Bollywood mourns demise of ‘Soorma Bhopali’ Jagdeep

Bollywood actor Jagdeep passed away on Wednesday following age-related ailments. Fans of Hindi cinema will remember him as Soorma Bhopali in the cult classic film Sholay.

Celebrities and fans are taking to social media to mourn his demise and pay tributes to the actor-comedian whose real name is Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri. Better known by his stage name Jagdeep, the actor also directed the movie Soorma Bhopali with his character as the protagonist. He is survived by two sons—Javed and Naved.

Remembering his co-star of many films including Sholay and Shahenshah, Amitabh Bachchab wrote on his blog: “Jagdeep .. the actor of exceptional comedic repertoire, passed away .. He had crafted a unique individual style of his own .. and I had the honour of working with him in several films .. the more prominent ones in the eyes of the audience being Sholay and Shahenshah.”

Javed Akhtar said he was a great underused talent. “Jagdeep saheb had first appeared on the screen as a winsome child Artiste in films like Do bigha Zameen .

Jagdeep saheb had first appeared on the screen as a winsome child Artiste in films like Do bigha Zameen . As a young man he played highly emotional n dramatic roles in films like Bhabi , patang . Comedy was his second successful inning . Great talent , underused . Good bye sir .

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 9, 2020

Actor Farhan Akhtar thanked Jagdeep for the years of entertainment and laughs, and offered condolences to Javed and Naved Jaafri. He tweeted

RIP Jagdeep Sahab .. thank you for the years of entertainment and laughs. Deepest condolences to Javed, Naved & the family.

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) July 9, 2020

Shatrughan Sinha shared fond memories with the late actor, who was his neighbour. Sinha tweeted

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

Jagdeep appeared in around 400 films in Bollywood.