RIP Jagdeep: Lesser known facts about the veteran actor-comedian

Veteran actor-comedian Jagdeep (real name is Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey) who was popularly known as Soorma Bhopali in ‘Sholay’ passed away on Wednesday (July 8) at his residence. He was 81. The reason for his death is not known. He was cremated today in presence of his family and friends. Jagdeep has left a legacy behind. He made people laugh with his terrific performances. Bollywood celebrities such as Javed Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Abhishek Bachchan and others took to social media to mourn his death.

Here are some of the lesser known facts of the late actor.

1. Jagdeep’s was born in Datia, Madhya Pradesh on March 29, 1939.

2. Jagdeep began his acting career as a child artiste with the movie ‘Afsana’ by B.R. Chopra.

3. His breakthrough role as a comedian was in the movie ‘Brahmachari’.

4. Jagdeep also directed a movie titled ‘Soorma Bhopali’ where Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Dharmendra had special appearances.

5. His last performance was in the movie ‘Masti Nahi Sasti’ (2017) co-starring Kader Khan, Johny Lever, Shakti Kapoor, Ravi Kishan, and others.

6. India’s former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was impressed with Jagdeep’s performance as a child artiste in ‘Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke’ and he gifted Jagdeep his personal staff as a token of appreciation.

7. Jagdeep was married thrice. Jaaved Jaaferi’s mother, Sughra Begam, was his second wife. From his first marriage, he had three children – a son Hussein Jaffrey, who is no more, and two daughters, Shakira Shafi and Suraiya. Jagdeep later married Nazima, from which he had a daughter, Muskaan.

May his soul rest in peace!

Also Read: RIP Jagdeep aka Soorma Bhopali: Rare and unseen pictures of the ace comedian with his family