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{{Short description|Indian film actor (1938–1985)}}
{{About|the Indian actor|other people with the same name|Sanjeev Kumar (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sanjeev Kumar
| image = Sanjeev Kumar, Best Actor for Koshish.jpg
| caption = Sanjeev Kumar, {{circa|1973}}
| birth_name = Harihar Jethalal Jariwala
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1938|7|9|df=y}}<ref name=Go>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/sanjeev-kumar-facts-1080532-2017-11-06|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2020|title=Remembering Sanjeev Kumar, the 'Thakur' of Indian cinema|date=6 November 2017|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102171438/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/sanjeev-kumar-facts-1080532-2017-11-06}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Surat]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]]<br/>(present day Surat, [[Gujarat]], India) 
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1985|11|6|1938|7|9|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| other_names = Haribhai
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1960–1985
| works = [[Sanjeev Kumar filmography|Full list]]
| spouse = 
| partner = 
}}

'''Sanjeev Kumar''' (born '''Harihar Jethalal Jariwala''';<ref name=":0" /> 9 July 1938 – 6 November 1985)<ref name=":0" /> was an Indian actor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanjeev Kumar: The common man's superstar |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/books/2021/dec/19/sanjeev-kumar-the-common-mans-superstar-2396362.html |access-date=2022-05-07 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507210346/https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/books/2021/dec/19/sanjeev-kumar-the-common-mans-superstar-2396362.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Regarded as one of the greatest and finest actors of [[Indian cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/remembering-sanjeev-kumar-his-memoir-gives-an-insight-into-the-life-and-journey-of-the-actor-from-struggle-to-stardom/articleshow/92769007.cms|title=Sanjeev Kumar's memoir: Insights into his journey from struggle to stardom|date=9 July 2022|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=Go/> Kumar was known for his acting versatility. He acted in a wide variety of genres ranging from romantic drama to thriller. He was voted seventh among the "Greatest Actors of Indian cinema of All Time" in a poll conducted by ''[[Rediff.com]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Readers Choice: The Greatest Indian actors of all time|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-readers-choice-the-finest-indian-actors-of-all-time/20110627.htm|access-date=2021-06-14|website=Rediff|language=en|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614040357/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-readers-choice-the-finest-indian-actors-of-all-time/20110627.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> His [[double role]] in ''Angoor'' was listed among the "25 Iconic Performances of Indian cinema" by ''Forbes India'' on the occasion of celebrating 100 years of [[Cinema of India|Indian Cinema]].<ref name=":0">[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Sanjeev-Kumar Sanjeev Kumar: Movies, Photos, Videos, News & Biography | eTimes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528202040/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Sanjeev-Kumar |date=28 May 2018 }}. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com (1938-07-09). Retrieved on 2018-11-08.</ref> 

He won several major awards, including two [[National Film Awards]] for [[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] in ''[[Dastak (1970 film)|Dastak]]'' (1970) and ''[[Koshish]]'' (1972).  Some of his acclaimed performances include ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975), ''[[Arjun Pandit (1976 film)|Arjun Pandit]]'' (1976) and ''[[Trishul (film)|Trishul]]'' (1978), ''[[Khilona (1970 film)|Khilona]]'' (1970), ''[[Naya Din Nai Raat]]'' (1974), ''[[Yehi Hai Zindagi]]'' (1977),  ''[[Devata (1978 film)|Devata]]'' (1978) and ''[[Ram Tere Kitne Naam]]'' (1985). His performances in [[comedy genre]] films, such as ''[[Manchali]]'' (1973), ''[[Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978 film)|Pati Patni Aur Woh]]'' (1978), ''[[Biwi-O-Biwi]]'' (1981) ''[[Angoor (1982 film)|Angoor]]'' (1982) and ''[[Hero (1983 film)|Hero]]'' (1983) were also well received.

== Early life and background ==
Sanjeev Kumar was born as '''Harihar Jethalal Jariwala''' (also referred to as Haribhai)<ref name=ht12 /><ref name=tri /> on 9 July 1938 in [[Surat]] into a [[Gujarati people|Gujarati]] [[Brahmin]] family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-sanjeev-kumar-birth-anniversary-know-the-story-behind-the-name-change-from-haribhai-23754828.html|title = किसके कहने पर हरिहर जेठालाल बन गये थे Sanjeev Kumar? दिलचस्प है 'हरिभाई' के नाम बदलने का किस्सा|date = 8 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title="Sanjeev Kumar had lots of women around him…"|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/sanjeev-kumar-had-lots-of-women-around-him-14412.html|access-date=2022-01-02|website=filmfare.com|language=en|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206213521/https://www.filmfare.com/features/sanjeev-kumar-had-lots-of-women-around-him-14412.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He came to Bombay when he was very young. A stint in a film school led him to [[Bollywood]], where he eventually became an accomplished actor. He is widely acclaimed by the critics and general public alike to be one of the all-time greatest actors of Indian cinema.

