Jeetendra Biography

Jeetendra aka Ravi Kapoor is a famous actor who enjoyed stardom in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s era. The actor who was famous for his white attire in the films and unique dancing skills was named as 'Jumping Jack'. Ravi Kapoor took his screen name as Jeetendra. He enjoyed the long time stardom and rocked the era of 70s and 80s with his emotional and action flicks. He was paired opposite every hit female lead of that time.

Jeetendra was born on 7th April 1942 in Amritsar , Punjab. His parents were Amarnath Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor. His father had a business in Imitation Jewellery. Jeetendra did his schooling from St. Sebastian Goan High School in Girgaum, Mumbai and then did his college studies from K.C.College along with his friend , superstar Rajesh Khanna. While supplying jewelry to veteran filmmaker V. Shantaram, Jeetendra was cast as Sandhya Shantaram's double in 'Navrang' in 1959. Jeetendra got his first big opportunity when, V. Shantaram gave him a chance to play the lead role in 'Sehra' in 1963. He later was seen in 'Geet Gaaya Pattharonne' in 1964. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Over the years, the great actor has appeared in more than 200 films. Jeetendra achieved fame when his film 'Farz' made by Ravikant Nagaich was released in 1967. The film got a golden jubilee success. The Tee shirt and white shoes which he has worn in 'Mast Baharon Ka Main Aashiq' became his trademark. His vigorous dance style in the films like 'Farz' and 'Banphool' gave him the title of the Jumping Jack. His handsome looks and style of dancing went viral amongst female audiences of that time.

In the 80s era, Jeetendra was paired mostly with Jayaprada and Sridevi. These films were mostly the remakes of south Indian films made by T Rama Rao, Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao and K. Bapaiah. His movies like 'Mawaali', 'Justice Chaudhury',' Himmatwala', 'Jaani Dushman' and 'Tohfa' had elaborate sequences with extras dancing in the background, colorful sets, electronic music by Bappi Lahiri and lyrics by Indeevar. All these movies got considered as the trademark Jeetendra movies. He did many Telugu remakes of Krishna's movies. He had very close relationship with Krishna. Besides this, Jeetendra also showed his subdued side in some of the movies of lyricist, writer Gulzar. He appeared in some masterpieces like 'Parichay' ,'Khushboo' ,'Kinara'. Songs from these films like Naam Gum Jaayega, Musafir Hoon yaaron, O Majhi Re which were composed by R. D. Burman and sung by Kishore Kumar are still remembered today.

Some of the films in which the legendary actor showcased his acting skills are 'Jeene Ki Raah' ,'Do Bhai' ,'Naya Raasta' ,'Mere Humsafar' ,'Humjoli' ,'Khilona' ,'Gunahon Ka Devta' ,'Caravan' ,'Bidai' ,'Dulhan' ,'Khushboo' ,'Aakhri Dao' ,'Jaise Ko Taisa' ,'Dharam Veer' ,'Kinara' ,'Jay-Vijay' ,'Dildaar' ,'Khandaan' ,'Lok Parlok' ,'Aatish' ,'Judaai' ,'Aasha' ,'Maang Bharo Sajana' ,'Jyoti Bane Jwala' ,'Pyaasa Sawan' ,'Ek Hi Bhool' ,'Insaan' ,'Himmatwala' ,'Thanedar' ,'Tamacha' ,'Khudgarz' etc.

The senior actor has also appeared in the TV serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. He judged the reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and Dancing Queen. Jeetendra and Hema Malini shared a good relationship but Jeetendra married his childhood sweetheart Shobha Kapoor. The couple has a daughter Ekta Kapoor who runs a big production house named Balaji Telefilms Ltd and a son named Tusshar Kapoor who is also an actor. Ekta's Balaji Telefilms is a big company which produces many films and television serials. Ekta is often called as the Daily soap queen. Jeetendra has given a special appearance in his daughter Ekta's produced film 'Kucch To Hai' in 2002 along with his son Tusshar.

Yesteryears handsome actor has been honored with many awards like Guest of Honor Award at the 18th Ujala Cinema Express Awards in 1998, Lifetime Achievement Award in film personalities in 2000, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zee Gold Bollywood Movie Awards in New York in 2002, "Legend of Indian Cinema" Award at Atlantic City (United States) in 2004 and many more.

Jeetendra is currently handling the responsibility of the chairperson of the Balaji Telefilms Ltd, Balaji Motion Pictures and ALT Entertainment. His unique style statement and dance style are still remembered today.