Jolly Jaikishan

The young lad born in Vansda, Gujarat, ended up in Mumbai, the entertainment capital of the country. Born into a modest Gujarati family, Jaikishan Dahyabhai Panchal’s interest in music led him to have a formal training. He soon was very proficient in playing the harmonium. A chance meeting with Shankarsingh Ramsingh Raghuvanshi, soon developed into creating the most famous and successful banner in the music world. They struck a friendship that lasted their lifetime.

Besides his love for music, Jaikishan was fond of good food and fashionable clothes. His dashing looks and affable nature won him numerous friends. He soon become a regular at parties and restaurants. With Jolly Jai around (as he was fondly called), there was never a shortage of food, fun and friendship.

Wherever Jai went, he would be the center of attention. Women flocked to him and men copied his style of dressing. He was once at a restaurant, while travelling in the Middle East. An elderly lady came up to him and made friendly gestures to him saying, “Chashm-e-Baddoor.” Jai had no clue as to what she said. On returning home, he asked Hasrat what it meant. On hearing the interpretation, he requested Hasrat to incorporate the words into the lyrics which ended up as the super hit song, “Teri pyari pyari surat ko, kisi ki nazar na lage, chashm-e-baddoor…” His good looks also helped him win cameo roles in Shree 420 and Begunah. Jaikishan was a perfect gentleman who was beautiful inside and out.

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