The child prodigy of Indian cinema, Junior Mehmood, was a celebrated actor, singer, and Marathi film director. His journey from a child artist to a versatile performer is a story worthy of repeated tellings. the child actor renowned for his unforgettable performances in movies like “Brahmachari,” “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani,” “Kati Patang,” “Caravan,” “Haathi Mere Saathi,” “Mera Naam Joker,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Junior Mehmood was born as Naeem Sayyed on November 15, 1956, in Mumbai, into a modest family. His father was a train driver, and he had three brothers and two sisters. From a young age, Naeem showed a keen interest in acting and imitating different actors. His elder brother, who worked as a still photographer on film sets, often took him along, which further fueled his passion for acting.
Junior Mehmood’s entry into the film industry was serendipitous. During a visit to a film set with his brother, he impressed the director by delivering a dialogue that a child artist was struggling with. This led to his first role in the film “Kitna Nazuk Hai Dil.” The film was never released due to technical reasons. His first film was “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai” which came in 1966.
From Naeem to Junior Mehmood
Junior Mehmood’s big break came with “Naunihal (1967),” starring Balraj Sahni, Sanjeev Kumar and Mehmood. In the film he played the role of Biloo. He gets His performance was widely appreciated, and he quickly became a popular child artist in Hindi films. The name “Junior Mehmood” was given to him by the legendary actor Mehmood Bhai Jaan. During the during the shooting of “Suhaag Raat (1968),” there was a party at Mehmood’s house. Naeem boldly asked Mehmood to invite him, and said that he would entertain the guests.
Junior Mehmood performed at the famous song “Hum kaale hain to kya hua” at the birthday party of Mehmood’s daughter. Impressed by the talent and confidence of the young kid, Mehmood took him under his wing and officially made the boy his disciple by tying the thread. Apparently Junior Mehmood gave Mehmood Saab 25 paisa as Guru Dakshina.
The Child Prodigy
Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Junior Mehmood appeared in numerous films, often playing comedic and supporting roles. Some of his notable films from this period include “Brahmachari (1968),” “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970),” “Kati Patang (1970),” “Mera Naam Joker” (1970),” “Caravan (1971),” “Haathi Mere Saathi (1971),” “Chhoti Bahu (1971),” “Haré Raama Haré Krishna (1971),” “Parvarish” (1977), and “Do Aur Do Paanch” (1980). His ability to mimic and imitate other actors, especially Mehmood Ali, made him a favorite among audiences.
Junior Mehmood’s career is adorned with several iconic performances that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Some other notable films of his career include Vishwas (1969), Pyar Hi Pyar (1969), Nateeja (1969), Chanda Aur Bijli (1969), Anjaana (1969), Do Raaste (1969), Yaadgaar (1970), Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970), Bachpan (1970), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Ustad Pedro (1971), Ramu Ustad (1971), Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971), Hungama (1971), and many more.
Later Work
With age, his career as a child actor came to an end, and offers dwindled. In these situations, he did whatever little role he got. Jr. Mehmood can’t replicate his earlier success after getting old. He did whatever roles he find,even small, insignificant parts in many films.
Some of the notable films he was part of in that period were Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Geet Gaata Chal (1975), Aap To Aise Na The (1980), Karishma Kudrat Kaa (1985), Sadaa Suhagan (1986), Sasti Dulhan Mahenga Dulha (1986), Imaandaar (1987), Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni (1989), Shehzaade (1989), Jawani Zindabad (1990), Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri (1990), Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), Bewafa Sanam (1995), Chhote Sarkar (1996), Judaai (1997), Journey Bombay to Goa (2007), and many more.
In addition to his work in Hindi cinema, Junior Mehmood also made significant contributions to Marathi cinema. He directed and produced six Marathi films, including “Maskari” (1991), “Pagalpan” (1991), “Karmyog” (1999), “Tulas Aali Ghara” (2001), “Adla Badli” (2008), and “Ardha Gangu Ardha Gondya” (2011). His work in Marathi cinema showcased his versatility and dedication to the craft.
Personal Life and Later work
Junior Mehmood also made a mark on Indian television. He appeared in several successful TV serials, including “Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara” (2012-2014), where he played the role of Shankar “Shanky” Chatterjee. His performances in the TV series “Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka” (2016) and “Tenali Rama” (2019) further demonstrated his acting prowess.
Junior Mehmood married sometime in 80s. He has a son named Hasnain Sayed, who works as a writer and music manager.
Illness And Death
On 8 December 2023, Junior Mehmood left the world at the age of 67, succumbing to the challenges of stage four stomach cancer. He was not well from quite a some time. Everyone thought these are some a minor age related ailments. However, subsequent medical examinations revealed a formidable adversary—stage four cancer, affecting the liver and lungs and accompanied by a tumor in the intestine, compounded by jaundice.
He was buried at Juhu Muslim Cemetery in Santacruz West, alongside his mother. Notable figures from the industry, including Johny Lever, Jeetendra, and Sachin Pilgaonkar, paid visits to the ailing actor in his final days.
Junior Mehmood on IMDB
