Bollywood mourns demise of legendary actor Jagdeep
The Sholay and Andaz Apna Apna actor passed away at 81 on Wednesday

Bollywood celebrities have mourned the demise of veteran actor-comedian Jagdeep. The actor passed away due to age-related issues in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 81.
Jagdeep, whose real name was Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, is best known for his appearance as Soorma Bhopali in Sholay (1975). He had also appeared in films like Purana Mandir (1984), Shahenshah (1998) and Andaz Apna Apna (1994). Jagdeep had started out as a child artist in BR Chopra’s Afsana, also appearing in K. A. Abbas’ Munna, Guru Dutt's Aar Paar and Bimal Roy's Do Bigha Zamin. In 1988, he directed the Sholay spin-off Soorma Bhopali, based on his own iconic character. His last role was in the 2017 comedy Masti Nahi Sasti.
Jagdeep is the father of Bollywood actor Jaaved Jafferi and television director Naved Jaffery. He is the grandfather of actor Meezaan Jafferi.
Mourning his demise, Anil Kapoor wrote,
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
Ajay Devgn tweeted,
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
Abhishek Bachchan shared,
May you rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank you for filling our lives with smiles.
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 8, 2020
Shilpa Shetty remembered working with the actor on Rishtey (2002).
Extremely saddened by the news of Jagdeep ji’s demise.
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) July 9, 2020
I had the good fortune to share screen space with him in Rishtey, such wonderful comic timing, in his inimitable style and an even more wonderful human being pic.twitter.com/1If675uKkZ
Ayushmann Khurrana paid tribute to the iconic entertainer.
RIP #Jagdeep sir!
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) July 8, 2020
Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/yzLdD7qWfy
Farhan Akhtar wrote,
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
Javed Akhtar shared,
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