Junior Mehmood death: How Naeem Sayyed got his screen name

Junior Mehmood has died at the age of 67 in Mumbai. He was suffering from stage four stomach cancer and was receiving care at the Parel-based Tata Memorial Hospital, where he took his last breath on Friday, December 8. The actor, whose real name was Naeem Sayyed, was known by the nickname Junior Mehmood in the industry. The comic icon, late Mehmood gave him the said name and this is how he came by it.

The story behind Naeem Sayeed’s screen name Junior Mehmood 

Naeem Sayeed mimicked actors while in school and even went to movie sets with his brother, who worked as a photographer in films. At the age of eight, Naeem made his screen debut in the movie Suhagraat, which starred Rajshree, Jeetendra, and Mehmood. 

He danced to Hum Kale Hai Toh Kya Hua Dilwale Hain at Mehmood's daughter Ginny's birthday celebration. The actor was really impressed and called Naeem’s father and asked to meet at Ranjit Studio. He then made him his shishya.

Mehmood was a major collaborator of Naeem Sayeed, who even mimicked him. Gradually, he was being referred to as Junior Mehmood by the people in the industry. After his debut film, Suhagraat, he started using Junior Mehmood as his screen name. 

Junior Mehmood on his changed name

Talking about it, Naeem said in an interview with Rediff.com, “I was called Junior Mehmood from there on. I had to meet him at least three times a week. I didn't feel bad that my real name Naeem Sayyed was never used; in fact I was happy that my ustad's name was used because that gave me popularity. I looked like Mehmmodsaab, so people thought I was his son. All that worked in my favour.” 

Junior Mehmood is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter-in-law and a grandson. According to reports, his last rites will take place at Santacruz West's Juhu Muslim Cemetery today at approximately 12 pm.