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Jankidas | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jankidas Mehra 1910 |
| Died | 18 June 2003 (aged 92–93) Mumbai,Maharashtra, India |
| Years active | 1930s–1998 |
| Children | Shanoo Mehra |
Jankidas Mehra (1910 – 18 June 2003) was an Indian actor ofHindi cinema,cyclist,production designer, and writer. He made over 1000 film appearances between the 1930s and 1997.[1]
Although various press articles in India mention Jankidas as being a member of theInternational Olympic Committee at the1936 Olympic Games and being the only Indian to have broken the world record in cycling between 1934 and 1942,[2] theIndia at the 1936 Summer Olympics page does not mention him. Nor do any IOC or Cycling records mention his name.
In the 1940s, along withSohrab Bhoot, he founded theCycling Federation of India.
Jankidas debuted in films playing a major role inKhazanchi (1941), produced inLahore. He was not seen again until 1946, when he would appear inDr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani. From then on he would continue to play roles with increasing vigour over the years.[1]
As a production designer, Jankidas was responsible for the founding of many famous Indian actor's careers. He was responsible forMadhubala's role inSohrab Modi'sDaulat in 1947, and introducedMeena Kumari inNanabhai Bhatt'sHamara Ghar, andKhushbu inSunil Dutt'sDard Ka Rishta.[2] He also introduced actressMala Sinha in Hamlet, produced and directed byKishore Sahu.
In 1985, he wrote the script for the filmYaadon Ki Kasam.
Jankidas was the recipient of numerous national and international awards. In May 1996, he was honored with theLifetime Achievement Award given by theIndian Motion Pictures Producers' Association.[2]
Jankidas was also an author and wrote numerous books on Bollywood and the acting profession. He published My Misadventures in Filmland andActing for Beginners.[1]
Jankidas had a heart ailment for a substantial period of time, but was discharged from the local hospital two days before his death.[2] He died of cardiac failure at his Juhu residence on Wednesday 18 June 2003. He was 93.