Farrukh Jaffar, a renowned Indian actress, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and radio. Her career spanned decades, showcasing her incredible talent and versatility.

Wiki/Biography

Farrukh Jaffar was born in 1935 (age 88 at the time of death) in Chakesar village, Jaunpur district, United Provinces of British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India). Raised in a feudal family, she developed an early passion for art and literature, particularly enjoying films from a young age. Married at thirteen, she later gave birth to two daughters. After moving to Lucknow, she graduated from Lucknow University.

Despite managing household responsibilities, her passion for performing arts remained strong, ultimately leading her to become a highly respected method actress.

Family

Farrukh Jaffar hailed from a Muslim family of feudal lords (Zamindars) in Jaunpur. She married Syed Muhammad Jaffar in 1948, an Indian freedom fighter and prominent journalist who later served as a Congress Party Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in Uttar Pradesh. She is survived by her two daughters: Mehru Jaffer, a published author and journalist, and Shaheen, a school principal.

Career

Radio

In the early 1960s, after graduating from Lucknow University, Jaffar unexpectedly secured a position as an announcer at All India Radio Lucknow in 1963. Her audition was a fortunate happenstance, leading to her becoming the first announcer of Akashvani Lucknow. She created and performed in several popular radio plays, including “Geeton Bhari Kahani” and “Panchrangi program,” becoming a household name with her distinctive announcements.

She later worked at Vividh Bharti in Delhi before returning to her hometown for family reasons.

Theatres & Plays

Jaffar participated in acting workshops led by Ebrahim Alkazi, a renowned director from the National School of Drama. Under his guidance, she performed in an Urdu translation of Luigi Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author.”

Television

Jaffar’s television credits include notable shows such as “Husn-e-Jana,” “Adha Gaon,” “The Shawl,” and “Neem Ka Ped” (1991).

Film

Jaffar’s Bollywood debut came in 1981 with Muzaffar Ali’s “Umrao Jaan,” where she played Rekha’s mother. Her talent was discovered unexpectedly while she was playfully imitating a local character. Initially hesitant about a Bollywood career, her love for films propelled her forward.

Subsequent roles in films like “Swades” (2004), “Peepli Live,” “Sultan,” and “Gulabo Sitabo” showcased her range and earned her critical acclaim. Her performance as ‘Amma’ in “Peepli Live” is particularly memorable and garnered her an Apsara Award nomination.

She continued to act in various films, including “Parched” (2015), “Barefoot to Goa” (2013), and “Amma Ki Boli” (2012), “Mehrunissa” (2019), her first film as a protagonist, and many more.

Favourites

Here are some of Farrukh Jaffar’s favorites:

Death

Farrukh Jaffar passed away on October 15, 2021, at age 88, following a brain stroke at her residence in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.

Facts/Trivia

• She was also known as Farrukh Jaffer and Farrokh Jaffer.
• While a young bride in Lucknow, she enjoyed secretly listening to film announcements from rooftops.
• She pursued her education after marriage, graduating from Lucknow University.
• Her radio announcer job was a pivotal moment in her life.
• She began her radio career as a hobby, enjoying interacting with people.
• Her youthful voice and charisma resonated with listeners.
• She held a deep fondness for Lucknow, where she lived for over five decades.
• Despite lacking formal training, she was an A1 category announcer.
• After leaving her Delhi job, she became a respected village leader in Chakesar.
• She shared a close bond with Rekha.
• She worked with all three Khans: Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan.
• She considered Muzaffar Ali her mentor.
• She relied on her natural talent and didn’t use a publicist.
• She was renowned for her improvisational, rustic dialogue delivery.