Sanjeev Kumar, remembered for iconic films like Sholay, Trishul, and Khilona, was one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and respected actors. Praised for his emotional depth and ability to inhabit any character, he left an indelible mark on the industry before his untimely death at 47. In a recent interview, veteran actor Parikshit Sahni recalled Sanjeev not just as a mentor and guide, but also as a close friend, while shedding light on the habits that contributed to his early passing.“He had bad habits. After shooting, he drank a lot. He also ate a lot. At 2 in the morning, he would eat a lot and throw bones under the table. That’s why he died. He had a heart attack,” Parikshit told ANI.
‘He was like a brother to me’
Parikshit recalled meeting Sanjeev, affectionately called Hari bhai, on the set of Anokhi Raat (1968). “He was like a brother to me. I had just come from Russia, and they had cast me in the film Anokhi Raat. I didn’t know Hindi at that time because I spoke Russian for six years and before that, I knew English. The Hindi dialogues were very difficult,” he shared.He added, “Sanjeev bhai became like an elder brother to me and used to guide me on how to say the dialogues. I had my pauses all wrong and he taught me when to take a pause. The director used to get fed up, but it was Sanjeev bhai who came to my rescue. We remained close till he died.”
A genius gone too soon
Born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on July 9, 1938, in Surat, Gujarat, Sanjeev Kumar appeared in over 430 films across languages. His performances in Angoor, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, and Sholay are still regarded as benchmarks of versatility. A two-time National Award winner, he was admired for bringing depth, vulnerability, and realism to every role he took on.However, his health battles were as well-known as his artistry. Suffering from a congenital heart condition, Sanjeev underwent bypass surgery in the US after his first heart attack. Despite the warnings, his fondness for food and alcohol continued. On November 6, 1985, the industry lost one of its finest when he succumbed to a massive heart attack at the age of 47.
