Harihar Jariwala, popularly known as Sanjeev Kumar was born in the year 1938, July 9th. He was one of those rare actors like Balraj Sahni who rewrote the principles of acting. For him it did not ever matter whether he was playing the lead or he was a fifty year old man, he just needed a good role. So while he romanced Hema Malini in Seeta Aur Geeta, Sanjeev Kumar was also the father of Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in Trishul.
Sanjeev Kumar`s first film was Hum Hindustani (1960) in which he was part of a huge star cast. His first film as the main hero was Nishana (1965). In Sangharsh (1968) he was cast against Dilip Kumar. In 1970 Khilona with Mumtaz established him as one of the greatest stars in Bollywood. Sanjeev Kapoor enacted the role of a mentally handicapped man who hires a prostitute to look after him. In the same year he did Dastak opposite Rehana Sultan`s that fetched him a National Award. His role as a Thakur in Sholay was unforgettable. In Sholay Sanjeev Kapoor`s character was the main link in the plot. Sanjeev Kumar also established himself as the hero with Indian movies like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Manchali (1973). On the other hand Parichay (1972) and Koshish (1972) once again brought home the National Awards. In Gulzar`s Koshish Sanjeev Kumar shares the screen space with Jaya Bachchan and both play the role of deaf and mute people. He went onto team up with Gulzar and delivered superb performances in films like Aandhi (1975), Mausam (1975), Angoor (1981) and Namkeen (1982).
Awards and Honours of Sanjeev Kumar:
National Film Awards
1971 - National Film Awards for Best Actor for Dastak
1973 - National Film Awards for Best Actor for Koshish
Filmfare Awards
1968 - Best Actor in a supporting role for Shikar
1975 - Best Actor for Aandhi
1976 - Best Actor for Arjun Pandit
Filmography of Sanjeev Kumar will include the following films:
| Year | Films |
| 1993 | Professor Ki Padosan |
| 1989 | Oonch Neech Beech |
| 1988 | Namumkin, Do Waqt Ki Roti |
| 1987 | Rahi |
| 1986 | Love and God, Kaanch Ki Deewar, Baat Ban Jaye, Haathon Ki Lakeeren, Qatl |
| 1985 | Ram Tere Kitne Nam, Zabardast |
| 1984 | Bad Aur Badnaam, Lakhon Ki Baat, Pakhandi, Yaadgaar |
| 1983 | Hero |
| 1982 | Suraag, Haathkadi, Angoor, Ayaash, Khud-Daar, Log Kya Kahenge, Namkeen, Sawaal, Shriman Shrimati, Sindoor Bane Jwala,Vidhaata |
| 1981 | Silsila, Daasi, Itni Si Baat, Biwi-O-Biwi, Chehre Pe Chehra, Ladies Tailor, Waqt Ki Deewar |
| 1981 | Waqt Ki Deewar |
| 1980 | Hum Paanch, Abdullah, Be-Reham, Fauji Chacha, Patthar Se Takkar, Swayamvar, Takkar |
| 1979 | Kaala Patthar, Griha Pravesh, Bombay by Nite, Ghar Ki Laaj, Hamare Tumhare, Jaani Dushman, Maan Apmaan, Nauker |
| 1978 | Devata, Muqaddar, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Sawan Ke Geet, Swarg Narak, Trishul, Tumhare Liye |
| 1977 | Mukti, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Yehi Hai Zindagi, Imaan Dharam, Angaare, Apnapan, Dhoop Chhaon, Dil Aur Patthar, Paapi, Vishwasghaat |
| 1976 | Zindagi, Arjun Pandit, Do Ladkiyan |
| 1975 | Mausam, Faraar, Sholay, Aakraman, Aandhi, Apne Dushman, Apne Rang Hazaar, Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty, Uljhan |
| 1974 | Kunwara Baap, Aap Ki Kasam, Archana, Charitraheen, Chowkidar, Dawat, Imaan, Manoranjan, Naya Din Nai Raat, Shandaar |
| 1973 | Agni Rekha, Anamika, Anhonee, Door Nahin Manzil, Manchali, Suraj Aur Chanda |
| 1972 | Koshish, Rivaaj, Seeta Aur Geeta, Subah-o-Shyam |
| 1971 | Anubhav, Ek Paheli, Kangan, Man Mandir, Paras |
| 1970 | Bachpan, Dastak, Devi, Gunah Aur Kanoon, Insaan Aur Shaitan, Khilona, Maa Ka Aanchal, Priya |
| 1969 | Chanda Aur Bijli, Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke, Gustakhi Maaf, Insaaf Ka Mandir, Jyoti, Sachaai, Satyakam |
| 1968 | Aashirwad, Anokhi Raat, Gauri, Raja Aur Runk, Shikar, Sunghursh |
| 1967 | Gunehgar, Naunihaal |
| 1966 | Badal, Husn Aur Ishq, Kalapi, Pati Patni, Smuggler |
| 1965 | Nishan |
| 1960 | Hum Hindustani |