On this day: Veteran actor Raaj Kumar breathed his last

Dialogues play a very important part in developing a character’s structure and thought process, be it any film. In Bollywood too, the era of 70s witnessed popular and powerful dialogues coming to foray, with equally amazing delivery, the credit for which goes to popular scriptwriter duo Salim-Javed. But, before their arrival, there was another star who had actually cemented his position as the ultimate ‘King of Dialogue Delivery’. And it was none other than late veteran actor Raaj Kumar.

If you have been a fan of his movies, you cannot forget his tag word and his unique way of uttering the same; ‘jaani‘. This word is now associated every time the late actor’s mention comes up. Such was the power of his performance, in a career that spanned over four decades.

Why are we telling you this? Well, on this day in the year 1996, the legendary star left for the heavenly abode. He was suffering from throat cancer and hence, expired on the date July 3, 1996, at the age of 69. (Also Check: These epic dialogues of Raaj Kumar will always be remembered)

The actor had made his debut in Bollywood with film ‘Rangeeli’ (1952), but it was ‘Nausherwan-E-Adil’ (1957) and his brief appearance in film ‘Mother India’ (1957) that gave him the fame he deserved. Post these films, it was no looking back for him. He established a niche for himself in the film industry in the 60s and 70s with his distinct style of dialogue delivery and his strong aura which set him apart from the other reigning stars of that era like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.

With films like ‘Waqt’, ‘Paigham’, ‘Hamraaz’, ‘Neel Kamal’, ‘Pakeezah’ to ‘Saudagar’ and ‘Tirangaa’, he won over hearts of everyone with the each passing decade.

The actor was last seen on big screen in ‘God and Gun’ which had released in the year 1995.

This day in the history of Bollywood marked the end of an era, with the death of Raaj Kumar. We mourn the loss of this great artiste, even today.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.