Jeetendra, born Ravi Kapoor on April 7th, 1942, is a veteran actor and producer in the Indian film industry, known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is considered to be one of the most successful actors in the 1970s and 1980s, and has appeared in over 200 films throughout his career.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jeetendra was born in Amritsar, Punjab, and grew up in a middle-class family. After completing his education, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in the film industry. His first job in the industry was as an apprentice with noted filmmaker V. Shantaram.
| Early Life | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ravi Kapoor |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Spouse | Shobha Kapoor |
| Children | Ekta Kapoor (daughter), Tusshar Kapoor (son) |
Rise to Fame in Bollywood
Jeetendra made his acting debut in 1964 with the film “Navrang”, but it was his role in the 1967 film “Farz” that catapulted him to stardom. He went on to work in several successful films such as “Jeene Ki Raah”, “Jigri Dost”, “Parichay”, “Khushboo”, “Dharam Veer”, and “Himmatwala”, among others. He was particularly known for his pairing with actress Sridevi, with whom he appeared in 16 films.
Jeetendra Acting Style and Iconic Roles
Jeetendra was known for his unique acting style, which was a mix of drama and comedy. He was particularly adept at playing the role of the common man who rises to become a hero. His iconic roles include the characters he played in films such as “Parichay”, “Khilona”, and “Caravan”.
Achievements and Awards
Jeetendra has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the Indian film industry. He has won several awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2004, and the Legend of Indian Cinema Award at the 2018 New York Indian Film Festival. He was also the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2000 to 2004.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award | 2003 |
| Padma Shri | 2004 |
| Legend of Indian Cinema Award (New York Indian Film Festival) | 2018 |
| Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement | 1999 |
| IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award | 2005 |
| Screen Lifetime Achievement Award | 2005 |
| Bengal Film Journalists’ Association – Lifetime Achievement Award | 2004 |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award – Lifetime Achievement Award | 2015 |
| Zee Gold Bollywood Lifetime Achievement Award | 2007 |
| Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award (Bollywood Festival Norway) | 2012 |
Life Beyond the Silver Screen
In addition to his acting career, Jeetendra has also ventured into film production. He produced several successful films under his production company, including “Geet Gaata Chal”, “Dharam Veer”, and “Farz”. He also served as the chairman of the Balaji Telefilms, a television production company founded by his daughter Ekta Kapoor.
Happy 80th Birthday, Jeetendra!
On the occasion of Jeetendra’s 80th birthday, we celebrate the life and achievements of this Bollywood icon. From his humble beginnings to his rise to stardom, Jeetendra’s journey is an inspiration to many. We wish him good health, happiness, and many more years of success in all his endeavors. Happy Birthday, Jeetendra!