Junior Mehmood Dies: Jeetendra, Sachin Pilgaonkar fulfilled his last wish to meet old friends

Veteran actor Junior Mehmood died on Friday at his Mumbai home after battling stomach cancer. He was 67. Born Naeem Sayyed but popular in the film industry as Junior Mehmood, the actor’s health deteriorated in the last few days. The family came to know about his stage-4 stomach cancer only 18 days ago, Husnain, the actor’s son, told The Indian Express. When they took him to Tata Memorial Hospital, the dean said the treatment and chemotherapy at this stage would be very painful. “The hospital had suggested that we take care of him at home,” Husnain added. On Friday, at 2:15 AM, he breathed his last after battling stomach cancer. Meeting old friends In the last few days, Junior Mehmood expressed a desire to reconnect with his old friends and colleagues from the industry. Following this, Jeetendra, Johnny Lever and Sachin Pilgaonkar visited him at his residence in Khar. Jeetendra couldn’t hold back his emotions standing by the veteran actor’s bedside. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Jeetendra said that Junior Mehmood was unable to recognise him and also couldn’t open his eyes, further adding, “Seeing him in such a state breaks my heart.” The senior actor also added that he was urged by Johnny Lever for a quick visit, seemingly due to his worsening condition. Johnny Lever visited his friend every day to get an update about his health. Talking to The Times of India, the comedian-actor said, “He is my best friend, like a brother and we share a family connection. That’s why I visit him every day,” Lever said. Career Junior Mehmood entered films in 1966 at a young age as a child artiste with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai. He was then seen playing important roles in Naunihal, Caravan, and Haathi Mere Saathi. Junior Mehmood impressed cine lovers with brilliant acting in Mera Naam Joker, Suhaag Raat, Brahmachari, and Kati Patang. Among other films, he acted in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Geet Gaata Chal, Imaandaar, Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Aaj Ka Arjun, Gurudev, Chhote Sarkar and Judaai. Apart from the big screen, the actor also worked in TV shows Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara and Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka. He also produced and directed several Marathi movies.