How Naeem Sayyed aka Junior Mehmood got his moniker after a dance at birthday party

Veteran Hindi film comedian Naeem Sayyed passed away earlier today. Sayyed was 67 years old at the time of his demise. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and was bedridden for months before his demise. In the last couple of days, many notable film personalities like Johny Lever, Sachin Pilgaonkar among others visited the late comedian and had shared social media updates about his health condition. Sayyed was best known with the moniker Junior Mehmood - and how the actor earned the moniker is an interesting tale of its own.  In an archival interview with Amar Ujala, Junior Mehmood had opened up about how he first met Mehmood and how his journey in film industry took off.

Sayyed first worked with Mehmood in 1968 film Suhaag Raat

Junior Mehmood had worked with Mehmood in the 1968 film Suhaag Raat, where he played the role of his brother-in-law. Mehmood recalled bonding big time with the popular comedian during the shoot of that film. Later that year, Mehmood had invited the entire crew of Suhaag Raat to his daughter’s first birthday party. 

Mehmood reminisced dancing vigorously when someone played the popular Mehmood song ‘Hum Kaale Hain to Kya Hua’ at the party. When the song stopped and Junior Mehmood was done with his dance moves, Mehmood rushed towards him and picked him up in his arms, elated to see such imitation of his dance moves and expressions by someone so young. Junior Mehmood further recalled, “He was so happy to see me dance that he picked me up and told my father, “You don’t worry about this boy, I will take care of him.”

Sayyed gave Mehmood a Guru-Dakshina of ₹5.25

Next day, Mehmood called Sayyed to Ranjit Studio and accepted the young boy as his discipline. Sayyed added, “He tied a ‘Ganda’ on my wrist to mark our Guru-disciple bond. That’s when people started calling me Junior Mehmood.” Sayyed further recalled giving Mehmood a Guru-Dakshina of ₹ 5.2, and buying sweets for 50 paise which he distributed among everyone around to celebrate the moment.

Naeed Sayyed worked in over 150 films as an actor in his 50 year old career. Naeem Sayyed even made an attempt at direction, and directed 6 films in the 90s. Sayyed is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter-in-law and a grandson.