Personal Details
- Full Name: Ravi Kapoor (Jeetendra)
- Stage Name: Jeetendra
- Born: 7 April 1942
- Birthplace: Amritsar, Punjab, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Actor, Producer
- Years Active: 1959–2009
- Spouse: Shobha Kapoor (m. 1974)
- Children: Ekta Kapoor (Producer), Tusshar Kapoor (Actor)
Early Life & Background
Jeetendra was born as Ravi Kapoor into a business family in Amritsar, Punjab. His family was involved in the imitation jewelry business, which later played a role in his entry into Bollywood. He studied at St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Mumbai alongside actor Rajesh Khanna. Later, he attended K.C. College, Mumbai.
Acting Career
Debut & Initial Success
- Jeetendra got his first break in “Navrang” (1959), where he played a small role.
- His first major role came in “Geet Gaya Patharon Ne” (1964), directed by V. Shantaram.
- He achieved stardom with “Farz” (1967), where his energetic dance moves earned him the title “Jumping Jack of Bollywood”.
Major Bollywood Films & Career Peak
- He became a superstar in the 1970s & 1980s with hit films like:
- “Caravan” (1971)
- “Parichay” (1972)
- “Khushboo” (1975)
- “Dharam Veer” (1977)
- “Himmatwala” (1983) (Opposite Sridevi, a massive hit)
- “Tohfa” (1984)
- “Mawaali” (1983)
- “Justice Chaudhury” (1983)
- Known for his stylish white outfits and dance-oriented roles, he became one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
Partnership with Sridevi & Jaya Prada
- Jeetendra gave numerous hits with Sridevi and Jaya Prada, forming a hit trio in the 1980s.
- His films with Sridevi like “Himmatwala” (1983), “Tohfa” (1984), and “Mawaali” (1983) were superhits.
- Similarly, with Jaya Prada, movies like “Sanjog” (1985) and “Sindoor” (1987) were well-received.
Later Career & Transition
- By the late 1980s and 1990s, he started focusing on character roles.
- Films like “Kudrat Ka Kanoon” (1987), “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani” (1988), and “Aadmi Khilona Hai” (1993) showcased his versatility.
- He gradually stepped away from acting after the early 2000s.
Film Production & Business Ventures
- Jeetendra is the Chairman of Balaji Telefilms, which was founded by his daughter Ekta Kapoor.
- Under Balaji Telefilms, they have produced popular TV shows and movies, making him a successful businessman in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
- Jeetendra married Shobha Kapoor in 1974, and they have two children:
- Ekta Kapoor – A well-known TV & film producer.
- Tusshar Kapoor – Actor, known for the “Golmaal” series.
- He has maintained a low-profile personal life despite his immense success.
Awards & Recognition
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2003)
- IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2005)
- Zee Cine Awards – Lifetime Achievement (2012)
- Honored with various awards for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Legacy
- Jeetendra remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, known for his dance moves, romantic roles, and stylish persona.
- His contribution to both films and television production has left a lasting impact on Indian entertainment.
