Vijay Arora
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Vijay Arora (December 27, 1944 – February 2, 2007) was an actor in Hindi films and television serials, most famous for his roles in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and as Indrajit in the television serial Ramayan. He was also a cinematographer for about 20 films.
[edit] Career
Arora's career got off to a good start by winning the gold medal when he graduated from Film and Television Institute of India in 1971. He made his debut with another newcomer Reena Roy in Zaroorat (1972). The risque film did get him much attention as it did for Reena also, since she later became a box-office star and award-winning actress. Fortunately, for Arora, that set the tone for the rest of his film career, as he was almost always cast opposite super leading ladies: Asha Parekh in a dual role in Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972); the guitar-strumming Zeenat Aman in the memorable Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)(where the beautiful romantic song, "Chura liya hai" is picturized on them), two powerhouse actresses Jaya Bhaduri and Waheeda Rehman playing his wife and mother-in-law, respectively in Phagun (1973); Shabana Azmi in Kadambari (1975); Tanuja in Insaaf (1973); Moushumi Chatterjee in Natak (1975). Even when a famous, talented filmmaker like Hrishikesh Mukherjee gave him a starring role in a good film Sabse Bada Sukh (1973) without a famous heroine sharing the screen with him. He guest-starred in other hit films such as Roti (1974), Sargam (1979), Bade Dilwale (1983), Jaan Tere Naam (1991) Indian Babu (2003) where his characters were peripheral to the storyline. He did over 50 films and innumerable television serials.
In the late 80s, he found great success on the small screen with his role as Meghnad Indrajit in the epic serial Ramayan directed by Ramanand Sagar. Besides acting, Arora also set up his own software house which produces ad films and corporate films. His serial Ek Tara Bole made for children was an award-winner. He made ads and documentary films on implementation of ISO 9000 standards [first in India] and eco-friendly [first in the world] textiles which were well appreciated by the United Nations. In 2001, he was seen in two serials Lakeerein Talaash and Ketan Mehtas highly sensational Pradhan Mantri. He also acted in Jaana Na Dil Se Door directed by Vijay Anand. Arora was a hit in Gujrati cinema too in films like Raja Harish Chandra. He had acted in several Hindi and Gujrati plays. [1]. He did events for the Gem and Jewelery Council Of India was promoter of several imported products like accupuncture massagers and non electric industrial ventilators. He also manufactured playing cars for varios Indian corporates and also sourced them to Warner Brothers for the movie Superman. He used to help students develop the skill and art of acting and was heavily into Yoga, Health and Fitness.
[edit] Personal life
Arora was married to Dilber. His son, Farhad, is a promoter for Ferrari and Maserati Cars in the Indian Subcontinent.[2]. Arora passed away on February 2, 2007 at his residence, due to stomach cancer.
