Veteran Bollywood actor-comedian Jagdeep passes away

Veteran Bollywood actor Jagdeep, known for his work in films such as Sholay, Andaz Apna Apna and Purana Mandir, has died. He was 81.

Father of actor Javed Jafferi and television host Naved, the actor worked in over 400 films. Bollywood fraternity mourned his death on social media.

A close friend of the family said the actor, real name Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, was not keeping well. "He passed away at 8.30 pm at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well due to age-related issues," producer Mehmood Ali, a close family friend, told Indian Daily.

Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri who later took the screen name, of Jagdeep, started his cinematic career as a child artist in 1951, after featuring in a movie called Afsana.

He then went on to work in films like Ab Dilli Door Nahin, Munna, Do Bigha Zamin and Aar Paar.

Jagdeep's golden patch would begin with GP Sippy's 1968 film Brahmachari, starring Shammi Kapoor. His comic role in the film was widely appreciated.

Through the seventies, eighties and the nineties, he became a familiar face in Hindi films, essaying the goofy funnyman in film after film.

His last-released film is Masti Nahi Sasti in 2017. The Ali Abbas Chaudhary-directed comedy also featured Kader Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Johnny Lever and Prem Chopra.

Tributes poured in on social media from Jagdeep’s co-star and colleagues. 

Deepest condolences on the sad demise of veteran actor, comedian par excellence, iconic #Jagdeep. He was a great human being & very down to earth. I was not only his neighbour during my initial years but also bought my first car 'Austin' from him. I had the privilege of working

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) July 9, 2020

Thank you #Jagdeep sahab for enriching our lives with laughter and happiness that will be cherished for a lifetime. Rest In peace Sir. Deepest Condolences to the family, friends and millions of his fans(just like me). pic.twitter.com/jyrKFHq9Hw

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) July 9, 2020

My first film & the first time I ever faced the camera, was in the film #yehrishtanatoote with the legend himself #Jagdeep bhai. We will miss you...May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏽 Our prayers & deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/uhBjYSZdVe

— Johny Lever (@iamjohnylever) July 8, 2020

One comedian to another comedian ✉️ I love @jaavedjaaferi , @NavedJafri_BOO because of U #Jagdeep sir 🙏 I love lots of movie because of U Jagdeep sir 🙏 but I don't like आप हमे ऐसे केसे छोड़ के चले गए #SoormaBhopali, 😢 U devoted whole life to hindi cinema
You are #Kaamyaab 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/KS3Twiw2Cx

— Sanjay Mishra (@imsanjaimishra) July 8, 2020

Always made us smile. Rest In Peace. #Jagdeep pic.twitter.com/CnLdkTewaQ

— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) July 9, 2020