Who was the loyal friend driving the jeep in ‘Aradhana’s’ iconic ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’ sequence? Sujit Kumar, that’s who—a towering figure whose quiet strength elevated Bollywood scenes while igniting a cultural revolution in Bhojpuri cinema as its inaugural superstar.
From humble beginnings in a Varanasi farmer’s home on February 7, 1934, Sujit (born Shamsher) eyed law until Phani Majumdar’s eagle eye changed course. Relocating to Bombay, he carved a niche in 1960s thrillers: ‘Laal Bangla’ launched him, ‘Bidesiya’ immortalized him regionally.
Bhojpuri’s near-death in 1977 met its match in ‘Dangal,’ Sujit’s colorful blockbuster featuring the evergreen ‘Kashi Hille Patna Hille.’ Global acclaim followed, reviving the industry and dubbing him its patriarch. His foundational work in ‘Ganga Maiyya…’ set the stage.
In Bollywood, he was Khanna’s perfect foil in 12 smashes—’Haathi Mere Saathi,’ ‘Avatar,’ more—earning ‘lucky charm’ lore. Police roles defined his versatility, commanding screens in ‘Ittefaak’ and beyond.
Production ventures with wife Kiran yielded ‘Khel,’ ‘Champion,’ and the star-studded ‘Paan Khaye Saiyaan Hamar.’ Friendships in the ‘Juhu Circle’ with Jeetendra and Rakesh Roshan blended fitness and films.
Cancer claimed him in 2010 after his wife’s demise, survived by devoted kids. Awarded for lifetime contributions, Sujit Kumar remains a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and pioneering spirit in Indian cinema’s diverse tapestry.