Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubilee Kumar' during the 1960s when he starred in several commercially successful films. [3]
Rajendra Kumar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rajendra Kumar Tuli 20 July 1927[1] |
| Died | 12 July 1999 (aged 71) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1949–1998 |
| Spouse | Shukla Kumar (?–1999) |
| Children | 3 including Kumar Gaurav |
| Relatives | Raju Patel (son-in-law) Ramesh Behl (nephew) O. P. Ralhan (brother-in-law) |
| Honours | Padma Shri (1970)[2] |
He also produced several films starring his son Kumar Gaurav. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1970.
Career
Rajendra Kumar was born in a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family in Sialkot, in the Punjab province of British India.[4] His grandfather was a successful military contractor and his father had a textile business in Karachi, Sindh, British India. During the Partition of India, the family had to leave all the land and property behind and move to India. When they came to Bombay, Kumar decided to try his luck in the Hindi film industry. He never wanted to be a hero and took up work with director H. S. Rawail as an assistant. For nearly five years, he worked with Rawail as an assistant in films like Patanga, Sagai, Pocket Maar.
During this time, he made his film debut with a cameo in the 1949 film Patanga, followed by a small role in Kidar Sharma's 1950 film Jogan, opposite Dilip Kumar and Nargis. It was producer Devendra Goel who noticed Kumar in Jogan and gave him a break in Vachan in 1955. Kumar was paid only fifteen hundred rupees for the film; however, the film was a hit and was Kumar's first silver jubilee film and he was given a title – 'A star is Born'.[5] He got further success with his supporting role in Mehboob Khan's blockbuster epic film Mother India in 1957 in which he played Nargis's character's son. His first major success as a romantic leading man was in Amit Saxena's musical Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959), co-starring Ameeta.
The 1960s saw Kumar rise to stardom. There were times when he had six or seven films which had run for more than 25 weeks (known in India as a "silver jubilee film"), all running at the cinema at the same time, which rendered him the nickname "Jubilee Kumar".[6] He starred in many box office hits including Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Gharana (1961), Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Mere Mehboob (1963), Sangam (1964), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Arzoo (1965), Suraj (1966), Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan (1968), Talash (1969) and Ganwaar (1970). He received the Filmfare Nomination for Best Actor for Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Arzoo (1965), and as Best Supporting Actor for Sangam (1964).[7] He also starred in K. Asif's incomplete film Sasta Khoon Mehanga Paani co- starring Saira Banu. His brother Naresh Kumar directed him in films like Gora Aur Kala (1972) and Do Jasoos (1975).
From 1972 onwards, he faced competition from Rajesh Khanna and many of his films were flops. He then switched to character roles in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was offered a role in the film Saajan Bina Suhaagan opposite Nutan in 1978 which was a success. He also starred in a number of Punjabi films like Do Sher and Teri Meri Ik Jindri.
In 1981, Rajendra introduced his son Kumar Gaurav in the film Love Story which he produced and also starred in. The film was declared a blockbuster.[8] Rajendra produced a few other films starring his son but none matched the success of Love Story with the exception of the 1986 film Naam, which featured his son starring alongside Sanjay Dutt. His last production was the 1993 film Phool which also didn't do well. In 1995, he acted in the television serials Andaz and Vansh which were his last acting roles.
Personal life
He married Shukla of the Behl family of Hindi films, a sister of Ramesh Behl and Shyam Behl and aunt of their sons Goldie Behl and Ravi Behl.[9] He and Shukla had a son and two daughters. His son Kumar Gaurav also had a brief acting career. His daughter Dimple was married to Hollywood film producer Raju Patel. His sister Manorama was married to Indian film producer O. P. Ralhan. His younger brother was film director Naresh Kumar.
Kumar acted with Sunil Dutt and Nargis in the film Mother India (1957) where Sunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar played sons of Nargis's character. He had a special relationship with Dutt and used to actively participate in campaigning for him, whenever the latter used to contest for elections. Dutt quoted as having said that "Even though Rajendra Kumar did not win any award throughout his career, he was one of the most genuine human beings I have ever encountered. When I was struggling with the troubles related to the arrest of my son Sanjay Dutt and my house was repeatedly being searched by means of numerous police raids, Rajendra Kumar was the one who came to my rescue by staying at my house and ensuring that raids were conducted using due procedures, false evidences were not planted in the house and valuables were not stolen." Kumar was best friends with Raj Kapoor, so much so that his son Kumar Gaurav was engaged to the latter's daughter, Reema. However, their friendship fell apart after their children broke the engagement and Kumar Gaurav married Sunil Dutt and Nargis's daughter Namrata.
