The emotional story behind Jackie Shroff becoming 'Jaggu Dada' after his brother's death: 'I saw him drown, I was 10'

One of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, Jackie Shroff has known for his unparalleled personality. Having spent years in the industry entertaining his audiences and loyal fan base, he is someone who is known for his unique style and larger-than-life personality. Not many know that he was once a shy and intriverted boy who had his own struggles fitting in. In his younger days and still, to date, he is popularly called ‘Jaggu Dada’. He often picks up calls at odd hours and is always there to help the needy. Born in Teen Batti Chawl of Mumbai, Jackie does not need any identity today. Such was the state of poverty that four people lived in a 10 by 10 room and their source of income was selling peanuts and pasting posters on the streets.

Today, as he celebrates his birthday, let’s find out why he is known as ‘Jaggu Dada’? There’s a brief yet poignant tale behind it that you might find interesting. In an interview with Simi Garewal, Jackie Shroff revealed how he came about to be everyone’s dada. In his younger days, Jackie Shroff was widely recognized as Jaggu Dada, but he believed that his elder brother was the true dada of their chawl. His brother, who was a caretaker for the slum community, was always there to assist those in need. Tragically, his brother drowned in the sea while attempting to save a life, as he didn’t know how to swim. Jackie Shroff threw a cable line to him, which he briefly held onto before it slipped away, and he drowned. Witnessing his brother’s selflessness and dedication to helping others, Jackie Shroff was inspired to follow in his footsteps and became Jaggu Dada himself. He decided to take care of the slum community just like his brother.

Shroff added, “He didn’t go to work, though. I saw him drown. I was watching. I was 10 and scared. I didn’t even jump in the sea. I would have gone, too. We tried to throw a line, he caught it, it slipped from this guy’s hand, he struggled for some time, then he (his brother) went with him. So, I have seen the maximum anybody can see. Losing your own brother, who was like your protector, dying in front of your eyes in a sea is horrible.” Jackie Shroff still visits the chawl he lived in for 33 years The superstar is known for his peculiar style, and especially for the saplings he brings to every event and gifts to the hosts. But the megastar never had all the luxuries he enjoys today. In his interview with Siddharth Kannan for Jio Cinema, the Sooryavanshi actor told him that he often visits the chawl where he grew up. He added that he went there to celebrate the 89th birthday of a woman who used to live opposite his house. “I just returned from there. There’s Vimla Ben, who lives opposite the Chaali; she gave me Dhebra. Then we celebrated her 89th birthday. Then, I met the old people of the area and the mechanics. I even thought of buying a room in that area, but there is so much paperwork to be done. Hence, I just went there, met the people, enjoyed the atmosphere, and returned home,” he added.