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Sanjeev Kumar
Biography
Sanjeev Kumar (born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala) was a highly acclaimed Indian actor who worked predominantly in Hindi cinema. Known for his immense versatility and unconventional choice of roles, he won several major awards including two National Film Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Dastak (1970) and Koshish (1972). He is widely remembered for his iconic portrayal of Thakur Baldev Singh in the blockbuster film Sholay (1975). Despite playing many elderly roles, he passed away at the young age of 47 due to a congenital heart condition.
Career Milestones
The Iconic Role of Thakur in Sholay
Portrayed the legendary role of Thakur Baldev Singh in the historic block-buster Sholay, securing his place in Indian cinematic history.
Second National Film Award for Koshish
He won his second National Film Award for Best Actor for depicting a deaf and mute man in Gulzar's masterpiece Koshish.
First National Film Award for Best Actor
Sanjeev Kumar won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the movie Dastak.
Film Debut in Hum Hindustani
Sanjeev Kumar made his film debut with a small role in the Bollywood movie Hum Hindustani.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Sanjeev Kumar's real name was Harihar Jethalal Jariwala, and he was affectionately called Haribhai by his close industry friends.
- He was famously comfortable playing characters much older than his actual age, often portraying fathers and grandfathers to actors who were his peers or older in real life, such as Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra.
- He remained unmarried throughout his life, famously having suffered heartbreak after a rejected marriage proposal to actress Hema Malini.
- Sanjeev Kumar suffered from a congenital heart defect. Ironically, he died of a massive heart attack before reaching the age of 50, despite acting in more than 100 films as an old man.