Why doesn’t the industry recognize men and women at the right time? Why does it forget the achievements of men and women who have conquered in the face of heavy odds? Why does it wait for a time when it is time to write their obituaries and pay tributes, hold “chauthas” and condolence meetings to pay their homage, dressed up in immaculate white but with various colours of feelings sprayed all over their soul and minds? I don’t know why these solemn, somber and strong feelings cross my mind on a peaceful Sunday morning when I am thinking of our dear “Jaggu Dada”, also known as Jackie Shroff, the man who was almost the written off as a “Dada” who was a “Na Na” as an actor has completed twenty-five years in this world where a career is finished on every Friday and with every flop…

Jackie started his career with a bit role in Dev Anand’s “Swami Dada”. That role in which he had not a word to speak, was noticed by director Subhash Ghai who wanted to find an alternative to the rising Phenomenon of the star-sons who were ruling supreme and according to their own whims and fancies. Ghai had the courage to cast this unknown young man in his film, “Hero”. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits and Jackie Shroff, the boy who lived in a “Kholi” (room) in a chawl in Teen Batti in the hearts of Mumbai was accepted as a big star. And then there was just no stopping him. He was one of the most favourite hero’s loved both by the industry and the people, especially by women and children. The only class of people he could not win over were the critics with rocklike hearts living and working in stone built ivory towers. But he had the distinction of providing them when he won the National Award twice, once for “Parinda” and again for “Gardish”. Jackie continued to be a winner even as other stars and superstars rose all over the place. He could have easily been trampled and left by the way side but he has proved to be one of the greatest survivors and will continue to survive because of the treasure of goodwill and more than just good behaviour and his absolute and unquestioning sincerity to his work. He may not he one of the greatest actors, not one of the greatest stars or superstar but he will continue to be the Jackie Shroff he is, a man in a class all his own. He may not be accepted as the young man running around trees with girls half his age but he has shown signs of maturing into a major actor who can play some of the most challenging characters and can continue to be an actor as long as his idol, Dev Anand has.

I know Jackie as someone who shies away from all kinds of applause and keeps away from being in the glare of the limelight. I have always seen him at the best of functions standing alone in one of the last rows and refusing to make a public appearance on any stage. He is also the only star who has strictly avoided performing at events and shows in which some of his contemporaries and the new generation of stars are making more money then they make in their profession. So what if he avoids all forms of adulation? Why shouldn’t the industry show its love for one of its most loved persons who have given it a face of humanity and humility at its best? So, come on, my friends give a thought to what I am saying about this man who is an extra ordinarily ordinary man who can be found in many many years.

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