Vijay Arora was an Indian film and television actor who is best known for his role in Zeenat Aman-starring Bollywood film “Yadon Ki Baaraat” (1973), He is also known for portraying ‘Meghnad Indrajit’ in Ramanand Sagar‘s epic television series ‘Ramayan’ (1987).
Wiki/Biography
Vijay Arora was born on Wednesday, 27 December 1944 (age 62 years; at the time of death) in Cutch State, British India. He graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 1971 with a Gold Medal. Even before FTII, he had tried to get work in the film industry, but he was suggested to first get himself groomed in acting and then ask for work, and that was the reason that he joined the FTII. In an interview, while talking about it, he said,
When I decided to join films, I made a round of each studio once. Then I sat back to wait for them. Nobody came. It was suggested to me I first groom myself for the profession. So I went to the Film Institute, slogged it out for two years, took the Gold Medal and was signed up even before I’d graduated.”
Vijay Arora acted in almost 110 films and many television shows in his career.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 10″
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Vijay Arora belonged to a Punjabi Khatri family.
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
Relationships, Wife & Children
Vijay Arora was married to Dilber Debara (ex-model and Miss India).
Vijay Arora With His Wife and Son
His son’s name is Farhad Vijay Arora who is a promoter for Ferrari and Maserati cars in India.
Vijay Arora With His Son Farhad in a Maserati Car
Career
Film
Vijay Arora made his debut with “Zaroorat” (1972) alongside another newcomer Reena Roy.
Vijay Arora’s Debut Film Zaroorat (1972)
In the same year, he appeared in ‘Rakhi Aur Hathkadi’ (1972) alongside Asha Parekh.
Vijay Arora in Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972)
In 1973, he appeared along with the guitar-strumming Zeenat Aman in “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” a film that made him a household name in India.
Vijay Arora With Zeenat Aman
The romantic song, “Chura Liya Hai,” featuring Zeenat Aman and Vijay Arora is still remembered for its melody.
In the same year, he appeared along with Jaya Bhaduri and Waheeda Rehman who played his wife and mother-in-law, respectively in the film ‘Phagun.’
Vijay Arora in Phagun (1973)
In 1973, he also appeared in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film ‘Sabse Bada Sukh.’ In 1974, he appeared in the film “Roti” alongside Rajesh Khanna.
Vijay Arora in Roti (1974)
His film ‘Jeevan Jyoti’ (1976) was a surprise hit of the year in which he played the lead role.
Vijay Arora in Jeevan Jyoti (1976)
Vijay Arora went on to appear in many more films, such as Sargam (1979), Bade Dil Wala (1983), 100 Days (1991), Jaan Tere Naam (1991), and his last film Indian Babu (2003). Vijay Arora did a few horror films too, such as Veerana (1988), Purani Haveli (1989), and Aakhri Cheekh (1991). Vijay Arora also appeared in a few Gujarati films, like ‘Dikri Ane Gai Dore Tiva Jaye’ (1979) and ‘Lekh Na Mathe Mekh’ (1981).
Television
After experiencing successive failures in films, it was the small screen that gave him a new identity when he played the role of “Meghnad” in Ramanand Sagar‘s epic television series “Ramayan” (1988). Meghnad was the son of Ravan (portrayed by Arvind Trivedi), and his dialogues as Meghnad became very popular among the audience.
Vijay Arora as Meghnad in Ramayan
After Ramayan, Vijay appeared in many television shows, including “Bharat Ek Khoj” (1988) directed by Shyam Benegal in which he appeared as Prince Salim/Emperor Jahangir.
Vijay Arora as Prince Salim in Bharat Ek Khoj
Death
On 2 February 2007 (Friday), Vijay Arora died of stomach cancer at his residence in Mumbai. He had been suffering from an intestinal ailment for the previous few months. After his death, his wife, Dilber went into severe depression and could only recover after a long Homeopath medication. While talking about Dilber’s trauma, Vijay and Dilber’s son, Farhad says,
She became very absent minded and just blanked out at times. There were days when she would ignite the kitchen gas burner and come out leaving it on, without anything to cook on it. She would break down when we went to places we frequented together with dad. She did not want to meet or talk to dads friends, like Jackie Shroff, Govinda, Danny Denzongpa, Bappi Lahiri and his son Bappa who are still in regular touch with us. All she wanted to do was feel dads presence around her. She tremendously missed his attention , love, care and support.”
Facts & Trivia
- He is often confused with another Vijay Arora who is a cinematographer.
- After ‘Yadon Ki Baaraat,’ Vijay Arora had become the leading actors in Bollywood and was considered the next superstar. Even Rajesh Khanna himself admitted that it was Vijay Arora who had the potential to replace him as the superstar in Bollywood at that time.
- The years after “Chura Liya Hai” were more a downslide slope for Vijay Arora, and he slowly disappeared into oblivion. Just a few months before his death, he talked about his acting career and said,
I never tried making a comeback, I never tried to lobby for roles. I never believed in being a part of the industry politics. It was always my choice to accept or reject roles. Even today I’m offered roles in A-grade movies and TV serials. But I don’t want to do roles which don’t suit my age or portray me in an immoral and disgraceful manner – especially in those sleaze flicks which are disrespectful of women. I don’t mind roles with negative shades, playing the sadistic villain or a betrayer. In fact, I love them.”
- He was the first in India who used the International Organization for Standardization 9000 standards to make ads and documentary films.
- He had his own software house, which produced ad films and corporate films.
- Vijay did many events for the Gem and Jewellery Council of India.
- He was also the promoter of several imported products like acupuncture massagers and non-electric industrial ventilators.
- Vijay manufactured playing cards for various Indian corporations and even sourced them to Warner Brothers for the movie Superman.
- He loved helping students develop the skill and art of acting.
- Vikay Arora was heavily into yoga, health, and fitness.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
