Veteran actor Jeetendra‘s journey in Indian cinema is a tale of resilience and determination, marked by both highs and lows. Born Ravi Kapoor, he stumbled into acting almost serendipitously, transitioning from his family’s jewelry business to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Bollywood. His debut in the industry with “Geet Gaya Patharon Ne” in 1964 set the stage for a prolific career that spanned decades.
During his prime, the 82-year-old actor would often have 8-10 film releases in a year. Notably, many of his movies featured actresses Jaya Prada and Sridevi, whom he fondly referred to as his ‘bread and butter.’
However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Jeetendra. Despite being a prominent figure in the industry, he faced a major setback with the failure of his ambitious project, “Deedar-E-Yaar,” in 1982. The film, which took five years to complete and boasted a star-studded cast including Rishi Kapoor, Rekha, and Tina Munim, bombed at the box office, causing Jeetendra significant financial loss.
In his own words, Jeetendra described how the success of “Himmatwala,” directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and featuring the iconic pairing of Jeetendra and Sridevi, acted as a turning point in his career. The film’s roaring success not only helped him bounce back from his previous setbacks but also solidified his position as a bankable star in the industry.
“I was so happy when he (Raghavendra Rao) said Sridevi was going to star next to me. I used to call Sridevi and Jaya Prada my bread and butter,” said Jeetendra.
It’s noteworthy that Jeetendra’s association with Sridevi proved to be particularly fruitful. Their on-screen chemistry became the stuff of legend, leading to a string of superhit films. The duo starred together in a remarkable 16 films, with an impressive 13 of them turning out to be superhits. Their collaboration became so iconic that they were sought after to star in numerous projects together.
Sridevi, too, found herself propelled into stardom with the success of “Himmatwala.” However, she candidly acknowledged the industry’s penchant for glamorous roles, which sometimes overshadowed her versatility as an actress. Despite her desire for more nuanced roles, she embraced her image as a glamorous icon, earning her the moniker “Thunder Things” after the success of the song “Naino Mein Sapna” from “Himmatwala.”
Throughout his career, Jeetendra remained grateful for the love and support he received from the Telugu film industry, particularly from filmmakers like LV Prasad. Their encouragement and patronage played a pivotal role in helping Jeetendra navigate through the challenges he faced during his career.
Jeetendra’s journey from a jeweler to a Bollywood icon is a testament to his resilience, talent, and the enduring power of collaboration in the world of cinema. His association with Sridevi and the Telugu film industry played pivotal roles in shaping his illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
To stay updated with the latest Bollywood news, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook and visit masala.com, which is updated daily.
