Beloved Bollywood comedy actor Jagdeep died at home in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, aged 81.
The news was confirmed to Press Trust of India (PTI) by his friend, producer Mehmood Ali, who said: "He passed away at 8.30pm at his residence in Bandra. He was not keeping well due to age-related issues."
Jagdeep, who was born Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri, started out as a child actor in the 1950s, in BR Chopra's Afsana. By 1957 he had made his mark on the Indian film industry with his role of Billu in Bhabhi.
In total, he starred in more than 400 films, including Sholay (1975), Purana Mandir (1984) and Andaz Apna Apna (1994); he also turned his hand to directing 1998's Soorma Bhopali, in which he played the title role.
Jagdeep's death mourned by Bollywood stars on Twitter
Shivaay star Ajay Devgn wrote: "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."
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 wrote: "May you rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank you for filling our lives with smiles."
May you rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank you for filling our lives with smiles. 🙏🏽
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 8, 2020
Anil Kapoor paid tribute to Jagdeep, saying: "Jagdeep Saab was one of the greatest actors of India ... He was always extremely supportive and encouraging ... sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to my friend Javed & family."
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
Director Mahesh Bhatt gave a touching tribute, writing: "He was a rainbow in our sky! Filled our life with laughter. An outstanding actor. Goodbye, sir!"
Actor and equestrian sportsman Randeep Hooda concisely wrote: "Thank you for all the entertainment."
Rest in peace #Jagdeep saab .. thank you for all the entertainment 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/S4uTY8kyyp
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) July 8, 2020
Indian politician Rukshmani Kumari wrote: "May his soul rest in peace! One of my favourite actors and the best comedian in the history of Indian cinema!"
May his soul rest in peace! One of my favourite actor and the best comedian in the history of Indian Cinema! #Jagdeep pic.twitter.com/LXM3Mqsdpw
— Rukshmanii kumari (@KumariRukshmani) July 8, 2020
Many, including Manoj Bajpai, reflected on their warm memories watching Jagdeep on screen. Bajpai wrote: "Thank you for all the memories that I have watching your films and performances in my childhood! You will be missed by us all."
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
Dhoom star John Abraham wrote: "Always made us smile. Rest in peace."
Always made us smile. Rest In Peace. #Jagdeep pic.twitter.com/CnLdkTewaQ
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) July 9, 2020
Actress Esha Gupta said: "You’ve taught us what comedy is, and we still look up to you. We knew the the moment you’ll appear on screen that it’ll be a laugh riot, but you always left your audience with a lot of emotions ... [there's] no one like you".
Comic Johny Lever reflected on working with Jagdeep: "My first film and the first time I ever faced the camera, was in the film [Yeh Rishta Na Tootay (1981)] with the legend himself #Jagdeep bhai. We will miss you."
My first film & the first time I ever faced the camera, was in the film #yehrishtanatoote with the legend himself #Jagdeep bhai. We will miss you...May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏽 Our prayers & deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/uhBjYSZdVe
— Johny Lever (@iamjohnylever) July 8, 2020
Divya Dutta wrote: "He was a legend, with impeccable comic timing, he'll be always remembered for the laughs he gave his audience."
He wasa legend., with impeccable comic timing., he l be always remembered for the laughs he gave his audience. I’ll
— Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) July 9, 2020
Also remember him as a very kind and affectionate person. RIP #Jagdeep saab.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/lBwiZ3asxC
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