Veteran actor Jagdeep, the 'Soorma Bhopali' of Bollywood died at the age of 81 in Mumbai. The news of sudden demise has sent shockwaves in the industry, as we all know how Bollywood has lost many talented stars in 2020. The reason behind Jagdeep's death is still not known as an official statement from his family is awaited, but the actor hasn't been keeping well for some years. Jagdeep's real name is Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri. In his long-spanning career in Bollywood, he was moreover known as a comedian and Ramesh Sippy's Sholay is one of the popular movies of the actor. However, little did fans know that he started his career as a child artist with BR Chopra's Afsana. Jagdeep, The Soorma Bhopali Of Bollywood, Dies At 81. 

Also not many know that before making a mark as a comedian, Jagdeep actually was a leading man in films like Bhabhi, Barkha and Bindaya. Another lesser-known fact about the late actor is that he once made former PM Jawaharlal Nehru happy by his stellar performance in the film, Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke, in which he was a child artiste. Nehru had gifted him his personal staff as a token of appreciation. RIP Jagdeep: Throwback Pictures of the Veteran Actor With His Sons, Jaaved and Naved Jafri that Will Take You Back in Time. 

Jagdeep also had worn the filmmaker's hat by directing a film titled as Soorma Bhopali. This particular movie also had special appearances from Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Dharmendra.

While he was prevalent in the '60s, '70s and the 80s, Jagdeep did fewer movies in the '90s with his most popular films being Phool Aur Kaante, Andaz Apna Apna and China Gate. Health Issues also prevented him from taking up more work. Jagdeep's last film was the 2017 film Masti Nahi Sasti, that also starred Kader Khan and Johnny Lever. Jagdeep Passes Away: From Sholay to Andaz Apna Apna, 5 Truly Funny Scenes of the Veteran Comedian That Will Keep Us in Smiles for Years (Watch Videos).

Speaking about his personal life, Jagdeep was married thrice. Jaaved Jaafri's mother, Sughra Begam, was actually his second wife. From his first marriage, he has three children - a son Hussein Jaffrey, who is no more, and two daughters, Shakira Shafi and Suraiya. Jagdeep later married Nazima, from which he had a daughter, Muskaan.

The actor may no longer be with us, but his comic legacy will continue to be cherished by fans forever. Rest in Peace, Jagdeep saheb!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2020 12:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).