In a poignant revelation, Shehzad Khan, son of veteran Bollywood actor Ajit, recently shared heartfelt anecdotes about his father’s arduous journey in the film industry. Ajit, renowned for his iconic villainous roles in the 1960s and 1970s, faced numerous hurdles before achieving stardom. Shehzad shed light on Ajit’s struggles, from sleeping in gutters during his early days in Mumbai to enduring a career downturn following his acclaimed performance in Naya Daur alongside Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.
Recalling his father’s post-Naya Daur phase, Shehzad disclosed that Ajit encountered a profound setback, enduring a period of unemployment lasting four to five years. This challenging period marked a downturn in Ajit’s career trajectory, with leading heroes expressing insecurities about sharing the screen with him. Shehzad revealed, “Heroes were insecure that if we work with him, he’ll take the awards and we won’t get recognized.”
Highlighting the grim realities of Ajit’s struggle, Shehzad recounted an anecdote from his father’s early days in Mumbai, where Ajit had to resort to sleeping in gutters near Mohammed Ali Road due to financial constraints. Shehzad shared the poignant tale of his father’s resilience, revealing that Ajit even sold his college textbooks to gather funds for his journey to Mumbai, epitomizing his unwavering determination to pursue his dreams against all odds.
Despite his eventual success in Bollywood, Ajit faced personal hardships in his later years. After Ajit’s demise in 1998, Shehzad’s mother Sara battled cancer, presenting a new set of challenges for the family. Shehzad disclosed the heartbreaking ordeal of his family’s financial struggles, with his brothers refusing to assist in covering their mother’s medical expenses, despite their relative prosperity. Shehzad lamented the mismanagement of his father’s assets by relatives and his brother, which exacerbated their financial difficulties and hindered his ability to provide adequate treatment for his mother.
Shehzad’s candid revelations shed light on the untold challenges faced by Bollywood legends behind the glitz and glamour of the industry. Despite the adversities, Ajit’s legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of cinephiles, immortalizing him as one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains. As Shehzad continues to carve his own path in the industry, starring in beloved films like Andaz Apna Apna, his family’s resilience serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the human endeavor amidst life’s trials and tribulations.
