Sudesh Kumar, the actor who played the protagonist in the tragic love story 'Saranga' (1961) and became a familiar face in Southern productions like 'Chhoti Bahen' (1959), 'Bharosa' (1963), and 'Khandan' (1965), passed away at his residence in Mumbai on Friday. He was 95.
Health and Final Days
The actor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Monday due to breathing issues. His wife Jaya Dhawan told TOI, 'At his request, we brought him back home on Thursday where we had set up a makeshift medical unit. But he breathed his last the next morning.'
Early Life and Background
Born in 1931 in Peshawar, pre-independence India, Sudesh's family moved to Bombay when he was young. He graduated in science from Elphinstone College. 'His father wanted him to be a doctor,' Jaya said. However, he joined Prithviraj Kapoor's theatre group, as they were distant relatives. His early film was Prithviraj-directed 'Paisa' (1957).
Screen Name and Career Beginnings
His real name was Sudesh Dhawan, but his screen name varied: Sudesh, Soodesh Kumar, or Sudesh Kumar. He started with low-budget costume dramas before gaining attention in a cameo as a doctor in 'Chhoti Bahen' (1959), opposite Nanda.
Rise in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Sudesh became a regular in Southern socials, working with directors like K Shankar ('Bharosa', 1963), Vasu Menon ('Grahasti', 1963), A Bhimsingh ('Khandan', 1965 and 'Gopi', 1970), and CV Sridhar ('Dharti', 1970). He danced with Mumtaz in the rock and roll track 'Aa dance karein, thoda romance karein.' Jaya said, 'Khandan was one of his favourite films.'
Notable Roles
He played a youthful Congress leader in 'Aaj aur Kal' (1963), set in pre-independence India. He is best remembered for 'Saranga' (1961), where a prince falls in love with a commoner tragically. The songs 'Saranga teri yaad mein' and 'Haan deewana hoon main' were chartbusters. The title song has over 2.5 million views on YouTube.
Transition to Producing
With dwindling roles, Sudesh shifted to producing in the 1970s. He assisted Raj Khosla in 'Do Badan' (1966) and produced 'Man Mandir' (1970) with Sanjeev Kumar and Waheeda Rehman. He formed a combo with Raghunath Jhalani for thrillers 'Uljhan' (1975) and 'Badalte Rishtey', and 'Jaan Hatheli Pe' (1987).
Personal Life
In 1982, he married Jaya Naik, a former model. They met outside lyricist Rajendra Krishan's residence. Rajesh Duggal, the lyricist's son, recalled, 'He was full of life and energy even a year ago.' Jaya said they visited Southern temples in February. 'Despite his age, he was remarkably fit. He never used a walking stick.'
Funeral
The funeral was held at Shivaji Park crematorium on Friday.
