We are memorialising Jeevan on the day of his 38th death anniversary, June 10. Jeevan (Omkar Nath Dhar), one of the greatest actors in Indian film industry, was born in Srinagar on October 24, 1915. He became a legend in Hindi cinema for 50 years by playing his own versions of mythological and villainous roles, all of which carry defining characteristics.
Although he came from a rich family (his grandfather was governor), a career as an actor was never considered a legitimate option. Still, from childhood Jeevan was fascinated by the world of films. He became the 18-year-old boy who left home with nothing but just Rs. 26 in his pocket and an excitement to see the world inspired by the films, to find his way to Bombay despite all the boundaries imposed on him by the society.
In dull fashion, he started working in the studio owned by Mohan Sinha’s grandfather, where he started by putting silver foil on the reflectors, and then destiny came calling like he expected. Sinha asked him to do the main role in a movie called ‘Fashionable India,’ and thus started a long, illustrious film career.
In the mythological film of the 1950s, Jeevan’s role as Narad Muni was the most popular. He played Narad Muni in over sixty films and plays in different languages, and his image as the divine sage became so identifiable that it became recognised as his name.
In these films, Jeevan had to fit into character or villain roles, and he kept on doing so, especially in the 1960s and 1980s. Jeevan was involved in many stages of Dev Anand’s career from 1946 to 1978. These featured the famous Amar Akbar Anthony and Dharam Veer, as he had a famous relationship with Manmohan Desai. Jeevan also worked on Teri Meri Ek Jindri, a Punjabi film. Jeevan passed away on June 10, 1987, at the age of 71, but his family is still continuing the film legacy.
