Jumping Jack Jeetendra turns 72
The original 'Himmatwala' of the Hindi film industry turned 72 today. He was born on April 7, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab to Amarnath and Krishna Kapoor and was knows as Ravi Kapoor before being popular as Jeetendra.
The original 'Himmatwala' of the Hindi film industry turned 72 today. He was born on April 7, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab to Amarnath and Krishna Kapoor and was knows as Ravi Kapoor before being popular as Jeetendra.
He started his acting career in 1959 with 'Navrang', directed by V Shantaram. His first hit film 'Geet Gaya Patharon Ne' (1964) was also direcetd by V Shantaram.
In a career of almost three decade - from 1959 to to 1990s - he worked with actress like Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha.
Over the years, Jeetendra developed a unique dancing style, which was not conventional but was completely in sync with the tunes and thus he was given the name 'Jumping Jack'.
Movies like 'Parichay', 'Himmatwala' and 'The Burning Train' are still remembered as some of the best movies of Bollywood.
Jeetendra was linked to dreamgirl Hema Malini. There were reports that they almost got married, but she backed out.
Jeetendra then married Shobha Kapoor.
His daughter - Ekta Kapoor - and son - Tusshar Kapoor - are also members of the film fraternity. While Tusshar is an actor, Ekta runs Balaji Telefilms and Balaji Motion Pictures.
The actor is due for a big honour this year. According to reports, the yesteryear superstar and prominent film producer will be conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Here's wishing Jeetendra a very Happy Birthday and many more years of success and good health.