Sanjeev Kumar was one of the most talented and versatile actors in Hindi cinema. Known for his powerful performances and ability to play a wide range of characters, he left a lasting impression on Indian film lovers. Sadly, he passed away at the young age of 47, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable films.
Sanjeev Kumar was not afraid to take on challenging roles. What surprised many was that he often played characters much older than his actual age—sometimes even fatherly or elderly roles—when he was still in his 30s. Many fans and co-stars were curious about this unusual choice, and the real reason behind it was both emotional and tragic.
According to India.com, Hanif Zaveri shared a touching moment in his book An Actor’s Actor: The Authorised Biography of Sanjeev Kumar. He mentioned a conversation between Sanjeev Kumar and actress Tabassum. When Tabassum asked him why he chose to play older roles so early in his career, his reply shocked her.
Sanjeev Kumar said, “I’m not going to turn old, as I will not live beyond 50, much like the men in my family. So, I might as well experience old age on screen.”
This statement turned out to be sadly true. Kumar died of a heart attack in 1985, just before turning 48. Before his death, he had already undergone bypass surgery after suffering an earlier heart attack. His family had a history of heart-related deaths, and his two brothers also passed away before reaching the age of 50—his younger brother Nikul died before him, while his other brother Kishore passed away just six months later.
Despite his short life, Sanjeev Kumar earned several major awards, including two National Film Awards for his roles in Dastak and Koshish. He is best remembered for playing Thakur in the classic film Sholay, where his performance became iconic. His impressive filmography also includes Angoor, Arjun Pandit, Trishul, Naya Din Nai Raat, Aandhi, and Pati Patni Aur Woh.
Even after his passing, his fans continued to see him on the big screen. Some of his movies were released posthumously, although they were not fully completed because of his sudden death. One such film was Professor Ki Padosan, which came out in 1993. At the time of his death, nearly 75% of the film had been shot. The filmmakers changed the story in the second half to explain his absence. The movie also starred Asha Parekh, Padmini Kolhapure, and Shekhar Suman.
Sanjeev Kumar’s life was full of incredible performances and emotional depth. His choice to play older men came from a place of painful truth. His story reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the power of cinema to leave a mark that lasts forever.
For more such updates, stay tuned to DNA Bollywood!
