By Tanveer Zaidi
A Towering Figure in Cinema
In an era when Hindi cinema was dominated by romantic heroes with polished charm, one man stepped into the frame and changed the language of screen villainy forever — Jayant, the legendary actor and father of the iconic Amjad Khan.
Known for his broad shoulders, thunderous voice, and deeply expressive eyes, Jayant was a performer who didn’t just play villains; he reimagined them.
Long before layered antagonists became fashionable, Jayant infused his characters with intellect, grace, and a strange moral authority.
His villains were terrifying not because they were loud or cruel, but because they felt human — believable, sophisticated, and chillingly real.
From Pathan Roots to Bombay Dreams
Born as Zakaria Khan in Peshawar (then undivided India), Jayant was one of the earliest Pathan actors to make a mark in Indian cinema.
He began his career on the stage and later entered films in the 1940s, initially appearing in heroic and action roles before finding his true mastery in portraying powerful antagonists.
His commanding height — well above six feet — and magnetic persona made him instantly noticeable onscreen.
Directors admired him for his discipline and professionalism, while co-actors respected him for his humility.
A Villain Who Became a Legend
While many actors of his time played one-dimensional negative characters, Jayant introduced a new style — a villain with a heart and a mind. He was not merely evil; he was imposing, cultured, and intellectually threatening.
Among his most celebrated roles were:
- Maharaja Durjan in Mughal-e-Azam — where his eerie, calculated screen presence and his unforgettable, sinister laugh sent chills through theatres.
- Compelling performances in films such as Mr. & Mrs. ’55, Howrah Bridge, Nastik, and Himalaya Ki God Mein, where he stole scenes effortlessly with his intensity.
Audiences would wait for his entrance. His appearance itself was a cinematic event.
A Bond Carved in Respect
Jayant shared a lifelong friendship with superstar Dharmendra, who admired him as a mentor and gentleman. Industry insiders recount that Dharmendra often said: When Jayant Saab entered a frame, silence followed. The screen changed.”
This mutual admiration reflected the artistic integrity of that era — when genuine respect shaped creative collaboration.
A Legacy Continued Through His Sons
Jayant’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His son, Amjad Khan, inspired by him, created history with the character Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975), arguably the most memorable villain ever seen in Indian cinema.
Many film historians believe Jayant built the foundation of layered villainy, and Amjad Khan built the monument.
His other sons, Imtiaz Khan and Inayat Khan, also worked in the industry, keeping the family’s cinematic bloodline alive.
Final Act: A Loss Too Soon
Jayant’s later years were marked by declining health following a serious leg injury that limited his mobility.
Despite the physical struggle, his dignity remained intact.
He passed away in 1975 — coincidentally, the same year Sholay was released and reshaped Indian cinematic history forever.
Destiny wrote a bittersweet script: as the nation celebrated the rise of Gabbar, it mourned the loss of the man who inspired him.
His death left a void felt deeply by co-actors, filmmakers, and millions of film lovers.
The Impact That Still Echoes
Even today, cinema enthusiasts discuss Jayant with reverence. Young actors study his performances to understand the power of restraint, silence, and controlled expression. Film scholars credit him with redefining villainy from caricature to complex character.
For audiences of the golden era, Jayant was not just an actor — he was an experience.
He reminded the world that the villain’s strength defines the hero’s greatness. And his legacy continues to shape the portrayal of antagonists to this day.
A Legend Lives On
Nearly five decades after his passing, Jayant remains immortal — in film reels, memories, and in the thunder of every powerful on-screen antagonist who has followed him.
The giant may have left the world, but his shadow remains.
(The author Tanveer Zaidi is an actor, writer, and educator.)
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