By Hindustan Times
He made white a rage much before anyone else and by now, the color is sort of wholly related to Bollywood legend Jeetendra. Fondly known as Jumping Jack for his trademark dance moves, Jeetendra turns 70 years young today. To mark the occasion, RJ Anuraag Pandey of Fever 104 FM caught up with Jeetuji at his sprawling Juhu bungalow, to head on a visit down memory lane. Here’s a snapshot.
Acting wasn’t an option! It was the one thing possible!
“I was zero in studies (laughs). Our family’s financial condition was also quite bad those days. I used to help my chachaji in his artificial jewellery business. One day, I got the chance to go to V. Shantaram’s film set to provide some jewellery. Curiosity got the simpler of me and before I knew it, I USED TO BE playing an additional. Soon, roles with dialogues followed and the remaining as they say, is history.”
Kaka & I – the naamkaran
“Jatin Khanna and that i both changed our names for the silver screen. He became known internationally as Rajesh Khanna and from Ravi Kapoor, I transformed into Jeetendra! SLIGHTLY known fact is that we were also school friends.”
Fit and fine!
“I give credit for my fitness to my good genes. As actors, we need to constantly take care of our appearances. As for maintaining oneself, I THINK every someone is his/her own best doctor. One must lead a disciplined life and eat carefully. Dieting doesn’t necessarily mean starving.”
Tusshar and Ekta – Balaji beginnings
“Tusshar has qualities that even I don’t possess. He's very calm and composed whereas I'VE always been just a little excited and hyper. I often feel that had I possessed these qualities, I'D has been a greater person.
“As for Ekta, since she is my first born, I'VE always had a soft corner for her. When she was a kid, I used to wonder what this girl would grow up and do, but take a look at what she has achieved already! It’s amazing. She works at 100 per cent and expects the similar from everybody else!
“I see Balaji not only because the leading production house within the country, but spread across different verticals like television channels, mega events and so on!”
