Jugal Hansraj, a name familiar to Indian cinema enthusiasts, began his career as a child actor, capturing hearts with his innocent demeanor and engaging performances. While he is fondly remembered for his roles in films that many grew up watching, his journey in the film industry has been marked by both success and a considerable number of setbacks.
Hansraj's initial foray into acting began in 1983 with the film Masoom, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. He continued as a child actor in movies like Karma (1986), where he shared screen space with Anil Kapoor, and Sultanat (1986). Besides acting, Hansraj also modeled for TV and print advertisements during his childhood.
His adult debut came in 1994 with Aa Gale Lag Jaa, where he was paired opposite Urmila Matondkar, who coincidentally played his sister in Masoom. However, it was the multi-starrer Mohabbatein (2000), featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, that proved to be his breakthrough film as an adult. He also had guest roles in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
Despite these notable appearances, Hansraj's career faced challenges. While specific numbers are difficult to verify, reports suggest that he has been part of approximately 40 films that did not perform well at the box office. Setbacks in his career led to him being unfairly labeled as a jinx, an emotional burden that left him disheartened.
Beyond acting, Hansraj has explored other avenues in the film industry. In 1998, he composed the tune for the title song of Karan Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which later became the theme music for Dharma Productions. He also wrote and directed the 2008 animated film Roadside Romeo, produced by Yash Raj Films and Walt Disney Studios. In 2017, Hansraj became a published author with his children's novel, Cross Connection: The Big Circus Adventure.
Anil Kapoor, in whose film Karma Jugal Hansraj appeared as a child artist, has had a long and successful career in Bollywood. Kapoor made his debut in Hamare Tumhare (1979) and gained recognition in the 1980s with films like Woh 7 Din (1984) and Meri Jung (1985). Mr. India (1987), directed by Shekhar Kapur, was a significant milestone in Kapoor's career. Despite a series of flops after 2000, Kapoor made a comeback with multi-starrer hits like No Entry (2005) and Welcome (2007).
Mr. India (1987), directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri, tells the story of Arun Verma (Kapoor), who uses a cloaking device to fight crime. Amrish Puri's character, Mogambo, is remembered as one of the most iconic villains in Indian cinema.
Despite the ups and downs, Jugal Hansraj remains a recognizable figure in the Indian film industry. From his early days as a child actor to his later ventures in writing and directing, his career reflects a multifaceted engagement with the world of entertainment.