Kumar had two younger brothers and one sister. He spoke Gujarati, Hindi and English fluently.

==Career ==
{{main article|Sanjeev Kumar filmography}}

Kumar started his acting career as a stage actor, starting with [[Indian People's Theatre Association|IPTA]] in [[Bombay]] and later joining the Indian National Theatre.<ref name=tri>{{cite web | title = He was an actor for all seasons | publisher = The Sunday Tribune | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000813/spectrum/main3.htm | date = 13 August 2000 | access-date = 2013-08-12 | archive-date = 3 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180303211856/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000813/spectrum/main3.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> Even as a stage actor, he had a penchant for playing older roles; at age 22, he played an old man in an adaptation of [[Arthur Miller's]] ''[[All My Sons]]''. In the following year, in the play ''[[Damru]]'' directed by [[A.K. Hangal]], he again played the role of a 60-year-old with six children.<ref name=ht12 />

He made his film debut with a small role in ''[[Hum Hindustani]]'' in 1960.<ref name=Kale>{{Cite web |title=Fans remember legendary actor Sanjeev Kumar on his 82nd birth anniversary |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/fans-remember-legendary-actor-sanjeev-kumar-on-his-82nd-birth-anniversary |access-date=2022-05-07 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004032239/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/fans-remember-legendary-actor-sanjeev-kumar-on-his-82nd-birth-anniversary |url-status=live }}</ref> His first film as a protagonist was in ''[[Nishan (1965 film)|Nishan]]'' (1965). In 1968, he acted alongside [[Dilip Kumar]] in ''[[Sunghursh]]''. He also starred opposite [[Shammi Kapoor]] and [[Sadhana]] in the hit film ''[[Sachaai]]'' (1969).

He starred in the 1966 [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] film ''[[Kalapi (film)|Kalapi]]'', which was based on the poet [[Kalapi]]'s life, with him playing the title role, [[Padmarani]] playing the role of his wife, Rama and [[Aruna Irani]] as the love interest. The film was directed by [[Manhar Raskapur]].<ref name="GokulsingDissanayake2013">{{cite book|author1=K. Moti Gokulsing|author2=[[Wimal Dissanayake]]|title=Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djUFmlFbzFkC&pg=PA94|access-date=21 April 2017|date=17 April 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-77284-9|pages=94|archive-date=12 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412145349/https://books.google.com/books?id=djUFmlFbzFkC&pg=PA94|url-status=live}}</ref> Later [[Aruna Irani]] worked with him in another [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] film, ''Mare Javun Pele Par'' (1968).

In 1970, the movie ''[[Khilona (1970 film)|Khilona]]'', which was the remake of [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] film ''Mare Javun Pele Paar'' (1968), brought Kumar national recognition. In 1972, he played in an Indo-Iranian film, ''[[Subah-O-Shaam]]''. This was when the director [[Gulzar]] first spotted him. Later he cast Kumar in the roles of older men in 4 films ''[[Parichay (film)|Parichay]]'' (1972), ''[[Koshish]]'' (1973), ''[[Aandhi]]'' (1975) and ''[[Mausam (1975 film)|Mausam]]'' (1975). [[Gulzar]] cast Kumar in the roles of younger men in the films ''[[Angoor (1982 film)|Angoor]]'' (1981) and ''[[Namkeen]]'' (1982). He won the [[BFJA Awards for Best Actor (Hindi)]] for his portrayal of a deaf and mute person in ''[[Koshish]]'' opposite [[Jaya Bhaduri]]. He reached to his success when he starred in the box office hits ''[[Seeta Aur Geeta]]'' (1972), ''[[Manchali]]'' (1973) and ''[[Aap Ki Kasam]]'' (1974). In 1973, he made a guest appearance during a song in a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] movie, ''[[Bharatha Vilas]]'' (1973). He performed in nine movies directed by [[Gulzar]]. [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]] directed him in ''[[Arjun Pandit (1976 film)|Arjun Pandit]]'', for which he won the Filmfare Best Actor Award.

