Syed Jaaved Ahmed Jaffrey has starred in several successful films, such as 'Jeena Marna Tere Sang', 'Jajantaram Mamantaram', and 'Bang Bang!'. However, he is most celebrated for his television shows from the 90s and early 2000s.
Jaaved Jaaferi is an emotion for everyone who grew up during the 90s in India. And needless to say, it has more to do with his super successful television shows than his films. There'sobviously no disrespect towards his film career (it’s undoubtedly phenomenal), but it's his insane energy on the small screen that made him a household name back then. As a host, he not only brought a whiff of fresh air but also redefined the idea of entertainment on the medium. There was a sense of genuineness (feels like he is one of us) in him, and not to mention his unparalleled wit and humor, that resonated with the kids and youth. Since then, we have come a long way; but those shows continue to make us smile whenever we revisit them.
Born on December 4, 1962, Jaaved Jaaferi celebrates his 62nd birthday today. On this occasion, let's discuss some of his best shows that made our childhood.
Originally, 'Takeshi's Castle' was a Japanese TV show that featured the Japanese comedian Takeshi Kitano as its host. Jaaved Jaaferi hosted the Indian version, and it was unlike everything we had seen before on television. He brought his own style and energy to the show and made it more interactive with viewers.
🙏🏽 RT @IamHabeel: A voice that made us laugh more than the actual Show #TakeshisCastle @jaavedjaaferi & his JJ Ka Raapchik Replay was worth watching for... pic.twitter.com/mEsnQMBkBg
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) May 24, 2019
(Credit: Jaaved Jaaferi
The show was about contestants overcoming difficult physical challenges in order to reach the count (Jaaferi) in his castle. The physical comedy was absolutely spot-on in every episode, but it was Jaaferi's spontaneous and witty commentary that offered us a laughter riot like no other. And most importantly, his words weren't just a translation of the original Japanese script - had their own substance.
'Ninja Warriors' had everything - from action to humor to suspense and more. But again, nothing would have worked so incredibly had Jaaved Jaaferi not been there as the host.
It was originally a Japanese sports entertainment reality television show called 'Sasuke', revolving around 100 contestants attempting to complete a four-stage obstacle course. In the Indian version, Jaaferi brought his impeccable energy and unparalleled humor, making it more relatable for the Indian kids. With his narration - mostly humorous takes on the players' performances (similar to 'Takeshi's Castle') - he made every episode unbelievably engaging. And he often used to motivate the audiences with his words.
Not many know that Jaaved Jaaferi is also a brilliant dancer, who has been a choreographer as well. And during the 90s, he was the permanent judge of a dance competition show, 'Boogie Woogie' - it was long before dance or song reality shows became mainstream on Indian television. Created and directed by Naved Jaffrey, Ashu Jain, and Ravi Behl for Sony Entertainment Television, the show became a massive success and went on to become the longest-running show in India. And as it goes without saying, that owed a lot to Jaaferi.
RT 😍👍🏽#throwback #boogiewoogie #ravibehl #navedjaffery and #javedjaffrey #originaldanceshow #breakdancer #boo pic.twitter.com/Pz2FS4x5m8
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) January 9, 2017
Credit: Jaaved Jaaferi
With his vast knowledge of various forms of dance, Jaaferi made every episode enriching for us. And obviously, he infused it with his trademark wit and humor, making the show a phenomenon.
Happy Birthday, Jaaved Jaaferi. Thanks For Making Our Childhood So Much Fun!
