Saeed Jaffrey, who delighted fans all over the world with his meaningful screen presence, was an accomplished actor. His wide experience in theatre paved his way to Indian Cinema and television serials. Best remembered for his memorable roles like Lalan Mian in Chashme Buddoor or Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel in Gandhi he did justice to every character in which he appeared. His marriage with Madhur Jaffery did not last long as both got separated in 1966. In his decade long career he won numerous honors and awards.
Saeed Jaffrey, a multifaceted actor who appeared in several Bollywood as well as British movies was known for his versatile acting skill. He shared screen space with many iconic actors of his time and worked with well known directors. With his spectacular performances in films like Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Gandhi, Ram Lakhan, he left indelible imprints on the minds of audiences. He also acted in various television serials. Even if playing role of character actor he made his presence felt earning wide applauds from viewers. His demise on 15 November 2015 was a big loss to Indian Cinema.
Personal Life
Born on 8 January 1929 in Malerkotla, Punjab, Saeed Jaffrey was alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh. Married to Madhur, he was father to three daughters Meera, Zia, and Sakina Jaffrey. At later stage of his life he parted away from his wife Madhur Jaffery. His brother, Hamid Jaffrey, is the son-in-law of Ashok Kumar.
Professional Career
During his early days he set up a theatre company called Unity Theatre, at New Delhi. His early theatrical work included roles in productions of Tennessee Williams, Fry, Priesty, Wilde, and Shakespeare. After completing his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London he went to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship and took a second post-graduate degree in drama from the Catholic University in America. While in United States he served as the Radio Director (1951–1956) for All India Radio and Director of Publicity and Advertising at the Government of India Tourist Office (1958–1960). Known for his unique acting skill he grab a role in play "Nights" and "Nawab" in Granada Television's adaptation of "The Jewel in the Crown". He worked with some of the iconic actors of Hollywood including Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan and was reportedly the first Indian actor to tour Shakespeare. During his long stay in United States and United Kingdom he acted in number of plays and television serials.
In Bollywood he worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, Subhash Ghai, Raj Kapoor, Sai Paranjpye, Shekhar Kapur and many others. His roles in films like "Gandhi" (1982), "Masoom" (1982), "Shatranj Ke Khiladi" (1977), "Henna" (1991) "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985), "Chashme-baddoor" (1981), "Judaai" (1997), made him a household name. In his long acting career he shared screen space with Naseeruddin Shah , Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Ben Kingsley, and Farooq Sheikh to name a few. His television sitcom "Tandoori Nights" was also a hit amongst both overseas and Indian viewers.
Awards and Honors
1978: Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Shatranj Ke Khiladi.
1991: Best Actor in 12th annual Genie Awards for Masala.
1988-89: TV series on Doordarshan: "Tandoori Nights."
Death
Veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey died on 15 November 2015 at the age of 86.
Condolence Messages
As his niece Shaheen Aggarwal announced in a Facebook post about the demise of Saeed Jaffery celebrities took twitter to pay their heartfelt tributes to veteran actor.
PMO India : Saeed Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away: PM
Shekhar Kapur : Goodbye dear Sayeed. Started my career with u in Masoom. Cant forget ur kindness n enthusiasm for your art n others.
Rishi Kapoor : R I P.My friend,my colleague of several films-Syd Jeffries alias Sayeed Jaffri to the world,leaves us.Cheers to you!
Madhur Bhandarkar : Saddened by the demise of versatile actor #SaeedJaffrey ji. Had a privilege of working with him as a Asst Director. Condolences 2 his family
Shaan : What a Fabulous Actor!! Shatranj ke Khiladi!!! My fav. Saeed Jaffrey film... RIP
Daler Mehndi : Sad to hear about the demise of #phenomenal #veteran actor #SaeedJaffrey. May his soul #RestInPeace .
Ashwin Mushran : Heard that #SaeedJaffery passed away. Represented India in a fine way as an actor. Unsung but always remembered
Nimrat Kaur : Never met Mr. Saeed Jaffrey outside of all the amazing men he brought alive on screen...a class actor. Heavens are in great company today..
Raveena Tandon : A brilliant actor.. A unique style.. Mischievous twinkling eyes..R I P. .. Saeed ji..
Rajyavardhan Rathore : Condolences on passing away of screen legend #SaeedJaffrey. His range and acting depth will be remembered for long.
Ex-Spouse: Madhur Jaffrey
Children: Sakina Jaffrey, Zia Jaffrey, Meera Jaffrey
Relatives: Shaheen Aggarwal (Niece)
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Raj (Fan)
A great actor who will be remembered for ever.