He did three films opposite famous [[Tamils|Tamil]] actress [[L. Vijayalakshmi]], including ''Husn Aur Ishq'' and ''Badal'' which became hits. Their first film was ''[[Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1966 film)|Alibaba Aur 40 Chor]]'' which was unsuccessful. His ''[[Raja Aur Runk]]'', released in 1968, was a great success. He did ''[[Kangan (1971 film)|Kangan]]'', ''[[Rivaaj]]'', ''[[Zindagi (1976 film)|Zindagi]]'', ''[[Be-Reham]]'', ''[[Archana (film)|Archana]]'' and ''[[Do Ladkiyan]]'' opposite [[Mala Sinha]]. He did ''[[Priya (1970 film)|Priya]]'', ''[[Anubhav (1971 film)|Anubhav]]'', ''Gustaaki Maaf'', ''[[Bachpan]]'' and ''[[Khud-Daar]]'' with [[Tanuja]]. He was paired with [[Raakhee]] in ''[[Angaare]]'', ''[[Paras (1971 film)|Paras]]'', ''[[Trishna (1978 film)|Trishna]]'', ''[[Shriman Shrimati]]'' and ''[[Hamare Tumhare]]''. His hits with [[Leena Chandavarkar]] included ''Apne Rang Hazar'', ''[[Manchali]]'' and ''[[Anhonee (1973 film)|Anhonee]]''. He was paired regularly with [[Sulakshana Pandit]] in films such as ''[[Uljhan]]'' and ''[[Waqt Ki Deewar]]'' and with [[Moushmi Chatterjee|Moushumi Chatterjee]] in ''Itni Si Baat'' and ''Daasi''.

The producers and directors of the South wanted to remake their [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] films in [[Hindi]] with either [[Kumar]] or [[Rajesh Khanna]] in lead. It was these [[Hindi]] film remakes which elevated the success in his career. ''[[Khilona (1970 film)|Khilona]]'' and its [[Tamil language|Tamil]] version ''[[Engirundho Vandhaal]]'' were made simultaneously. ''[[Navarathri]]'' was remade as ''[[Naya Din Nai Raat]]''. [[Kumar]] reprised the role played by [[Thengai Srinivasan]] in ''[[Yehi Hai Zindagi]]'' which was a remake of ''[[Kaliyuga Kannan]]''. He starred as the lead ''[[Shaandaar (1974 film)|Shaandaar]]'' (1974) which was a remake of ''[[Kasturi Nivasa]]'' with [[Kannada]] actor [[Dr. Rajkumar]] in the lead. [[Kumar]] enacted the role played by [[AVM Rajan]] in ''Anadhai Aanandhan'', in its [[Hindi]] version ''[[Chanda Aur Bijli]]''. ''[[Gnana Oli]]'' was remade as ''[[Devata (1978 film)|Devata]]'' in 1978 with [[Kumar]] reprising the role originally played by [[Sivaji Ganesan]]. He also acted in ''[[Swarg Narak]]'' (1978) the remake of ''[[Swargam Narakam]].'' He played the role which [[N.T. Rama Rao]] did originally in ''Devina Chesina Manushulu'', in its [[Hindi]] version [[Takkar (1980 film)|Takkar]] in 1980. ''[[Tayaramma Bangarayya]]'' was remade as ''Shriman Shrimati'' in 1982, ''Raman Ethanai Ramanadi'' was remade as ''Raam Kitne Tere Naam'' in 1985. Kumar reprised the role played by R.Muthuraman in ''Alukuoru Aasai'' in its Hindi remake ''Itni Si Baat'' in 1981.  Sivaji Ganesan gave Kumar a role in his own home production ''Gauri'' (1968), which was a remake of ''Shanti'' (1965). The role played by S.S. Rajendran in ''Shanti'' was re-enacted by Kumar in ''Gauri''.

Northern Indian producers and directors cast Kumar primarily in supporting roles in films like [[Khud-Daar]], [[Sawaal (film)|Sawaal]], [[Zabardast]], [[Hero (1983 film)|Hero]], and [[Silsila]]. Sanjeev Kumar's excellent comic timing entertained audiences in films such as ''[[Seeta Aur Geeta]]'', ''Biwi O Biwi'' (1981),<ref>[http://www.webmallindia.com/buy-dvd-online-movie-biwi-o-biwi-p-105.html Buy BIWI O BIWI DVD online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017034022/http://www.webmallindia.com/buy-dvd-online-movie-biwi-o-biwi-p-105.html |date=17 October 2014 }}. Webmallindia.com. Retrieved on 2018-11-08.</ref> ''[[Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978 film)|Pati, Patni Aur Woh]]'', ''[[Angoor (1982 film)|Angoor]]'' (1982) and ''[[Hero (1983 film)|Hero]]'' (1983).

