Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor and Shabana Azmi mourned the death of veteran comedian Jagdeep, who passed away aged 81 on Wednesday due to age-related health problems.
Born on March 29, 1939 as Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri in Amritsar, Jagdeep acted in over 400 films. He is best known for his role of Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster “Sholay” (1975). New-generation Bollywood buffs would recall him as Salman Khan’s father in Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Andaaz Apna Apna” (1994).
Here’s what the celebrities have written on their social media:
Amitabh Bachchan: “Jagdeep… he 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’. 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… 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.”
Ajay Devgn was among the first to tweet the news. He wrote: “Heard the sad news of Jagdeep Saab’s demise. Always enjoyed watching him on screen. He brought so much joy to the audience. My deepest condolences to Jaaved and all members of the family. Prayers for Jagdeep Saab’s soul.”
Anil Kapoor: “Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India…I was his huge fan and was lucky enough to have worked with him in ‘Ek Baar Kaho’ and many more films…he was always extremely supportive and encouraging…sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to my friend Javed and family.”
Ayushmann Khurrana: “RIP #Jagdeep sir! Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories.”
Shabana Azmi: “Deepest condolences to @jaavedjaaferi @NavedJafri_BOO and the entire family on the passing away of #JagdeepSahab.”
Madhuri Dixi: “Jagdeep sahab was an actor par excellence and his on-screen presence is unmatched. He was a gentle soul and he told us lovely stories of the black and white era. Thank you for the decades of laughter and entertainment. My heartfelt condolences to Jaaved and your family. #RIPJagdeepJi.”
