Jeetendra: Have been jobless and penniless twice in my career

He rings in his 75th birthday in 3 days. Jeetendra is probably to have an unusually extravagant bash this year, since wife Shobha in planning a high-key celebration in Jaipur; wherein all the family members and close friends of the Kapoors will be flying down there. While he is kind of reluctant on a lavish bash, he is way too excited for his nine-month old grandson Laksshya will be accompanying him!

In a candid conversation with TOI,  the actor also went on to recall his despairing days during his acting career.

“I’m the guy who started out from a chawl in Girgaum. Here, I must add that when we installed a Crompton ceiling fan in our room, the entire chawl came to see it! I was bad at studies and if I had not made it in films, I would have had nowhere to hide. Twice in my 40-year career, I have been jobless and penniless. Once was between 1972-74 and again after the debacle of my home production ‘Deedar e-Yaar’ (1982). Having hit these two lows, I worked like a maniac for almost a decade down South doing every remake that was being made,” he said. (Also Read: This pic of Tusshar Kapoor’s son Laksshya with grandpa Jeetendra will make your day)

He is believed to be an insightful businessman; however, he claims he has not earned a single rupee in last two decades!

“I must tell you that for 20 years, I have not earned a single penny. I am a jobless actor. Shobha and Ekta are the ones running the show. My only contribution is that I have invested the money that they have earned. And touchwood, those investments are bearing fruit,” the ‘Himmatwala’ actor answered.

With a supportive wife, successful children and an adorable grandson, Jeetendra seems to enjoy his retired life completely!

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.