Sujit Kumar: The ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ and First Superstar of Bhojpuri Cinema Who Drove Rajesh Khanna’s Jeep in Aradhana

Long before the glamour and glitz of Bollywood, Sujit Kumar carved a niche for himself in both Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema. Best remembered as the actor who drove Rajesh Khanna’s iconic jeep in Aradhana, Sujit Kumar is celebrated as the ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ and the first superstar of Bhojpuri cinema.

From Darjeeling’s Hills to Bollywood Fame
Picture the scenic valleys of Darjeeling, a jeep speeding along winding roads, with superstar Rajesh Khanna singing “Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu…”—a song etched forever in Indian cinema history. The man behind the wheel, singing along on a mouth organ with a simple smile, was none other than Sujit Kumar.

Born Shamsher Bahadur Singh on 7 February 1934 in a farmer’s family near Chakia, Varanasi, he was pursuing an LLB with dreams of practicing law. Fate, however, had other plans. During a college play, renowned director Phani Majumdar noticed his tall frame and commanding voice and advised him to leave law for films. Courageously, Shamsher adopted the screen name Sujit Kumar and stepped into Mumbai’s film world.

Establishing Himself in Hindi Cinema
By the 1960s, Sujit Kumar had begun making his mark in Hindi cinema. His role in the 1966 film Lal Bangla established him as a reliable actor for suspense and mystery genres. Films like Ek Saal Pehle and Lamboo in Hong Kong further solidified his reputation in medium-budget films. Yet, his true breakthrough in mainstream cinema was still ahead.

A Legendary Figure in Bhojpuri Cinema
Sujit Kumar’s most enduring contribution came through regional cinema. The 1963 Bhojpuri film Bidesiya brought him recognition across households in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with his portrayal of ‘Bidesi Thakur’ becoming part of local folklore. In 1977, at a time when Bhojpuri cinema was struggling, he revived the industry with Dangal, Bhojpuri’s first color film. Its hit song “Kashi Hile Patna Hile” remains a festive favorite. He had earlier appeared as a supporting actor in Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1962). Dangal not only succeeded in India but also in Mauritius and Fiji, cementing his title as Bhojpuri cinema’s ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ and first superstar.

A Loyal Companion to Rajesh Khanna
In the 1970s, Sujit Kumar shifted focus in Bollywood, excelling in character roles while maintaining his dominance in Bhojpuri films. His on-screen pairing with Rajesh Khanna was legendary, featuring in nearly 12 blockbuster films including Aradhana, Haathi Mere Saathi, Amar Prem, and Avatar. Filmmakers considered his presence a symbol of guaranteed success.

A Distinguished Record
Sujit Kumar was among the actors who portrayed a police officer most frequently in Indian cinema, from the energetic inspector in Ittefaq to the police commissioner in Krantiveer. Beyond acting, he co-founded Shiv Bhakti Films with his wife Kiran Singh, producing hits like Khel (Anil Kapoor-Madhuri Dixit), Darar, and Champion (Sunny Deol). His stature in regional cinema was so respected that legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha made guest appearances in his 1984 Bhojpuri film Paan Khaye Saiyaan Hamar.

Friendships and Personal Life
Sujit Kumar shared a close bond with Bollywood contemporaries Jitendra and Rakesh Roshan, often seen together at Juhu Circle for workouts and morning walks. Their camaraderie extended into collaborative business ventures.

Final Years and Legacy
In 2007, Sujit Kumar battled cancer. Following the death of his wife, he faced solitude but was cared for by his children, Jatin and Henna. On 5 February 2010, just two days before his 76th birthday, the luminous star passed away, leaving behind an enduring legacy. He was posthumously honored with the Bhojpuri Cinema Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sujit Kumar’s journey—from driving Rajesh Khanna’s jeep in an immortal song sequence to reviving Bhojpuri cinema—cements him as a legendary figure in Indian film history.