Suresh was one of the prominent actors of the 1940s and 1950s who starred in many successful films like “Basant (1942),” “Dulari (1949),” “Dastan (1950),” “Jadoo (1951),” “Yasmin (1955),” “Captain Kishore (1957)” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Suresh, born as Naseem Ahmed on November 13, 1928 (some sources document his birthday on October 13), in Gurdaspur, Punjab, was a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry. His career spanned five decades, from 1929 to 1979, during which he left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his versatile acting and production skills.
Suresh’s journey in the world of cinema began at the tender age of one, when he played baby Krishna in “Gopal Krishna” (1929) and continued as a child artist in “Gangavataran (1937)” and “Nishan-e-Jung (1937).” His early years in the industry saw him act in films like Bazigar (1938), Meri Ankhen (1938), Taqdeer Ki Tope (1939), Thokar (1939), Bandhan (1940), Diwali (1940), Anjan (1941), Naya Sansar (1941), and Basant (1942).
Suresh – The Lead
Gajanan Jagirdar’s Behram Khan was the first film where he acted in an adult role. He the acted in Sona Chandi (1946) and Rang Mahal (1948). In 1949, he starred opposite Madhubala and Geeta Bali in AR Kardar’s “Dulari.” The film is still remembered for the iconic song “Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki,” sung by Mohammed Rafi.
In 1950 he starred in AR Kardar’s Dastan with Raj Kapoor, Suraiya and Veena. Kardar again cast him in “Jadoo (1951),” opposite Nalini Jaywant. Jadoo was inspired by Charles Vidor’s classic “The Loves of Carmen (1948), starring Rita Hayworth. It revolves around a Sundari, a singer who falls in love with a policeman. Soon the policeman finds himself deep in the complicated life of the girl, who is a part of a gang herself.
The Success
The 1950s were a golden era for Suresh as he emerged as a leading actor. He shared the screen with the leading heroines of the time, such as Madhubala, Suraiya, Vyjayanthimala, and Geeta Bali. His collaboration with AR Kardar continued with “Diwana (1952),” with Suraiya and Sumitra. He gain worked with Suraiya in Phani Majumdar’s “Goonj (1952).”
His performances in Aspi Irani’s “Bare Bhaiyya (1950),” “Zamane Ki Hawa (1952)” with Mumtaz Shanti, “Dost (1954) with Usha Kiran,” “Bahadur (1953),” and “Haar Jeet (1954)” with Shyama, “Rishta (1954)” with Nigar Sultana, and “Yasmin (1955),” opposite Vyjaynthimala, were also noteworthy.
Suresh also worked in Pakistan briefly, where he acted in two films, Do Kinaray (1950) and Eid (1951). In 1957 he starred in J.B.H. Wadia’s fantasy action drama Captain Kishore (1957). The film also starred Shashikala, Anwar Hussain, and Naina. The film’s music is composed by Chitragupt – an Indian film music director prominent in Hindi and Bhojpuri Cinema. The same year he starred in
Some of his other notable films include Captain Kishore (1957), Neelofar (1957), Qaidi (1957), Aji Bas Shukriya (1958), Ten O’clock (1958), Ghar Ghar Ki Baat (1959), Madam X.Y.Z. (1959), Satta Bazaar (1959), Tipu Sultan (1959), Love Marriage (1959), Zara Bach Ke (1959), Aanchal (1960), Teen Ustad (1961), Wazir-E-Azam (1961), Saranga 1961 (1961), Dhol Jani (1961, Punjabi), and Sacche Moti (1962).
Later Years
Despite his success, Suresh faced challenges, especially in the later stages of his career. Post-1961, his popularity waned, and he took on supporting roles in films like Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964), Majboor (1964), Sher Afghan (1966), Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966), Aman (1967), Duniya (1967), Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai (Punjabi Movie, 1969), Nannha Farishta (1969), Aansoo Aur Muskan (1970), Mere Humsafar (1970), Dost Aur Dushman (1971), Raja Rani (1971), Resham Ki Dori (1974), Sewak (1975), and Adalat (1976).
Early in his career he also sang many songs like Jab Se Gaye Banwari (Thokar), “Apne Bhaiya Ko Naach Nachaoongi,” “Chal Chal Re Naujawan Kahna Mera Maan Maan” (Bandhan), Yeh Bade Sahab Ka Topa Hai (Divali), O Bharat Maa Ke Naujawan Kheencho Kamaan Kheencho, Pyare Pyare Sapne Hamare (Anjan), Akhbaar Ka Daftar Hai (Naya Sansar), Badh Chal Re Badh Chal Re Rahgir (Sangam), Aaj Mil Gaya More Man Ka Wasi Re (Bhai Dooj), and Bhoot Bangla (Bhoot Bangla).
Personal Life
Suresh also ventured into production with the 1980 film “Ganga Aur Suraj,” which starred Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, and Reena Roy. Unfortunately, the film faced financial difficulties due to the ill health of the main villain, Anwar Hussain, and Suresh’s own financial situation suffered as a result. Suresh died on 14 July 1979 at the age of 49. His film Ganga aur Suraj, released posthumously.
Suresh on IMDB
