It was on this very day exactly 30 years ago that Indian cinema lost one of its most gifted performers when the iconic Sanjeev Kumar passed away after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 47.
A versatile actor in every sense of the word, ‘Hari Bhai’ floored all and sundry, courtesy his flawless understanding of characters and subdued yet intense style of acting. Moreover, the star also exhibited the unique ability to pull off aging/mature characters with absolute ease. Today, let us pay tribute to Sanjeev Kumar and revisit some of his most unforgettable big screen outings.
Sholay: A blockbuster in every sense of the word, ‘Sholay’ saw Sanjeev Kumar essay a character that helped him become an inseparable part of the glorious history of Indian cinema—Takur Baldev Singh. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film is perhaps best remembered for the crackling rapport between the actor and Amjad Khan as well as its pulsating screenplay. Released in 1975, it also featured Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead.
Aandhi: Touted as a political-drama, ‘Aandhi’ revolved around the turbulent relationship between a hotel manager and his highly ambitious wife who ends up becoming a political leader. Released in 1975, it saw Sanjeev Kumar underplay his part with utmost and effortless ease, bagging a Filmfare award along the way. Moreover, he also struck up an excellent on screen rapport with his co-star Suchitra Sen.
Koshish: Serving as strong proof of Sanjeev Kumar’s abilities as an actor, ‘Koshish’ saw him play the role of a deaf and mute simpleton. Needless to say, he did full justice to the role letting his expressive eyes and heart wrenching expressions take the limelight. Directed by Gulzar, the film helped him bag a National award,
Trishul: Gripping and pulsating in every sense of the word, ‘Trishul’ created quite a buzz amongst movie buffs because of the numerous intense sequences involving Sanjeev Kumar and his onscreen son Amitabh Bachchan. A major commercial success, this Yash Chopra-directed drama helped ‘Hari Bhai’ bag a Filmfare nomination. Interestingly, ‘Trishul’ was later on remade in Tamil as ‘Mr Bharath’ with Sathyraj essaying Sanjeev’s role from the original.
Arjun Pandit: Continuing Sanjeev Kumar’s tryst with mature roles, ‘Arjun Pandit’ featured him in the role of an aged ailing man. A critical success, it added a new dimension to the actor’s career, enabling him to win a Filmfare award.
Angoor: Featuring Sanjeev Kumar in a double role, ‘Angoor’ served as strong proof of his flawless comic timing and incredible range as a performer. Based on Shakespeare’s ‘Comedy of Errors’, it also featured Deven Verma and Moushimi Chaterjee in pivotal roles.
Naya Din Nayi Raat: A Sanjeev Kumar show all the way, ‘Naya Din Nayi Raat’ starred him in 9 different roles.. Making full use of the opportunity, the actor got into skin of each and every character, exhibiting his full range as a performer. As it so happens, the film was a remake of the Tamil drama ‘Navrathri’ which had Sivaji Ganesan in the lead.
Dastak: It was in 1970 that Sanjeev Kumar proved he was more than ready to experiment with hi onscreen image when he starred in ‘Dastak’. Revolving around a young couple who rent an apartment in a red light area, the Rajinder Singh Bedi-directed venture helped him bag his first National award and cement his legacy.
Khilona: The film that established Sanjeev Kumar as a mainstream hero, ‘Khilona’ created a stir in the industry thanks to its gripping plot and relatable performances. Essaying the role of a mentally retarded poet, Sanjeev stole the show with his perfect body language and onscreen mannerisms.
Pati Patni Aur Woh: A hilarious yet intelligent comedy, ‘Pati Patni Aur Who’ focused on extra-maritial affairs. Directed by Basu Chaterjee, it enjoys a cult following thanks to the evergreen ‘Thande Thande Pani’ song as well as Sanjeev Kumar’s animated performance.
Comments
0 comment