as its Tamil version. Navarathri was remade as Naya Din Nai Raat. Sanjeev Kumar also played the lead in Shaandaar (1974), which was a remake of a Kannada film. He also acted in the Hindi version of Gnana Oli, called Devata (1976).
Later Career and Versatility
In the mid-1980s, some directors started casting Sanjeev Kumar in supporting roles. However, directors from South India continued to cast him in lead roles. He showed his amazing comic timing in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Pati, Patni Aur Woh, and Angoor.
He was always ready to take on different and challenging roles. For example, he played a chess-loving character in Satyajit Ray's classic film Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977). His roles in Sholay (1975) as Thakur and Trishul (1978) are very well-remembered. In Naya Din Nayi Raat (1974), he played nine different roles, which showed his incredible talent.
Sanjeev Kumar also acted in films in other languages. These included Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Sindhi. He even made guest appearances in two Tamil films.
Personal Life and Friends
Sanjeev Kumar never married. He was very close to many people in the film industry. His friends included Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Tanuja, and Deven Varma. He was also good friends with younger actors like Sachin Pilgaonkar and Sarika.
Health and Passing Away
Sanjeev Kumar had heart problems. He had a heart attack and underwent surgery in the US. Sadly, on 6 November 1985, he had a very serious heart attack and passed away at the age of 47.
Even after his death, more than ten of his movies were released. The last one, Professor Ki Padosan, came out in 1993. The story of this movie had to be changed because he passed away before it was finished.
Awards and Recognition
Sanjeev Kumar won many awards for his acting.
National Film Awards
- He won the National Film Award for Best Actor twice:
- In 1971 for Dastak (role: Hamid)
- In 1973 for Koshish (role: Haricharan)
Filmfare Awards
Sanjeev Kumar was nominated for 14 Filmfare Awards. He won three of them:
- He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor twice:
- In 1976 for Aandhi (role: J.K.)
- In 1977 for Arjun Pandit (role: Arjun Pandit)
- He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor once:
- In 1969 for Shikar (role: Inspector Rai)
He was also nominated for Best Actor for films like Khilona, Sholay, and Angoor.
Other Awards
- 1974 – BFJA Best Actor for Koshish
- 1969 – Naval Stars Awards
- 1971 – Surat Jilla Leuva Patidar Gnyati Award
- 1975 – Cinegoers Council (Delhi) film Awards
- 1976 – Lion Club of North Calcutta Actor of the year for Mousam
- He also received awards for his stage acting.
Honoring Sanjeev Kumar
Sanjeev Kumar has been honored in several ways:
- A road in Surat, Gujarat, is named Sanjeev Kumar Marg.
- A school in his hometown of Surat, Gujarat, is named after him.
- India Post released a postage stamp with his picture on it in 2013.
- A large auditorium in Surat, called Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium, was opened in 2014.
Helping Others
The Sanjeev Kumar Foundation is an organization that helps children and families. It focuses on important areas like education, healthcare, and nutrition. Since 2015, the foundation has also sponsored an annual drama competition in Surat. Awards are given to the best actors, actresses, directors, and backstage crew in Sanjeev Kumar's memory.
The Sanjeev Kumar Academy of Arts & Performance (SKAAP) works with the Surat Municipal Corporation. This academy helps students learn and improve their skills in visual arts and performance. They even offer scholarships to deserving students.
