Renowned actor Naeem Sayyed, also known as Junior Mehmood, succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 67 in his Khar residence, in Mumbai, on Friday. The sad news was confirmed by his family in a statement to indianexpress.com, expressing, “Junior Mehmood passed away at 2:15 am at his residence. He was suffering from stomach cancer. May his eternal soul rest in peace.”
Husnain, Junior Mehmood’s son, shared with indianexpress.com, “We came to know about his fourth-stage stomach cancer only 18 days ago. We took him to Tata Memorial Hospital. The dean there told us that treatment and chemotherapy at this stage would be very painful. The hospital had suggested that we take care of him at home.”
Commencing his cinematic journey as a child artist in Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966), Junior Mehmood became a prominent figure with roles in films such as Naunihal, Caravan, Haathi Mere Saathi, Mera Naam Joker, Suhaag Raat, Brahmachari, Kati Patang, Hare Raama Hare Krishna, Geet Gaata Chal, Imaandaar, Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Aaj Ka Arjun, Gurudev, Chhote Sarkar, and Judaai. His presence extended to television with appearances in shows like Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara and Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka. In addition, Junior Mehmood ventured into Marathi cinema as a producer and director.
Initially named Junior Mehmood by the late comedy icon Mehmood, his co-star in the 1968 movie Suhaag Raat, Naeem Sayyed has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The funeral ceremony is scheduled for today at Santacruz kabrastan. Junior Mehmood is survived by his wife Lata and two sons.
