Jackie Shroff, born Jaikishan Kakubhai Saraf on 1 February 1957 in Bombay (now Mumbai), is a veteran Indian actor and former model who has worked across multiple film industries. Fondly known as Jaggu Dada, he grew up in a humble background before entering films. His first appearance was a small role in Swami Dada (1982), but his breakthrough came with Subhash Ghai’s blockbuster Hero (1983), which made him an overnight star. Over the next four decades, Jackie acted in more than 250 films in 13 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Known for his rugged charm and versatile acting, he became one of Bollywood’s most popular leading men in the 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond his mainstream success, Jackie Shroff has won four Filmfare Awards and has played diverse roles ranging from romantic leads to intense character portrayals. He married producer Ayesha Dutt in 1987, and together they have two children, including Bollywood star Tiger Shroff. Jackie has also appeared in international projects and independent cinema, proving his adaptability across genres. Even today, he continues to be active in films and OTT platforms, admired for his down-to-earth personality and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. His journey from a modest upbringing to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected actors is a testament to his resilience and charisma.