Jeetendra Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Jeetendra, fondly called the “Jumping Jack of Bollywood,” is one of the most popular and energetic actors of Hindi cinema. Known for his dancing style, white shoes, and mass entertainers, he ruled the 1970s and 1980s with back-to-back hits. With films like Farz, Caravan, Himmatwala, Tohfa, and Mawaali, he became a household name and a favorite among family audiences. Beyond acting, Jeetendra is also a successful film and television producer, shaping Indian entertainment for decades.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Ravi Kapoor (popularly known as Jeetendra)
- Date of Birth: 7 April 1942
- Birthplace: Amritsar, Punjab, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 75 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later salt & pepper)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Jeetendra was born into a Punjabi business family that dealt in imitation jewelry. His father’s name was Amarnath Kapoor, and his mother was Krishna Kapoor. He grew up in Girgaon, Mumbai, where he studied and developed an interest in films.
Education Journey
- Schooled at St. Sebastian’s Goan High School, Mumbai.
- Later graduated from Siddharth College, Mumbai.
- As a teenager, he supplied imitation jewelry to filmmakers, which brought him close to the world of cinema.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Debut Film: Had a small role in Navrang (1959).
- Breakthrough: Farz (1967), where his energetic dancing earned him the nickname “Jumping Jack.”
- Established himself as a leading hero in family dramas and romantic films.
Rise to Stardom
Jeetendra’s stardom peaked during the 1970s and 1980s:
- Caravan (1971) – A musical blockbuster.
- Parichay (1972) – A family drama that showcased his versatility.
- Himmatwala (1983) – A massive hit with Sridevi, reviving his career.
- Tohfa (1984) – Another superhit, cementing his chemistry with Sridevi and Jaya Prada.
- Mawaali (1983), Justice Chaudhury (1983), and Judaai (1997) further strengthened his legacy.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
- Farz (1967)
- Caravan (1971)
- Parichay (1972)
- Dharam Veer (1977)
- Himmatwala (1983)
- Tohfa (1984)
- Mawaali (1983)
- Justice Chaudhury (1983)
- Judaai (1997)
Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2003).
- Honored for his contribution to Indian cinema and television.
- Recognized as one of the most dependable stars of his era, especially in family-oriented entertainers.
Personal Life
Jeetendra’s personal life has always been in the spotlight, but he maintained a stable family and career balance.
- Marriage & Family: Jeetendra married Shobha Kapoor in 1974. She later became a successful producer and head of Balaji Telefilms. The couple has two children – Ekta Kapoor, one of India’s most influential television and film producers, and Tusshar Kapoor, who followed his father into acting.
- Relationships: Before marriage, Jeetendra was linked with actress Hema Malini, but the relationship did not culminate into marriage. His eventual marriage with Shobha Kapoor remained strong and supportive throughout his career.
- Family Bonds: He shares a close bond with his children, especially Ekta Kapoor, with whom he has worked on various Balaji Telefilms projects. He is also the grandfather of Laksshya Kapoor, Tusshar’s son.
- Personality & Lifestyle: Known for his discipline and work ethic, Jeetendra preferred to stay away from controversies. Despite being a superstar, he lived a grounded and family-oriented life.
- Later Career: In his later years, he stepped away from acting and focused more on production, becoming a guiding force behind Balaji Telefilms’ success.
Legacy & Influence
Jeetendra is remembered as Bollywood’s “Jumping Jack” who brought energy, dance, and family-friendly entertainers to the masses. His partnership with actresses like Sridevi and Jaya Prada created an era of musical blockbusters. As the patriarch of the Kapoor family, his contributions as both actor and producer remain highly influential in Indian cinema and television.
FAQs
Q1: What was Jeetendra’s real name?
A: Ravi Kapoor.
Q2: Which was Jeetendra’s breakthrough film?
A: Farz (1967).
Q3: Who is Jeetendra’s wife?
A: Shobha Kapoor.
Q4: Who are Jeetendra’s children?
A: Ekta Kapoor and Tusshar Kapoor.
Q5: Why is Jeetendra called “Jumping Jack”?
A: Because of his energetic dance moves in Farz and later films.
