Veteran Bollywood actor Jagdeep (Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri) passes away at 81

[July 8, 2020] Veteran Bollywood actor/comedian Jagdeep has passed away at the age of 81 in India as per media reports. Jagdeep’s original name was Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey, and he was well recognized and won accolades for the character of Soorma Bhopali from the blockbuster hit Sholay.

The late actor, Jagdeep has two sons, Javed Jaffrey and Naved Jaffrey who is a television producer.

Bollywood stars and media took to Twitter on hearing the news and expressed sadness.

https://t.co/QZGSYBcXo4 ….tum bhi chale gaye ….sadme ke baad sadma….. Jannat naseeb ho …..tumhein ?
— Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam) July 9, 2020

Deepest Condolences on the demise of Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey Saheb #Jagdeep Ji. Blessed to have walked few steps with this great soul in his 400 films long journey. Always marvelled at his impeccable comic timing & versatility. His place in our hearts is forever. RIP Sir. pic.twitter.com/F6lJflfmBn
— Raj Babbar (@RajBabbarMP) July 8, 2020

Heard the sad news of Jagdeep Saab’s demise. Always enjoyed watching him on screen. He brought so much joy to the audience. My deepest condolences to Jaaved and all members of the family. Prayers for Jagdeep Saab’s soul?
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 8, 2020

Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India…I was his huge fan & was lucky enough to have worked with him in Ek Baar Kaho & many more films…he was always extremely supportive & encouraging…sending my heartfelt condolences & prayers to my friend Javed & family… pic.twitter.com/0ZXsridyL8
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) July 8, 2020

Rest in peace Jagdeep sahab !! ?Thank you for all the memories that I have watching your films and performances in my childhood!! You will be missed by us all!! Condolences to the family!!!??
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) July 8, 2020

RIP Jagdeep Sahab … Remember shooting with you during Life Partner and cracking up with laughter all through the scene.. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have got that chance to work with you..
All my condolences to the family
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) July 8, 2020

? RIP #Jagdeep sir!
Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/yzLdD7qWfy
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) July 8, 2020

Born on March 29, 1939 as Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey in Amritsar, Jagdeep acted in over 400 films. He is best known for his role of Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster “Sholay” (1975). New-generation Bollywood buffs would recall him as Salman Khan’s father in Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Andaaz Apna Apna” (1994).

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.

Cover Photo: Jagdeep (center) as Soorma Bhopali in the Film ‘Sholay’ with Amitabh Bachchan (Rt) and Dharmendra Deol (Lt)