‘Masoom’ actor Saeed Jaffrey dies in London

London, November 16

Veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey, who gave sterling performances in over 100 Bollywood movies, including classics like “Shatranj Ke Khilari”, “Masoom” and “Chashme Buddoor”, besides leaving his mark in Hollywood and British films, died of brain haemorrhage at the age of 86.

Jaffrey collapsed at his home here and passed away in a London hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

A memorial service is expected to take place in a few weeks’ time here.

The news about the India-born British actor’s death was first shared by his niece Shaheen Agarwal on Facebook.

Jaffrey is survived by his wife, Jennifer, who runs a casting agency in London. He has three daughters — Zia, Meera and Sakina (also an actress) — from his first marriage to Madhur, an actress and celebrity cook.

Paying tributes to Jaffrey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Jaffrey was a multifaceted actor whose flair & versatility will always be remembered. Deepest condolences on his passing away.”

Director Shekhar Kapur, who worked with the noted actor in his directorial debut “Masoom”, remembered Jaffrey as a kind man.

Some of his noted international films are “Gandhi” (where he played the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel), “The Man Who Would Be King” and “The Jewel in the Crown”. He received a BAFTA nomination for “Laundrette”.

He became a household name in the UK after appearing in numerous TV dramas, including “Tandoori Nights”.

Born on January 8, 1929, in Maler Kotla, Punjab, Jaffrey began his career as a theatre artist. He later set up Unity theatre in Delhi while working at the All India Radio. — PTI