Veteran actor Jagdeep, widely recognized for his role in the popularly acclaimed film ‘Sholay’ as Soorma Bhopali passed away on Wednesday at his residence at the age of 81. The actor had been under the weather since the past few days and died on Wednesday at 8.30 pm at his residence in Bandra. Jagdeep will be laid to rest at a cemetery in south Mumbai around 11.30 am on Thursday.
Jagdeep’s tragic demise was mourned by Bollywood celebrities such as Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Abhishek Bachchan and others. They all remembered him for his happy-go-lucky nature and reminisced him spreading smiles and laughters over the silver screen.
Abhishek tweeted, “May you rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank you for filling our lives with smiles.” Ranveer shared a picture of Jagdeep with folded hands emojis.
May you rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank you for filling our lives with smiles. ??
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 8, 2020
Ayushmann penned a heartfelt caption, “RIP #Jagdeep sir! Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories.” Raveena Tandon wrote, “Thank you for all the laughter, rib tickling fun memories! You will be missed Sir.The legend Jagdeep ji passes away at 81.Condolences to the entire family.”
? RIP #Jagdeep sir!
Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/yzLdD7qWfy— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) July 8, 2020
Arshad Warsi added that Jagdeep was the inspiration behind his role in Ishqiya. “Really sad to hear about Jagdeep sahab. What a phenomenal actor & a wonderful person. He has entertained my generation all through our growing years. He was also my reference point for Ishqiya. Thank you Jagdeep sahab… Allah aapko Jannat Naseeb farmaye -RIP,” he wrote in a tweet.
Anil Kapoor 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 always 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
“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,” wrote Genelia Deshmukh.
As Hindustan Times puts out, the last of the comic icons in the list of veterans including Johnny Walker and Mehmood, the actor had made a name for himself and had a commendable career spanning beyond 400 films including several memorable roles. Jagdeep, whose real name was Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, started his journey in Indian cinema with the 1951 film Afsana, which marked filmmaker BR Chopra’s directorial debut.
Jagdeep possessed a talent to bring smiles on everyone’s face through his performances be it the mainstream Bollywood movies, Ramsay Brothers’ horror film Purana Mandir or in cult comedy Andaz Apna Apna where he played Salman Khan’s father, Bankelal Bhopali.