Veteran Character Actor Junior Mehmood Passes Away at the Age of 68

Mumbai, Dec 8 – Junior Mehmood, a character actor renowned for his roles in films such as “Caravan,” “Haathi Mere Saathi,” and “Mera Naam Joker,” has passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his son Hasnain.

“My father passed away at 2:00 am following his battle with stomach cancer. He was in a critical condition for the last 17 days. He had lost 35-40 kg in a month,” shared Hasnain Sayyed.

Born Naeem Sayyed, Junior Mehmood started his career as a child artist in films like “Mohabbat Zindagi Hai” (1966) and “Naunihal” (1967). The moniker “Junior Mehmood” was bestowed upon him by the late comedy icon Mehmood after their collaboration in the 1968 film “Suhag Raat.”

According to a close friend, Salaam Kazi, Junior Mehmood initially sought treatment for stomach pain but was later taken to Tata Memorial Hospital when he began losing weight. Medical examinations revealed cancer in his lung and liver, along with a tumor in his stomach, and a diagnosis of jaundice.

Director Sanjay Gupta and trade union Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) paid tribute to the veteran actor. In a career spanning over four decades, Junior Mehmood appeared in more than 260 films across seven languages, leaving an indelible mark with memorable performances in iconic movies and recreating his idol Mehmood’s iconic song “Hum Kaale Hain To Kya Hua” in “Brahmachari” (1968).

His burial is scheduled to take place later in the day at the Santa Cruz cemetery, where he will join other notable personalities like Dilip Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. Junior Mehmood is survived by two sons and a wife.