Jankidas

Jankidas
Born Jankidas Mehra
1910
Lahore, British India
Died 18 June 2003 (aged 92–93)
Mumbai
Years active 1930s–1997

Jankidas Mehra (1910 – 18 June 2003) was a prolific Indian film actor of Hindi Cinema, cyclist, production designer and writer. He made over 1000 film appearances between the 1930s and 1997.[1]

Biography

Sports

Jankidas served as the only Indian member of the International Olympic Committee at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin [1] and was the only Indian to have broken the world record in cycling between 1934 and 1942.[2]

In the 1940s, along with Sohrab Bhoot, he founded the Cycling Federation of India.

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Cycling Federation of India founders J. Das (left) and S. Bhoot (right)

Films

Jankidas debuted in films playing a major role in Khazanchi (1941), produced in Lahore. He was not seen again till 1946, when he would appear in Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani. From then on he would continue to play roles with increasing vigour over the years.

Jankidas is credited with being the first production designer in the Indian film industry, and had designed several films including Pathar aur Payal and Warrant.[1] As a production designer, Jankidas was responsible for the founding of many famous Indian actor's careers. He was responsible for Madhubala's role in Sohrab Modi's Daulat in 1947, and introduced Meena Kumari in Nanabhai Bhatt's Hamara Ghar, and Khushboo in Sunil Dutt's Dard Ka Rishta.[2] He also introduced actress Mala Sinha in Hamlet, produced and directed by Kishore Sahu.

In 1985, he wrote the script for the film Yaadon Ki Kasam.

Jankidas was the recipient of numerous national and international awards. In May 1996, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association.[2]

Jankidas was also an author and wrote numerous books on Bollywood and the acting profession. He published My Misadventures in Filmland and Acting for Beginners.[1]

In 1986, he undertook a fast unto death to seek tax benefits for the film industry, but gave up his agitation after Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray intervened.

Select Filmography

YearFilmCharacter/Role
1980Khanjar
1980Kali Ghata
1979KhandaanKedarnath
1979Prem BandhanRodrigues
1978Des PardesDaiyal
1970PushpanjaliTourist guide
1967Hare Kanch Ki ChooriyanShopkeeper
1948Rambaan
1972Seeta aur Geetasecretary

Death

Jankidas was suffering from a heart ailment for a substantial period of time, but was discharged from the local hospital two days before his death.[2] He died of cardiac failure at his Juhu residence on Wednesday 18 June 2003. He was 93.

Jankidas is survived by two sons, and two daughters.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Veteran actor Jankidas passes away". The Times of India. 18 June 2003. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Veteran actor Jankidas passes away". Rediff.com. 18 June 2003. Retrieved 2008-07-22.



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