Mohabbatein actor Jugal Hansraj almost completes half a century These lesser known facts about him will leave you surprised

The green-eyed lad who made a stunning debut with Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Mohabbatein turns 49 today. Jugal Hansraj, who was already a darling since he worked in Naseeruddin Shah’s Masoom, rose to fame with his role in Mohabbatein. Though the actor has stayed away from much of the glitz and glamor of Bollywood, he continues to win the hearts of his fans. Here are some of the lesser known facts about rhim which you probably didn’t know…

A child artist

Jugal Hansraj made his acting debut as a child artist in the much celebrated movie of the time, Masoom (1983). Directed by Shekhar Gupta, it starred Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi in leading roles. The actor then also appeared in Kamra (1986) and Sultanat (1986).

As a child, Hansraj also appeared as a model in print and television during his initial days. He had prominent appearances in commercials. The actor, in an earlier interview, had stated that he had been shooting for print ads and magazines a week before his second birthday.

Remember the man in the song Ghar Se Nikalte Hi? Meet Jugal Hansraj.

It may come as a surprise to most of the young population of our times that the original song of ‘Ghar Se Nikalte Hi’ features Hansraj as the lead. The song was part of the movie ‘Papa Kehte Hai’ opposite Mayuri Kango. The movie didn’t fare well at the ticket windows but the actor says that he became very popular after the release of the song and was easily recognized on streets. A remix version of the song was released in 2018. Popular singer Armaan Malik revamped the song and the new version was also a big hit.

Hansraj also did some cameo appearances in other big banner films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Salaam Namaste and Aaja Nachle.

Did you know Jugal Hansraj composed eight lines in the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai title track?

Jugal is a childhood friend of producer Karan Johar and has worked in his production house Dharma Productions. The actor also composed the first eight lines in the title track of Johar’s directorial debut movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The song is still very popular and the actor has also sung it for his followers on Instagram. Also, the antaras from the 'Mohabbatein' song, 'Chalte Chalte' were composed by him.

In another interview, Jugal shared how it was not his intention to stay away from limelight but the choices that he made brought a misfortune to his career. The actor stated that he had signed 36 movies which never got made and that created a setback in his career.

Jugal Hansraj, the director

After giving acting a hard push, Hansraj became a director. He made his directorial debut with the animated film Roadside Romeo (2008) which received the National Award for Best Direction (Animation Film). It was the first major motion picture to come out of India and it was extremely successful all over the world. The movie continues to be hailed as a significant milestone in animation in Indian Cinema.

Personal life and turning children’s book writer

Jugal married Jasmine Dhillon, an NRI investment banker from New York, in July 2016. The actor is also a doting father to his baby boy named Sidak and he seldom posts his pictures online. Reportedly, Jugal and Jasmine intend to shield their son from show business.

The actor-director is also an accomplished writer. Her published his first book ‘Cross Connections'. In 2017 and recently launched his second book ‘Coward and the Sword-The Big Circus Adventure’. The actor is a children’s book writer and credits his son to be the inspiration behind his writing.

Well, it’s quite evident that Hansraj is a multi-talented artist who’s not afraid to try his hands at new things.