Jagadish at 70: The Undeterred 'People's Superstar'
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As actor Jagadish approaches his 70th birthday, he remains a vibrant figure in Malayalam cinema with no signs of slowing down. Known as the 'people's superstar,' his career spanning over four decades continues to thrive with new film projects on the horizon.
Key Takeaways
- Jagadish is nearing his 70th birthday.
- He has an impressive 41-year acting career.
- His latest film, Marco, is a hit.
- He is referred to as the 'people's superstar.'
- Jagadish remains active in acting with no retirement plans.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 (NationPress) While time races ahead for many, for actor Jagadish—the former college professor turned prominent Malayalam actor—it appears to have come to a standstill.
As he nears his 70th birthday in a few months, Jagadish continues to excel in a remarkable acting journey that has lasted 41 years. His latest film, Marco, where he plays a crucial role, is currently making headlines at the box office with a series of successful releases in 2024.
Renowned for his unpretentious and down-to-earth personality, Jagadish is affectionately dubbed the “people's superstar.” Despite his success, he chooses to drive his own Wagon R.
In an honest discussion with IANS, Jagadish shared his satisfaction with a career that remains vibrant. “At my age, many opt for a quiet life, often reduced to playing elderly roles. However, I have numerous films ready for release and continue to receive fresh offers,” said the veteran, who first garnered attention for his exceptional comic performances since debuting in 1984.
Before embarking on a teaching career in Commerce, Jagadish had an unexpected start as a bank employee. He recalls his interview at Canara Bank, where he impressed the panel not just with credentials but also with his mimicry skills.
“They inquired about my education, which I addressed. Then, one interviewer, noticing my certificates in mimicry and mono-acting, asked if I could mimic Sanjeev Kumar. I obliged, and soon they requested impressions of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and others. I knew I had secured the role when I saw their reactions,” he chuckled.
Interestingly, during this period, he worked alongside the spouses of two political figures in Canara Bank—India’s longest-serving Defence Minister A.K. Antony, and two-time Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
A devoted grandfather, Jagadish frequently visits his daughters—one in Chennai and the other in Thiruvananthapuram—whenever he can break away from his packed acting schedule.
His brief venture into politics occurred during the 2016 Kerala Assembly elections, where he ran as a Congress candidate against fellow actor K.B. Ganesh Kumar in Pathanapuram. Though he did not win, he has since stepped back from politics to concentrate fully on his acting career.
In his beautiful home in Thiruvananthapuram, Jagadish deeply feels the absence of his wife, Dr. Rema, who passed away a few years ago from a rare illness. “She has left me only physically. I owe everything to her. When I sit alone at home, I still feel her presence. So emotionally, I’m not alone—she is always with me,” he confided to IANS, his tone imbued with emotion.
With over 400 films to his name, Jagadish has no intention of retiring. “As long as I can, I will continue to wear the grease paint,” he asserted.
