Sanjay Jog is an Indian actor best known for his role as “Bharat” in Ramanand Sagar’s epic television series “Ramayan” (1987). He is also known for his work in Marathi cinema.
Wiki/Biography
Sanjay Jog was born on Saturday, 24 September 1955 (age 40 years; at time of death) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He spent most of his childhood in Pune and teenage returned to Nagpur where he completed his 10th grade. After that, he went to Mumbai to further his studies and obtained his B.Sc. degree from Elphinstone College. Sanjay Jog also took an acting course from Filmalaya Studio in Mumbai. Sanjay wants to become an Air Force pilot, but his parents are skeptical about his choice; because his family had lost many relatives who were in service during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Family & Caste
Sanjay Jog belongs to a Marathi speaking family.
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
Relationships, Wife & Children
Sanjay Jog is married to Neeta, the daughter of a lawyer (a lawyer himself) from Nagpur. The couple is blessed with two children – Ranjeet and Natasha. Ranjeet was in 10th grade when Sanjay died while jogging. After Sanjay’s death, Neeta moved to Nagpur with her children, where she started practicing law. Ranjit has also chosen acting as a career and has worked in many Marathi films and theatres.
Ranjeet Jog with his mother, Neeta Jog
Career
Movie
After completing an acting course from Filmalaya Studio in Mumbai, she made her debut with the Marathi film “Sapla” (1976) in which Anupama was the female lead while Ramesh Deo played the Villain. Sapla did not do well at the box office, and a disillusioned Sanjay Jog returned to Nagpur where he dedicated himself to farming. When he returned to Bombay for some agriculture-related work, he got an offer to act in a multi-starrer Marathi Film titled ‘Jidd.” He landed the lead role in “Jidd,” which had every big name in Marathi Cinema in its cast.
Jidd went on to become a hit, and the film also established Sanjay Jog as a bankable actor in the industry. After that, he went on to do almost 30 Marathi films, such as Gondhalat Gondhal, Maay Baap, Khara Kadhi Sangu Naye, Dista Tasa Nasta, Navri Mile Navryala, and Sage Soyre. Sanjay also made several Gujarati films, including Dikri Chali Sasariye (1985), which was very successful and in which he played an anti-hero.
Sanjay Jog in Dikri Chali Sasariye
He made his Hindi film debut with the film Apna Ghar (1989). Some of his other Hindi films include Jigarwala (1991), Humshakal (1992), Naseebwala (1992), and Beta Ho To Aisa (1994). Beta Ho To Aisa (1994) was probably his last release.
Sanjay Jog in Jigarwala (1991)
Television
Sanjay Jog made his television debut with the epic mythological series Ramayand Sagar Ramayan (1987) in which he played the role of “Bharat,” a role that made him famous in India. In an interview, while talking about how he got the character of Bharat, he said,
I played the role of Abhimanyu in a Gujarati Film called ‘Maya Bazar.’ Gopal Dada is the makeup artist of this film. He also handled the makeup department for Ramayan. He suggested that I meet Papaji (Ramanand Sagar). Later, when I met Papaji, he said kind words for me. Papaji also saw my picture when Abhimanyu woke up.”
Sanjay Jog as Bharat in Ramayan
Death
Sanjay Jog died on 27 November 1995 (Monday) due to Heart failure in Mumbai. He was only 40 years old when he said his last goodbye to the world.
Facts/Trivia
- He came to Mumbai to further his studies and eventually became an actor.
- In his career, he achieved many milestones, including five golden jubilees and two diamond jubilees.
- Initially, he was offered the role of ‘Laxman’ in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan; however, later he settled on the role of “Bharat.” He explains why he chose the role of Bharat –
Lakshman’s character is important because of its length. Also among all brothers he is always remembered for the ideal pairing of Ram-Lakshman. But people tend to forget that when it comes to duty and sacrifice for a brother, the Ram-Bharat couple is remembered. No doubt if I play Lakshman, I will get more screen time but then I will miss out on working in sensitive scenes as Bharat.”
Sanjay Jog in a scene from Ramayan
- He is very religious and describes himself as ‘super-superstitious.’
- Apart from Hindi and English, he is also proficient in Gujarati and Punjabi.
- He has a piece of land in Pune where he likes to cultivate. In an interview, while talking about it, he said,
I have Chicken farm and some land in Pune. While taking care of them, I want to continue making films in whatever good work is offered to me.”
- Even after becoming a star, she was very grounded and followed the same lifestyle throughout her life. In an interview, he said,
I still eat the same food, smoke, drink and see my friends. I don’t believe in giving ‘messages’ for my fans. I am just a normal human, there is no supernatural.”
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
