Today marks a momentous occasion in the Indian entertainment industry as legendary actor Jackie Shroff turns 67 years old. His children, Tiger and Krishna Shroff, have taken to their social media platforms to pay a heartwarming tribute to their father on this special day, sharing cherished childhood memories through photographs.
On a nostalgic note, Tiger Shroff shared an old magazine cover featuring his father on his Instagram stories. The cover captures a young Jackie with a younger Tiger and his sister Krishna nestled in his arms. The affectionate caption from Tiger reads, “Happy birthday to the best human and best dad love you so much @apnabhidu,” accompanied by a red heart emoji. The snapshot is more than just an image—it’s a portrayal of the bond that has only strengthened over time.
Jackie Shroff’s journey into parenthood began when he married Ayesha in 1987—four years following his debut in the film industry. The story of their encounter is one for the books; Ayesha was only 13 when they first met. In swift succession, the couple celebrated the arrival of their firstborn, Tiger, in 1990, and their daughter, Krishna, three years later in 1993.
Krishna Shroff, too, expressed her love for her father through a digital embrace on her own Instagram stories, posting a throwback image where she and her brother stand closely, exuding sibling affection. Her wish for her father beams through the pixels, adding to the day’s festive spirit.
Jackie Shroff’s rise from humble beginnings to stardom is nothing short of cinematic. As a young man, he spent his early years in a slum, grappling with tough life challenges and dreams that seemed out of reach. His schooling ceased after the 11th class, leading him to explore various jobs, from aspirations of being a chef to a flight attendant, none of which came to fruition due to his limited education.
His fortune shifted drastically after he obtained a diploma in tourism and travel, initially finding work at a travel agency. Chance favored Jackie when a modeling agent discovered him at a bus stop, offering him a job. This twist of fate ushered him into the world of acting, propelling him to fame with a lead role in Subhash Ghai’s ‘Hero.’ Jackie solidified his presence in Bollywood with hits like ‘Teri Meherbaniyan,’ ‘Karma,’ ‘Ram Lakhan,’ and ‘Parinda,’ for which he received the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Other successful ventures include ‘Tridev,’ ‘Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri,’ ‘Saudagar,’ ‘Khalnayak,’ ‘Rangeela,’ ‘Border,’ and ‘Bandhan.’ Jackie graced the screen most recently in ‘Mast Mein Rehne Ka,’ a comedy-drama with Neena Gupta, released on Prime Video in December 2023.
Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Tiger Shroff made his own impact in Bollywood with his debut, ‘Heropanti,’ which interestingly featured the same signature flute tune from Jackie’s ‘Hero.’ Upcoming projects for Tiger include ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ featuring alongside Akshay Kumar. Slated for an Eid 2024 release, this Ali Abbas Zafar directorial boasts an ensemble cast with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sonakshi Sinha, Manushi Chhillar, and Alaya F.
On this celebratory day, Jackie Shroff not only finds himself surrounded by the love and admiration of his family but also by an industry and a legion of fans who revere him for his indelible contribution to Indian cinema. His journey from the struggles of early life to becoming an enduring screen legend continues to inspire and resonate with aspirants and dreamers alike. Happy 67th Birthday, Jackie Shroff!
