Remembering Junior Mehmood: Comedy maestro whose impact on Indian cinema echoes beyond languages

Naeem Sayyed, popularly known as Junior Mehmood, dies after a long battle with stomach cancer at the age of 67. Junior Mehmood began his career in films as a child actor with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966). Over the years, he worked in 265 films across seven different languages. The veteran actor had even ventured in Marathi cinema and impressed his fans with his on screen appearances and comic timing.

When did Junior Mehmood rise to fame?

Junior MehmooD began his cinematic journey as a child artiste with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai in 1966. He graced the screens with his magnetic presence in iconic films like Naunihal, Haathi Mere Saathi, Mera Naam Joker, Kati Patang, Geet Gaata Chal, and more.

Mehmood Ali, an iconic figure in comedy, bestowed the screen name Junior Mehmood upon Naeem Sayyed after their collaboration in the 1968 film Suhaag Raat. Beyond the silver screen, he briefly worked in television in shows such as Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara and Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka.

Notably, the actor has worked in films across seven different languages — Punjabi, Marathi, Hindi, and others. He has been a part of films like Maa Da Laadla (1973) and Teri Meri Ik Jindri in Punjabi language, Aadla Badli in Marathi, and many more. He has also directed Marathi films including Karmyog and Tulas Aali Ghara, among others. 

Junior Mehmood's battle with stage four stomach cancer

During an interview with PTI, Johny Lever disclosed that Junior Mehmood was undergoing treatment for stage four stomach cancer at Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel. Despite his ailment, he remained silent about his health, with many in the industry unaware of his battle.

Before his demise, Junior Mehmood was visited by several actors including Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar, who he had expressed his’last wish’ to meet. Jeetendra, who shared screen space with the veteran actor in several films, expressed his emotions during the visit. Sachin Pilgaonkar, a childhood friend, urged netizens to pray for Junior Mehmood's recovery via a post on his social media handles.

Junior Mehmood’s funeral will reportedly take place on Friday at Santacruz kabrastan. He is survived by his wife Lata and two sons.