Birth Date:07 February 1934
About Me
Sujit Kumar: The First Superstar of Bhojpuri Cinema and Bollywood’s Iconic Character Actor!
Sujit Kumar was a powerhouse of Indian cinema, leaving an indelible mark as both a legendary leading man in regional films and a versatile character actor in mainstream Bollywood. Often remembered as the man playing the mouth organ in the iconic song "Mere Sapno Ki Rani," his career spanned over four decades, evolving from acting to high-profile film production.
Biography: From Law Student to Screen Legend
Born as Shamsher Bahadur Singh on February 7, 1934, in a village near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Sujit Kumar’s path to stardom was accidental. While he was studying law, he participated in a college play. His performance caught the eye of the renowned producer-director Phani Majumdar, who was judging the event. Majumdar encouraged him to pursue acting, a suggestion that changed the course of Bhojpuri and Hindi cinema forever.
Kumar's personal life was marked by deep industry friendships. He was a close confidant of Rajesh Khanna, appearing in at least 12 of his films. He was also part of a famous "inner circle" that included Rakesh Roshan, Jeetendra, and Randhir Kapoor, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. He passed away on February 5, 2010, in Mumbai after a battle with cancer.
• Full Name: Shamsher Bahadur Singh
• Birthplace: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Active Years: 1960s – 2000s
• Legacy: Pioneer of the Bhojpuri film industry
Professional Journey: Dual Stardom
Sujit Kumar's career is unique because he maintained two distinct identities:
1. The Bhojpuri Superstar
He is widely considered the first superstar of Bhojpuri cinema. His debut in Bidesiya (1963) was a cultural phenomenon. In an era when regional cinema was struggling, his film Dangal (1977)—the first Bhojpuri film in color—is credited with single-handedly reviving the industry and making it commercially viable.
2. The Bollywood Stalwart
In Hindi cinema, Kumar was a staple in big-budget productions. While he played the lead in 1960s suspense thrillers like Lal Bangla, he eventually became one of Bollywood's most reliable character actors. He was frequently cast as the loyal best friend, the dependable police inspector, or the sophisticated villain.
Extensive Filmography
Sujit Kumar appeared in over 150 Hindi films and 25 Bhojpuri films.
Iconic Hindi Roles
• Aradhana (1969): Played Madan Verma, famously seen playing the mouth organ while Rajesh Khanna serenades Sharmila Tagore.
• Haathi Mere Saathi (1971): Featured as Gangu in one of the biggest hits of the era.
• Amar Prem (1972): A significant role in this classic drama alongside Rajesh Khanna.
• Jugnu (1973): Played a key associate in this Dharmendra-led action hit.
• The Burning Train (1980): Portrayed Inspector Ranveer in this star-studded disaster film.
• Avtaar (1983): Played a loyal friend/bawarchi in this emotional family drama.
Landmark Bhojpuri Movies
• Bidesiya (1963): His career-defining debut that brought him regional fame.
• Loha Singh (1966): A massive hit that solidified his leading man status.
• Dangal (1977): The historic color film that revolutionized regional cinema.
• Pan Khaye Saiyan Hamar (1984): Notable for featuring guest appearances by Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha.
Career as a Filmmaker and Producer
In the late 1980s, Sujit Kumar transitioned into film production under his own banner. He shifted his focus to producing large-scale Bollywood titles featuring the industry's biggest stars:
• Asmaan Se Ooncha (1989): One of his early ventures into production.
• Khel (1992): A successful comedy-thriller starring Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit.
• Daraar (1996): An intense thriller starring Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla.
• Champion (2000): An action film featuring Sunny Deol.
• Aetbaar (2004): His final major production, starring Amitabh Bachchan and John Abraham.
Legacy
Sujit Kumar is remembered not just as a familiar face in the background of legendary songs, but as a pioneer who gave a voice and an identity to Bhojpuri-speaking audiences worldwide. His transition from a regional hero to a respected Bollywood producer remains a rare feat in Indian cinema history.
Sujit Kumar's films' availability: You can watch Sujit Kumar's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