His performances in films such as {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Charitraheen]]}}, ''Grihapravesh'', ''Chehre Pe Chehra'', [[Suraag]], ''Sawaal'' and ''Yaadgaar'' were appreciated by critics. Kumar always demonstrated a willingness to take on unconventional roles that challenged him as an actor. His role as Mirza Sajjad Ali,<ref>{{cite book |title=The Chess Players: And Other Screenplays |author=Satyajit Ray |editor=Andrew Robinson |publisher=Faber |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-5711-4074-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/chessplayersothe00saty |url-access=registration }}</ref> a chess-obsessed Lucknowi (citizen of [[Lucknow]]), in [[Satyajit Ray]]'s classic ''[[Shatranj Ke Khilari]]'' (1977) exemplified that aspect. His best-remembered roles were in the blockbuster films ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975) and ''[[Trishul (film)|Trishul]]'' (1978). His portrayal of the character [[Thakur (Indian title)|Thakur]], from ''[[Sholay]]'' was regarded as one of his stellar performances. In ''[[Naya Din Nayi Raat]]'' (1974), Kumar reprised nine-roles. This film enhanced his status and reputation as a serious actor in [[Bollywood]]. He stood his ground against leading superstars such as [[Rajesh Khanna]] in ''Aap Ki Kasam''; [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Shashi Kapoor]] in the [[Yash Chopra]] multi-star cast film ''[[Trishul (film)|Trishul]]'' (1978) and Dilip Kumar in ''Sangharsh'' and ''Vidhaata'' (1982).

He did many regional films in different languages including [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]] and his mother land [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]. In 1980, he starred in the [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] movie ''Fauji Chacha''. He also made guest appearances in two Tamil films, ''Bharata Vilas'' and ''Uyarndhavargal'' (a remake of ''Koshish'').

== Personal life ==
Kumar remained single all his life. He had proposed to [[Hema Malini]] in 1973 and they remained in touch thereafter. [[Sulakshana Pandit]] later recounted having been in love with him and having proposed marriage to him which he politely declined due to the fact no one in his family crossed age of 46 ever.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/aug2002/ivw9.html|title=Whatever happened to....... Sulakshana Pandit|publisher=Filmfare|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015075824/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/aug2002/ivw9.html|archive-date=15 October 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is speculated as a result of this rejection, Pandit chose to remain unmarried.

== Health problems and death ==
After his first heart attack, he underwent a bypass surgery in the U.S. However, on 6 November 1985, at the age of 47, he suffered a massive heart attack, which resulted in his death. His younger brother Nikul died before him, while his other brother Kishore died six months later.<ref name=ht12>{{cite web| title = Salt-and-pepper memories with Sanjeev Kumar| publisher = Hindustan Times| url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/ColumnsOthers/Salt-and-pepper-memories-with-Sanjeev-Kumar/Article1-954727.aspx| date = 4 November 2012| access-date = 2013-08-12| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130815011536/http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/ColumnsOthers/Salt-and-pepper-memories-with-Sanjeev-Kumar/Article1-954727.aspx| archive-date = 15 August 2013| df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upperstall.com/people/sanjeev-kumar|title=Sanjeev Kumar|publisher=upperstall.com|access-date=14 August 2010|archive-date=27 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527175247/http://www.upperstall.com/people/sanjeev-kumar|url-status=live}}</ref>

More than ten of Kumar's films were released after his death with the last one, ''[[Professor Ki Padosan]]'', released in December 1993. At the time of his death, only 75% of the film was complete and it was eventually decided to alter the storyline in the second half to explain the absence of Kumar's character.

