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He ran away from home with just a dream: to become an actor. By the 1940s and ’50s, he was the man audiences loved to hate. The legendary figure we’re speaking of is none other than Hindi cinema’s renowned actor, Jeevan. Known as one of Bollywood’s most feared villains, he also held a unique world record: playing the same supporting character dozens of times, proving that destiny had cast him in a league of his own. Few know that he arrived in Mumbai with just Rs 26 in his pocket, driven by a dream to become an actor. Life in the city was far from easy, but when opportunity finally came his way, Jeevan proved his worth through sheer talent. His first break was a small yet memorable role in Mohanlal’s 1935 film Fashionable India. Jeevan’s real breakthrough came with the 1936 film Romantic India. Interestingly, he had initially come to Mumbai to start a photography business and open a studio. But destiny had other plans; the glittering world of cinema drew him in, and thus began a journey that would make him one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable faces. The actor, who shared the screen with many superstars, could send chills down spines with just a glance. On screen, he picked trouble with every heroine, and then, off-screen, a furious woman once hurled a slipper at him in public! Jeevan became synonymous with villainy on screen. His roles often stirred anger among audiences. He was frequently cast as the antagonist who troubled the heroine or forced himself upon her, leading to genuine outrage from the public. His portrayal was so convincing that once, while attending an event outside Mumbai, a woman hurled a slipper at him in fury. The situation escalated to such an extent that the police had to intervene. It’s worth noting that Jeevan also portrayed the villain in the hit film Mere Humsafar, starring Sharmila Tagore and Jeetendra, where his performance once again left a lasting impression. Despite being known as a villain, Jeevan demonstrated remarkable versatility: he portrayed the mythological sage Narad Muni an astonishing 60 times, a feat that earned him a unique place in cinema history. Jeevan may have terrified audiences with his roles, but behind that fearsome persona was a man whose journey from Rs 26 to legendary fame remains one of the most inspiring stories in Indian film.
