Veteran actor Junior Mehmood dies at 67 after battle with stomach cancer

Junior Mehmood starred in several movies as a child actor. (Images: @Jhajhajha and @ANI/X)

Yesteryear’s famous child actor Junior Mehmood died today at 67 in Mumbai after a battle with stomach cancer. Born Naeem Sayyed, the veteran actor died in his Khar residence at 2.15 am, the family said in a statement.

Naeem Sayyed's journey in the film industry began as a child artiste with the 1966 movie "Mohabbat Zindagi Hai." Over the years, he had notable roles in films like "Naunihal," "Caravan," "Haathi Mere Saathi," and "Mera Naam Joker."

The actor's health took a sudden downturn when he was diagnosed with fourth-stage stomach cancer, a revelation that shocked his family. His son, Husnain, shared with Indian Express, "We came to know about his condition only 18 days ago. The dean at Tata Memorial Hospital advised us against extensive treatment, citing its painful nature. Thus, we opted to provide care for him at home."

In his final days, Junior Mehmood expressed a desire to reconnect with colleagues from the golden era of Bollywood. Industry stalwarts like Jeetendra, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Johnny Lever answered his call, paying him visits and offering support.

Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar visit their ailing friend Junior Mehmood - See photo

Junior Mehmood, a veteran artist diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer, expresses desire to reunite with friends Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Jeetendra and Sachin visit Mehmood, offering… pic.twitter.com/4gItMDBowC

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Junior Mehmood ventured into television with shows like "Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara" and "Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka." Additionally, he was a producer and director of several Marathi movies.

The late comedy icon Mehmood, with whom Naeem Sayyed shared screen space in the 1968 film "Suhaag Raat," bestowed upon him the screen name "Junior Mehmood."

His funeral is set to take place today at Santacruz kabrastan. He is survived by his wife Lata and two sons.