Death
Known to refuse taking any medication, he died at the age of 71 on 12 July 1999, just a day after his son's 43rd birthday, and just 8 days before his 72nd birthday. He died of cardiac arrest in his sleep.[10]
Honours and recognitions
- Rajendra Kumar was honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 1970.
- He was also conferred with Justice of Peace honour and served as Honorary Magistrate.
- He was awarded the National Honour by late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru simultaneously for Kanoon (Hindi) and Mehndi Rang Lagyo (Gujarati film).
- He received a special Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and was associated with several charity schemes.[11]
Awards and nominations
Filmfare Awards
Rajendra Kumar was nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actor for three consecutive years in 1964, 1965 and 1966. In 1965, he also received an additional nomination for Best Supporting Actor.[12]
| Best Actor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1964 | Dil Ek Mandir | Dr. Dharmesh | Nominated |
| 1965 | Ayee Milan Ki Bela | Shyam | |
| 1966 | Arzoo | Gopal/Sarju | |
| Best Supporting Actor | |||
| 1965 | Sangam | Gopal Verma | Nominated |
Filmography
As actor
| Films as actor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1949 | Patanga | Small Role | |
| 1950 | Jogan | Vijay's Friend | Small Role |
| 1955 | Vachan | Kishore | |
| 1956 | Toofan Aur Deeya | Satish Sharma / Masterji | |
| Aawaz | Ashok | ||
| 1957 | Mother India | Ramu | |
| Ek Jhalak | |||
| Duniya Rang Rangeeli | Shyam | ||
| 1958 | Devar Bhabhi | Ramu | |
| Ghar Sansar | Deepak | ||
| Khazanchi | Harish Mohan | ||
| Talaq | Ravi Shankar Chaube | ||
| 1959 | Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan | Dr. Anand | |
| Dhool Ka Phool | Mahesh Kapoor | ||
| Do Behnen | Ramesh | ||
| Goonj Uthi Shehnai | Kishan | ||
| Santan | Mohanlal Verma | ||
| 1960 | Kanoon | Advocate Kailash Khanna | |
| Maa Baap | Raj Kumar 'Raju' | ||
| Mehndi Rang Lagyo | Anil | Gujarati Film | |
| Patang | Dr. Rajan | ||
| 1961 | Zindagi Aur Khwab | Inspector Manoj | |
| Aas Ka Panchhi | Rajan 'Raju' Khanna | ||
| Dharmputra | party leader | Special Appearance | |
| Amar Rahe Yeh Pyar | Advocate Iqbal Hussain | ||
| Gharana | Kamal | ||
| Pyaar Ka Saagar | Kishan Chand Gupta | ||
| Sasural | Shekhar | ||
| Sanjog | Guest Role | ||
| 1963 | Akeli Mat Jaiyo | Prince Amardeep | |
| Dil Ek Mandir | Dr. Dharmesh | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor | |
| Gehra Daag | Shankar | ||
| Hamrahi | Shekhar | ||
| Mere Mehboob | Anwar | ||
| 1964 | Sangam | Magistrate Gopal Verma | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| Ayee Milan Ki Bela | Shyam | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor | |
| Zindagi | Rajendra 'Rajan' | ||
| 1965 | Arzoo | Gopal / Sarju | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor |
| 1966 | Suraj | Suraj Singh | |
| 1967 | Palki | Naseem Baig | |
| Aman | Dr. Gautamdas | ||
| 1968 | Saathi | Ravi | |
| Jhuk Gaya Aasman | Sanjay / Tarun Kumar 'Battu' 'Pappu' Saxena | ||
| 1969 | Anjaana | Raju | |
| Shatranj | Jai/Vijay/Shinranz | ||
| Talash | Raj Kumar 'Raju' | ||
| 1970 | Mera Naam Joker | Rajendra Kumar | |
| Geet | Suraj 'Sarju' Kumar | ||
| Ganwaar | Gopal Rai / Garibdas | ||
| Dharti | Bharat | ||
| 1971 | Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee | Kumar Verma | |
| 1972 | Tangewala | Raju / Rai Bahadur Kishandas / Dilbahadur Khan | |
| Gora Aur Kala | Karan Singh / Kali Singh (Kalua) | Double Role | |
| Gaon Hamara Shaher Tumhara | Brij "Birju" Bhushan | ||
| Aan Baan | Suraj | ||
| Lalkaar | Wing Commander Rajan Kapoor | ||
| 1974 | Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam | Boatsman | |
| Do Sher | Shera | Punjabi film | |
