Ashok Kumar and Kishore Kumar’s middle brother, Anoop Kumar, was an actor and singer remembered for his films like “Khiladi,” “Dekh Kabira Roya,” Jeevan Saathi,” “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,” “Junglee,” “Jhumroo,” and many more.
Early Life
Anoop Kumar was born on 24 March, 1926 in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, as Kalyan Kumar Ganguly. Some sources have mentioned his date of birth as 9 January. His father, Kunjalal Ganguly, was an advocate, while his mother, Gouri Rani Devi, was a homemaker. Anoop was educated at Indore Christian College, Indore, where he earned a Visharad in music. He also learnt classical music professionally. He followed in the footsteps of his brother, the great Ashok Kumar. Anoop also joined the film industry but never saw the success his brothers have.
On the Footsteps of Dada Moni
He was the only one among his brothers to receive formal training in classical music, and he even taught his younger brother Kishore Kumar the skill of yodelling, which became a signature element of Kishore’s singing style.
Anoop Kumar’s acting career began in the late 1940s when he moved to Mumbai and settled with his elder brother Ashok Kumar. He made his film debut in 1950 with “Khiladi,” where he played a supporting role. His first lead role came in the film “Gauna” (1950), with Usha Kiran and Poornima.
He then acted in films like Vidyasagar (1952), Rani (1952), Firdaus (1953), Samaj (1954), Sajani (1956), Bandi (1957), Sheroo (1957), and Jeevan Saathi (1957).
Breakthrough of Anoop Kumar
Anoop gained widespread recognition with Amiya Chakravarty’s romantic comedy “Dekh Kabira Roya (1957).” In the film, he was paired with Ameeta and played the role of Mohan, a singer. His performance in this film showcased his talent for comic roles and established him as a versatile actor.
However, it was his role in the classic comedy “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958),” alongside his brothers Ashok and Kishore, that cemented his place in the hearts of cinema lovers. His portrayal of Jagmohan ‘Jaggu’ Sharma showcased his comedic timing and versatility as an actor.
Anoop Kumar’s career spanned over four decades. He went on to do a number of films like Lukochuri (1958), Fashionable Wife (1959), Nai Raahen (1959), Chacha Zindabad (1959), Naach Ghar (1959), Bezubaan (1961), Bahu Beti (1965), Mahabharat (1965), Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai (1967), Dil Aur Mohabbat (1968), Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool (1969), which he also produced, Prem Pujari (1970), and Amar Prem (1972).
Anoop Kumar’s supporting roles in blockbuster films like Jhumroo (1961), Junglee (1961), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), Raat Aur Din (1967), and Victoria No. 203 (1972) are especially memorable.
Later Career
Anoop Kumar continued to act in films till the mid-90s, where he was part of some well-known films such as Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Kitne Paas Kitne Door (1976), Mrigayaa (1977), Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978), Tumhare Bina (1982), Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi (1982), Over Marriage (1984), Jawab Hum Denge (1987), Clerk (1987), Dushman Zamana (1992), Aasoo Bane Angaarey (1993), and many more. His last film appearance was the 1995 film “Rock Dancer.”
Apart from his films, Anoop Kumar also known for his work in the Doordarshan detective serial “Bheem Bhawani” in 1990. The serial also had his brother Ashok Kumar.
He also lent his voice to a few songs like “Yeh Mohabbat Kya Karenge (Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi, 1982),” “Allah Khair Baba Khair (Hum Do Daku, 1967),” and “Liya Liya Re (Rock Dancer, 1995),” showcasing his musical talent.
Anoop Kumar died on 20 September 1997 following a severe cardiac arrest at the age of 71. He was survived by four daughters, including Anjali, Indrani, and Chandra, and a son, Arjun Kumar Ganguli.
Anoop kumar on IMDB
