In the misty hills of Darjeeling, a rugged open jeep races along winding mountain roads, with Bollywood icon Rajesh Khanna crooning the timeless hit ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani.’ That unforgettable scene from ‘Aradhana’ (1969) captured hearts across India, but few noticed the man behind the wheel—the unassuming driver whose steady presence grounded the magic. That man was Sujit Kumar, a versatile actor whose journey from a farmer’s son in Uttar Pradesh to Bollywood’s lucky charm and Bhojpuri cinema’s first superstar is the stuff of legend.
Born Shamsher Bahadur Singh on February 7, 1934, in Chakiya near Varanasi into a modest farming family, Sujit had no cinematic ambitions. Pursuing an LLB degree, he envisioned a career as a lawyer in the courts. Fate intervened during college when renowned director Phani Majumdar spotted his towering frame and commanding voice in a play. Majumdar urged the young man to ditch law for the silver screen in Bombay. With courage, Shamsher reinvented himself as Sujit Kumar and stepped into Mumbai’s glittering world.
The 1960s marked Sujit’s entry into Hindi films amid a thriller boom. His breakout came with ‘Laal Bangla’ (1966), establishing him as a reliable lead in suspense dramas. Films like ‘Ek Saal Pehle’ and ‘Laambu In Hongkong’ solidified his niche in mid-budget mysteries. Yet, his true legacy unfolded in regional cinema. The 1963 Bhojpuri hit ‘Bidesiya’ catapulted him to fame in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where his portrayal of Bidesi Thakur became folklore.
By 1977, Bhojpuri cinema teetered on collapse as audiences flocked to Hindi blockbusters and production halted. Sujit Kumar revived it single-handedly with ‘Dangal,’ the industry’s first color film. Packed with energy, its anthem ‘Kashi Hille Patna Hille’ still electrifies festivals. The movie triumphed not just in India but in Mauritius and Fiji, earning Sujit titles like ‘Bhojpuri’s Bhishma Pitamah’ and ‘First Superstar.’ Earlier, he had supported in the 1962 classic ‘Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo.’
Shifting gears in the 1970s, Sujit became Bollywood’s go-to character actor while reigning as Bhojpuri’s king. His chemistry with Rajesh Khanna sparkled in 12 hits including ‘Aradhana,’ ‘Haathi Mere Saathi,’ ‘Amar Prem,’ and ‘Avatar.’ Producers swore by his ‘lucky charm’ status. He holds a unique record for playing police officers most frequently, from the sharp inspector in ‘Ittefaak’ to the commissioner in ‘Krantiveer.’
Beyond acting, Sujit produced under ‘Shiv Bhakti Films’ with wife Kiran Singh, delivering successes like ‘Khel’ (Anil Kapoor-Madhurima Dixit), ‘Darrar,’ and ‘Champion’ (Sunny Deol). His 1984 Bhojpuri film ‘Paan Khaye Saiyaan Hamar’ boasted guest spots from Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, underscoring his industry clout.
Sujit’s friendships with Jeetendra and Rakesh Roshan formed the famed ‘Juhu Circle,’ bonding over beach walks and gym sessions that spilled into collaborations. Cancer struck in 2007, following his wife’s passing, but children Jatin and Henna stood by him. On February 5, 2010, just days shy of his 76th birthday, this cinematic titan bid farewell. Honored with a Bhojpuri Lifetime Achievement Award, Sujit Kumar’s story inspires as a bridge between Bollywood glamour and regional roots.