Mumbai: Many actors who played villains in Hindi cinema are remembered by audiences more for their on-screen persona than their actual names. Veteran actor Jeevan was one such artist. He captured the audience’s attention by portraying menacing villains, while also carving out a distinct identity for himself through his portrayal of Narad Muni in mythological films. However, his journey to establish a place in the film industry was far from easy.
He arrived in Mumbai from his home with just 26 rupees. Initially, he had to take on menial jobs at a film studio, but it was during this time that he got an opportunity to act—a turning point that changed the course of his life.
Jeevan was born on October 24, 1915, in Srinagar. His birth name was Omkar Nath Dhar, and he hailed from a Kashmiri Pandit family. His mother passed away during his birth, and his father also passed away when he was about three years old. He had a keen interest in films and acting from a young age, but his family did not view working in the film industry favorably; pursuing a career in cinema did not align with their traditional values.
His desire to become an actor was so strong that Jeevan eventually decided to leave home. At the age of about 18, he arrived in Mumbai—then known as Bombay—with only 26 rupees. Upon reaching the city, his greatest challenge was to sustain himself while trying to break into the film industry. He managed to find work at a studio, where his job involved pasting silver paper onto reflectors. This gave him the chance to observe the filmmaking process up close.
This studio is said to have belonged to director Mohanlal Sinha. Jeevan’s interest in acting became known while he was working there, which eventually led to his first opportunity to act in a film. His debut film was titled ‘Fashionable India’. This opportunity paved the way for his career in the world of acting.
Throughout his career, Jeevan portrayed a wide variety of characters; however, it was his role as ‘Narad Muni’ in mythological films that became his most defining identity. He played this character in approximately 49 to 60 films. His portrayal of Narad Muni in the 1950 film ‘Har Har Mahadev’ is particularly well-remembered. This role earned him great popularity among audiences of religious and mythological cinema.
Later, he began playing villainous roles in Hindi cinema. His unique style of dialogue delivery, facial expressions, and the way he embodied his characters set him apart. His work in films such as ‘Johnny Mera Naam’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, and ‘Dharam Veer’ remains memorable. He worked in the film industry for several decades, carving out a distinct niche for himself through a diverse range of roles.
