By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

Jagdeep ,a noted comedian, character artist and hero of yesteryears began his film career with B. R. Chopra’s “Afsana”(1951) featuring Ashok Kumar, Veena, Pran & Kuldip Kaur as a child artist. Husnlal Bhagatram scored music for this film. He later did many films as a child artist the likes of “Ab Dilli Door Nahin”, “Aar Paar” & Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigh Zameen”. He got recognition with ” Hum Punchi Ek Daal Ke” featuring Marutirao Parab, Daisy Irani and Jagdeep under the banner AVM Production. It won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film & Jagdeep received appreciation from PM Jawaher Lal Nehru for his performance in the film.

AVM later launched him in ” Bhabhi”( 1957) starring Balraj Sahni & Nanda.The film had many a hit song like “”Chal Ud Jaa Re Panchhi” & “Chali Chali Re Meri Patang Chali Re”,the second song picturised on Jagdeep.He played the lead opposite Nanda with music by Chitragupta.AVM repeated him opposite Nanda in film “Barkha”( 1960) ,directed by A.V.Meiyappan .It was a fmily drama with many hits like “”Ek Raat Men Do Do Chand Khile” (Mukesh- Lata), ” O Sajna,Barkha Bahar Aai” ( Lata) & “Woh Door Jo Nadiya Behti Hai” (Mohammed Rafi-Lata) with music scored by Chitragupta.

Born Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey (29 March 1939 ) at Datia in Madya Pradesh and known by his stage name Jagdeep,the actor played Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay” (1975).The film’s success came to him as a shot in the arm, thereby adding to his popularity in the comic role as a wood trader.It later became an all-time super-duper box office extravaganza. It would be injustice if we did not mention his role as Salman Khan’s dad in “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994) directed by Rakjkumar Santoshi starring Aamir,Karishma,and Raveena Tondon.I attended the shooting of the film at a bungalow in Goregaon( East) in 1992.

Jagdeep switched over to comedy with ” Brahmchari” ( 1968) starring Shammi Kapoor, Rajshree,Mumtaz & Pran.Some of his notable movies include the likes of,” Bidaai”,” Agent Vinod” ( 1977), “Suraksha” ( 1979), “Qurbani” ( 1980), “Shahenshah'(1988)” China Gate”(1998) & ” Life partner” (2009) . Jagdeep acted in over 400 films during his career spanning five decades. Some hit songs picturized on him include-“Paas Baitho Tabiyat Bahal Jayegi”, & “In Pyar Ki Rahon Mein” from film “Punarmilan”, “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchhi” and “Chali Chali Re Patang”, from the super hit movie “Bhabhi”.I met the comedian Jagdeep during the making of Amitabh starrer “Shahenshah”(1988 ) and talked to him at length. He looked spiritless and could hardly answer my questions. He played Tarachand in the movie. Nominated 4 times for The Best Comedian Award. Bestowed upon Lifetime Achievement Kalakar Awards, Kolkata in 2001.

The actor is lucky as his both sons Javed Jaffrey & Naved are well settled:they were host to trend-setting dance show ‘Boogie Boogie’.He has a daughter named Muskaan from his second wife Nazima.

Died 8 July 2020.