Veteran actor-comedian Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri popularly known as Jagdeep has died in Mumbai at the age of 81. He was best known for his iconic role as Soorma Bhopali in Sholay starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan.
The legendary actor, who’s survived by sons Jaaved Jaaferi and Naved Jaaferi, died at his residence in Mumbai.
“He passed away at 8.30 pm at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well due to age related issues,” producer Mehmood Ali, a close family friend, was quoted by news agency PTI.
No sooner did the news of his death emerge, Twitterati began to pay their tributes to Soorma Bhopali on the microblogging site Twitter.
RIP Soorma Bhopali. In a career spanning several decades, Jagdeep did many fine roles but will be best remembered by the character he played in Sholay. Deep condolences to Javed Jaffrey and family.. RIP..
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 8, 2020
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri (Jagdeep Ji) Jinhay Hum Log “Soorma Bhopali” Ji kay naam say jantay thay, wo hamray beech nahi rahay, I remember what he said once “Aao hastay hastay aur jao hastay hastay” You will be alive in our memories Jagdeep ji, love you. pic.twitter.com/S9Lc8ntafl
— teawithdev (@teawithdev) July 8, 2020
Extremely sorry for your untimely loss @jaavedjaaferi, @NavedJafri_BOO and family. Jagdeep ji was a legendary comedian and left smiles on million faces. So Long our Soorma Bhopali ????. Om Shanti ?? pic.twitter.com/5f5rJto1QO
— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) July 8, 2020
Legendary actor Jagdeep dies at 81.
He is the 5th bollywood icon to have died in under 3 months after Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput & Saroj Khan.
Soorma Bhopali would live foreover!
— Saahil Murli Menghani (@saahilmenghani) July 8, 2020
Jagdeep acted in nearly 400 films but it is his role as Soorma Bhopali in 1975 film Sholay that left an ever-lasting imprint on people’s memory.
The year 2020 has been tragic for Bollywood as the Hindi film industry lost several big names including Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Wajid Khan of Sajid-Wajid music duo, filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, actor Sushant Singh Rajput and Saroj Khan among others.