| 1975 | Do Jasoos | Karamchand Jasoos | |
| Rani Aur Lalpari | Rani's Father | ||
| Sunehra Sansar | Chandrashekhar | ||
| Teri Meri Ik Jindri | Jaggar Singh Fauji | Special Appearance | |
| 1976 | Mazdoor Zindabaad | Ram Singh | |
| 1977 | Daku Aur Mahatma | ||
| Do Sholay | Punjabi Movie Do Sher (1974) dubbed in Hindi | ||
| Shirdi Ke Sai Baba | Doctor (Pooja's Husband) | ||
| 1978 | Sone Ka Dil Lohe Ke Haath | Shankar | |
| Aahuti | CID Inspector Ram Prasad / Rocky | ||
| Saajan Bina Suhagan | Raj Kumar | ||
| 1979 | Bin Phere Hum Tere | Jagdish Sharma | |
| 1980 | Gunehgaar | Madan | |
| Badla Aur Balidan | Barrister Avinash Kumar | ||
| Dhan Daulat | Raj Saxena | ||
| Oh Bewafa | R K | ||
| Saajan Ki Saheli | Barrister Avinash Kumar | ||
| 1981 | Yeh Rishta Na Tootay | Police Inspector Vijay Kumar | |
| Love Story | Vijay Mehra | ||
| 1982 | Rustom | J. D. Mehta | |
| 1983 | Lovers | Christian Priest | |
| 1988 | Main Tere Liye | Shiva | |
| 1989 | Clerk | Rahim U. Khan | |
| 1991 | Insaaf Ka Khoon | Judge Kumar | |
| 1993 | Phool | Dharamraaj | Also Producer |
| TV show | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Channel | Notes |
| 1995 | Andaz | Zee TV | one episode | |
| Vansh | Zee TV | |||
Producer
| Films as producer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Director | Notes |
| 1970 | The Train | Ravikant Nagaich | |
| 1981 | Love Story | Rahul Rawail | To launch son Kumar Gaurav |
| 1983 | Lovers | Bharathiraja | |
| 1986 | Naam | Mahesh Bhatt | |
| 1991 | Jurrat | David Dhawan | Also editor of the film |
| 1993 | Phool | Singeetam Srinivasa Rao | |
| 1994 | The Jungle Book | (co-executive producer) (co-producer)[13] | |
Presenter
- The Train (1970)
- Ganwaar (1970)
- Talash (1969)
- Phool Aur Patthar (1966)
Soundtrack
- Mere Mehboob (1963) (performer: "Mere Mehboob Tujhe", "Allah Bachaye", "Tere Pyar Mein Dildar", "Janeman Ek Nazar", "Yaad Mein Teri", "Tumse Izhar e Haal", "Mere Mehboob Mein Kya", "Ae Husn Zara Jaag", "Yaad Mein (revival) Zalzala")
Thanks
- Mera Naam Joker (1970) (acknowledgment) (as Rajender Kumar)
Self
- Raj Kapoor (1987) as Himself (during funeral)
- Star (1982) as Himself (Guest Appearance)
- Shrimanji (1968) as Himself
- Kala Bazar (1960) as Himself
Archive footage
- Film Hi Film (1983) (uncredited)
References
- ^ Joshi, Lalit Mohan (31 July 1999). "Rajendra Kumar". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
- ^ "Padma Awards | Interactive Dashboard".
- ^ "Why Rajendra Kumar was known as the 'Jubilee Kumar' of Bollywood, his films ran for at least 25 weeks in cinemas". 21 July 2022.
- ^ Raheja, Dinesh. "Bollywood's Jubilee Kumar". from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
- ^ Rajendra Kumar – Memories 12 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. "Cineplot.com". Retrieved on 8 November 2018.
- ^ Movies: Bollywood's Jubilee Kumar 10 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Rediff.com (July 2002). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.
- ^ 1st Filmfare Awards 1953 12 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Deep750.googlepages.com. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.
- ^ . boxofficeindia.com
- ^ Bollywood’s Forgotten Stars: 8 Interesting facts about Boogie Woogie’s judge – Ravi Behl 10 July 2020 at the Wayback Machine, The Free Press Journal, 17 June 2018.
- ^ "'Bollywood's marathon crybaby' Rajendra Kumar passes away".
- ^ Arts Tribune 14 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Tribuneindia.com (16 July 1999). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.
- ^ . Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.[dead link]
- ^ https://www.ibiblio.org/samneill/films/junbooknotes.txt[bare URL plain text file]
External links
- Rajendra Kumar at IMDb
- Rajendra Kumar profile at Rediff.com