Veeru Devgan, a prominent figure in Bollywood, left an indelible mark as an action choreographer, film director, and producer. His legacy extends beyond his professional achievements, encompassing his role as the father of renowned actor Ajay Devgn.
Wiki/Biography
Born in 1934 into a Saraswat Brahmin family in Amritsar, British India, Veeru Devgan’s journey to Bollywood was far from conventional. His ambition to become an actor led him to leave home with friends in 1957, an impulsive decision resulting in a brief stint in jail for ticketless train travel. After arriving in Mumbai, the harsh realities of city life forced his friends to return home, but Devgan persevered. He took on various odd jobs—a car cleaner, carpenter, and more—before discovering his aptitude for martial arts, a skill that would shape his career.
Family
While details about his parents remain scarce, his family life is well-documented. He married Veena Devgan, a film producer, and together they had two sons: Ajay Devgn (the famous actor) and Anil Devgan (a director), and two daughters: Neelam Devgan and Kavita Devgan. Adding to the Bollywood connections, his daughter-in-law is the acclaimed actress Kajol.
| Family Member | Relationship | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Veena Devgan | Wife | Film Producer |
| Ajay Devgn | Son | Actor |
| Anil Devgan | Son | Director |
| Neelam Devgan | Daughter | |
| Kavita Devgan | Daughter | |
| Kajol | Daughter-in-law | Actress |
Career
Veeru Devgan’s career blossomed as an action choreographer, crafting memorable fight sequences for over 80 films. His breakthrough came with “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan” (1974), thanks to the support of actor Manoj Kumar. His contributions extended beyond choreography; he also worked as a stuntman in films like “Anita” (1967), starring Manoj Kumar and Sadhana. Devgan’s multifaceted career saw him transition into acting, debuting in “Sourabh” (1979), and directing several films, including the notable “Hindustan Ki Kasam” (1999), starring Amitabh Bachchan and his son Ajay.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to film production with titles such as “Singhasan” (1986) and “Dil Kya Kare” (1999). He even contributed story ideas, notably for the film “Jigar” (1992).
Awards
His contributions to the film industry were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Immortal Memories Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award (2016).
Death
Veeru Devgan passed away on May 27, 2019, at the age of 85, due to age-related illnesses. His passing was mourned by numerous Bollywood personalities who paid their respects.
Facts
- He worked as a stuntman for many Bollywood legends, including Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, and Jeetendra.
- His extensive career included stunt coordination for over 80 Bollywood films, such as “Mr. India,” “Khoon Bhari Maang,” “Lal Baadshah,” “Prem Granth,” “Boxer,” “Shahenshah,” “Dilwale,” and “Jigar,” among many others.
- His hobbies included traveling and watching sports.
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