==Artistry and legacy==
Kumar is regarded as one the greatest actors in Indian cinema.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Best Actors of Bollywood Ever |magazine=The Cinemaholic |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/best-greatest-bollywood-actors-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129234730/https://thecinemaholic.com/best-greatest-bollywood-actors-of-all-time/ |archive-date=29 November 2022}}</ref> He was known for his diverse roles, charm, elegance and ability to bring authenticity and depth to a wide range.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/remembering-sanjeev-kumar-celebrating-5-timeless-roles-on-his-birth-anniversary/articleshow/111611435.cms|title=Remembering Sanjeev Kumar: Celebrating 5 timeless roles on his birth anniversary|website=The Times Of India|date=9 July 2024|access-date=26 May 2025}}</ref> He did not mind playing roles that were non-glamorous, such as characters well beyond his age.<ref name=Kale/> In 2022, Kumar was placed in ''[[Outlook India]]''{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actors Who Conquered Hearts Of The Millions |work=Outlook India |date=12 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{quote box|align=left|width=31em|bgcolor=lightgrey|quote="Normally great acting performances are associated with tragedy, or the character exhibiting a panoply of emotions. It is not often that a comic role gets this status. The one exception is Sanjeev Kumar’s double role in Angoor (based on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors) where he makes you joyful with effortless acting and amazing comic timing." |source=—''[[Forbes India]]'' on Kumar's performance in ''[[Angoor (1982 film)|Angoor]]'' (1982)<ref name="Forbes">{{cite journal |last=Prasad |first=Shishir |author2=Ramnath, N.S |author3=Mitter, Sohini |date=27 April 2013 |title=25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema |journal=[[Forbes India]] |publisher=Network 18 |url=http://forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/0 |access-date=19 April 2015 |archive-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112014841/http://forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/0 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
Dinesh Raheja of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' noted, "Sanjeev Kumar thrived in spite of defying many of Bollywood's norms for heroes. He defied the industry's unwritten-rules not out of necessity, but by choice. This actor did not have to sequin himself in designer duds to endear himself to the audience. He did so with his virtuoso performances."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2002/jun/17dinesh.htm|title=Everyman's Hero: Sanjeev Kumar|website=Rediff.com|access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> Devesh Sharma of ''[[Filmfare]]'' said, "Whether he made you cry in ''[[Koshish]]'', or laugh in ''[[Angoor (1982 film)| Angoor]]'', put you on the edge in ''[[Sholay]]'' or shocked you in ''[[Khilona (1970 film)| Khilona]]'', he could do it with ease. When a director hired Sanjeev Kumar, he hired the luxury of going to sleep. The actor would arrive at the fag end of the shift and wind up before the rest of them. Such was his easy talent. Sanjeev Kumar was a real actor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/actor-for-all-seasons-sanjeev-kumar-5000.html |title=Actor for all seasons: Sanjeev Kumar|website=Filmfare.com|date=23 December 2013|access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> In 2010, ''[[Filmfare]]'' included Kumar's performances in ''[[Mausam (1975 film)|Mausam]]'', ''Aandhi'', ''Angoor'' and ''Sholay'' in its list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances".<ref name="iconic">{{cite journal |url=https://tanqeed.com/filmfare-top-80-iconic-performances-old-article-2010/ |title=80 Iconic Performances |journal=Filmfare Via Tanqeed.com |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref>

Jyothi Jha of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote, "There is a popular saying: ‘A flame that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long!’ Sanjeev Kumar is the best way to define the life of the star".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sanjeev-kumar-the-actor-who-had-predicted-his-death-and-obsessed-over-older-roles-9440112/|title=Sanjeev Kumar: The actor who predicted his death, obsessed over older roles|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=10 July 2024|access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' stated, "An artiste par excellence, Kumar enjoyed a strong fan following due to his impressive screen presence, impeccable dialogue delivery and intelligent selection of roles. ‘Hari Bhai’ often played aged characters, proving that he was not afraid to experiment with his reel image."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/remembering-sanjeev-kumar-on-his-birth-anniversary-5-timeless-classics-that-prove-hari-bhai-was-an-actor-par-excellence-858891.html|title=Remembering Sanjeev Kumar on his birth anniversary: 5 timeless classics that prove ‘Hari Bhai’ was an actor par excellence|date=9 July 2020|access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref>

