Sanjeev Kumar: An actor who won hearts, on and off screen

Sanjeev Kumar’s real name was Harihar Jethalal Jariwala

Sanjeev Kumar was born on July 9, 1938, to father Jethalal Jariwala and mother Zaverben Jethalal Jariwala. Originally named Harihar Jethalal Jariwala, he was born in Surat and belonged to a Patidar family. He had two younger brothers and one sister. The family later settled down in Mumbai.

Khilona won him national recognition

Sanjeev Kumar got his big breakthrough and national recognition with the 1970 Chander Vohra’s directorial Khilona. This was a remake of the Gujarati film Mare Javu Pele Paar. He went on to win praise for his acting in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Biwi O Biwi and Pati, Patni Aur Woh and Angoor, in which he was loveable.

Sanjeev Kumar received two National Awards for acting

The actor received two National Awards for his performances in the films Dastak and Koshish. In the latter, he played a deaf and a mute person. The actor collaborated with lyricist Gulzar for nine films, the first being Parichay, which released in 1972.

Sanjeev Kumar starred in Punjabi, Gujarati and Tamil films

The legendary actor appeared in regional cinema as well. He featured in the Gujarati film Kalapi, which released in 1966. He even made a special appearance in the Tamil film Bharata Vilas in 1973. He featured in a song for that film. He was also seen in the Punjabi film Fauji Chacha in 1980.

A single man, rumoured to have romanced several leading ladies

The actor remained single all his life. Rumours about his affairs with actors Hema Malini and Sulakshana Pandit were rife, but no official statement was ever released by any of them. It is also speculated that actor Sulakshana remained unmarried due to her love for Sanjeev Kumar.

Over 10 films of Sanjeev Kumar were release post his death

After surviving a heart attack in the US, he once again suffered it, and succumbed to it in 1985. He was 47. More than 10 of his films were released in theatres after his death.