Veteran Bollywood star late Raaj Kumar was born on October 8, 1926 in Loralai in Baluchistan. The real name of Raaj Kumar was Kulbhushan Nath Pandit. He was from a Kashmiri Hindu family. He moved to Mumbai in the late 1940s and began to work as a sub-inspector in the Mumbai Police. In his career, he has done many memorable films like Waqt, Pakeezah, Mother India, Tirangaa, Neel Kamal to name a few. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, here is some trivia on him.

Actor by Chance

Raaj Kumar was working in Mumbai and once went to see a movie at Mumbai’s now iconic Metro Cinema. There, he was spotted by Sohrab Modi, who offered him a film. He refused the offer but finally made his Bollywood debut with Rangeeli, that released in 1952.

Inter-Faith Marriage

He fell in love with Jennifer, an Anglo-Indian airhostess when he was on a flight. Raaj Kumar was so head over heels in love with Jennifer that he convinced her for marriage. She changed her name to Gayatri Kumar. Raaj Kumar was an extremely devoted husband and gifted his wife two huge bungalows, one in Juhu and one on Worli Sea Face. His beloved wife had selected both the properties. Gayatri Kumar passed away in 2023 at the age of 69.

Raaj Kumar With the Cast and Crew of Yash Chopra’s 'Waqt'

 

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Love for Kashmir

Raaj Kumar was very fond of his Kashmiri roots. Every year, he would spend more than a month in the valley in a cottage made of wood. He enjoyed playing golf, horse-riding and went for treks with his wife Jennifer. At times, he would call friends over from different parts of India to celebrate his wife’s birthday.

Meena Kumari and Raaj Kumar’s 'Pakeezah' Is a Classic

 

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Doting Husband

Late Raaj Kumar’s co-stars have testified how he was absolutely crazy about his wife, Jennifer. For him, she was the most beautiful woman in this world. As per an anecdote, the star would drive her down to Peddar Road so that she could enjoy her favourite snacks. They also loved to read together.

True-blue Star

Many producers and directors have spoken about how the late actor had a very uncompromising nature. His clashes with Raj Kapoor and Manmohan Desai are quite famous. Late Raaj Kumar acted in around 70 films in his career.

He passed away due to throat cancer on July 3, 1996. Raaj Kumar is survived by two sons and a daughter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2024 08:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).