== Awards ==
=== Film awards ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Category
! Nominated work
! Result
|-
! colspan="4"|[[National Film Awards]]
|-
|[[18th National Film Awards|1971]]
|[[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Dastak (1970 film)|Dastak]]''
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite web | url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm20thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=20NFA.pdf | title=20th National Awards For Films (1971) | publisher=dff.nic.in. Directorate of Film Festivals | page=41 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170649/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm20thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=20NFA.pdf | archive-date=21 July 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
|[[20th National Film Awards|1973]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Koshish]]''
|{{won}}
|-
! colspan="4"|[[Filmfare Awards]]
|-
|[[16th Filmfare Awards|1969]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|''[[Shikar (1968 film)|Shikar]]''
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiafm.com/celebrities/awards/11035/index.html|title=Sanjeev Kumar Awards|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930211635/http://indiafm.com/celebrities/awards/11035/index.html|archive-date=30 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|[[18th Filmfare Awards|1971]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Khilona (1970 film)|Khilona]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[21st Filmfare Awards|1974]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Koshish]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[23rd Filmfare Awards|1976]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Sholay]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Aandhi]]''
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[24th Filmfare Awards|1977]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Mausam (1975 film)|Mausam]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Arjun Pandit (1976 film)|Arjun Pandit]]''
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[25th Filmfare Awards|1978]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Yehi Hai Zindagi]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Zindagi (1976 film)|Zindagi]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[26th Filmfare Awards|1979]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Devata (1978 film)|Devata]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978 film)|Pati Patni Aur Woh]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|''[[Trishul (1978 film)|Trishul]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[30th Filmfare Awards|1983]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
|''[[Vidhaata]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|''[[Angoor (1982 film)|Angoor]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
! colspan="4"|[[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]]
|-
|1974
|[[BFJA Award for Best Actor (Hindi)|Best Actor (Hindi)]]
|''[[Koshish]]''
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/197437.htm|title=BFJA Awards|publisher=BFJA Awards|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100109013438/http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/197437.htm |archive-date=9 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}

=== Other awards ===
* 1969 – Naval Stars Awards, Shanoo Varun Trophy by S.M. Nanda
* 1971 – Surat Jilla Leuva Patidar Gnyati.
* 1975 – Cinegoers Council (Delhi) Film Awards
* 1976 – Lion Club of North Calcutta Actor of the year for ''Mausam''
* 1984 – Maratha Seva Sangh Dist Khed
* Best Actor (Stage) for the Gujarati play ''Koi no Ladakh Vayo''
* Kalashri Art & Network "Lifetime Achievement Millenium 2000 Award" at Surat
* 18th National Award "Bharat Puraskar" by Information & Broadcast State Minister Mrs Nandini Satapthi at Shanmukhanand Hall (Mumbai)
* Army Officers Voice Association Trophy
* Andhra Pradesh Film Journalist Award
* Chitralok Cine Serjak Award (Ahmedabad)

== Government recognition ==
[[File:Sanjeev Kumar 2013 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Kumar on a 2013 stamp of India.]]
A road has been named after him in [[Surat]], Gujarat as Sanjeev Kumar Marg, which was inaugurated by veteran actor [[Sunil Dutt]].

A school has been named after him in his home town [[Surat]], [[Gujarat]], and was inaugurated by the then Mayor Kadir K. Pirzada. A postage stamp was released by [[India Post]] to honour him on 3 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=India Post &#124; Philately &#124; Stamps &#124; Stamps 2013|url=http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2013.aspx|access-date=18 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726165015/http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Stamps2013.aspx|archive-date=26 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

An auditorium, named [[Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium]] built by the Surat Municipal Corporation at the cost of 108cr, was opened in his home town. It was inaugurated on 14 February 2014 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gujarat remembers its proud son, versatile actor Sanjeev Kumar by inaugurating a grand auditorium in his honour|publisher=narendramodi.in|url=http://www.narendramodi.in/sanjeev-kumar-auditorium-in-surat/|access-date=18 July 2014|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725115908/http://www.narendramodi.in/sanjeev-kumar-auditorium-in-surat/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
The Sanjeev Kumar Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sanjeevkumarfoundation.com/ |title=Sanjeev Kumar Foundation |access-date=12 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111225100/http://www.sanjeevkumarfoundation.com/ |archive-date=11 November 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is a national level development organisation ([[NGO]]) directly benefiting children and their families every year, mainly focusing on education, healthcare, environment, culture and nutrition. From 2015 onwards the foundation has also been the sponsor of the annual Sanjeev Kumar Drama Competition held by the [[Surat Municipal Corporation]]. The awards and cash prizes are given in memory of Sanjeev Kumar to the best actor, actress, director and backstage technician every year.

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=0474876|name=Sanjeev Kumar}}
* [http://www.forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/1 25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema]
{{NationalFilmAwardBestActor}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestActor}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Sanjeev}}
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:1985 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:People from Surat]]
[[Category:Gujarati actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian male stage actors]]
[[Category:Best Actor National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Male actors from Gujarat]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]