There have been many actors loved and adulated by the public, but there has been no one like the evergreen yesteryear hero Joy Mukherjee. Joy was titled the ‘heartthrob’ of the ‘60s and ‘70s. He was one of the most revered actors of Indian cinema during his times, and indeed, his movies and songs are still an all-time classic.

Joy Mukherjee’s acting could light up a whole room with his looks because of which he undoubtedly won millions of hearts. His passion for films was immense and soon he also began directing and producing films.

Indeed, not only was Joy Mukherjee a highly celebrated actor- director-producer of his times but he was considered one of the best. He was born in the year 1939 and unfortunately, passed away in 2012 due to prolonged illness. Today is Joy Mukherjee’s birthday, so let’s take a trip down memory lane and know more about this beloved actor. 

Joy Mukherjee was the son of Sashadhar Mukherjee and Sati Devi. His father was a successful producer and a co-producer of Filmalaya studios, and his uncles were directors Subodh Mukherjee, Ashok Kumar, Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar. Quite a filmy family, we must say! 

Also did you know that Joy Mukherjee is Kajol and Tanisha Mukherjee’s uncle? Having been from a filmy background, he gave the Hindi film industry some of the best movies in which his acting was a blockbuster.

The veteran actor was educated in St. Xavier College in Dehradun and later, he got married to Neelam and had two sons Monjoy and Sujoy… both of whom are an integral part of Filmalaya studios. Sujoy is a producer and an award winning director.

Talking about his movies and filmography, Joy debuted opposite Sadhana in the film “Love in Simla” in the year 1960 which was directed by R.K. Nayyar. He then starred with Asha Parekh for several hits like “Phir wohi dil laya hoon”, “Love in Tokyo”, “Ziddi” and “Hum Hindustani”.

Joy Mukherjee had some superhits films like “Aao pyaar karen”, “Shagird”, “Ek musafir ek haseena”, “Ishaara”, and “Jee chahta hai” opposite Saira Bano, Sadhan, Vyjanthimala and Rajashree respectively.

Some of the songs from his movies have been absolute classics. Right from “Humne dekha hai tumhe” to “Aanchal main saja lena” and so many others… are still loved and revered.

“Bahut Shukriya hamari zindagi main aane ke liye”, Joy Mukherjee! You shall definitely be celebrated and loved for generations to come!  

• Arushi Dusaj