The 'Johnny Gaddaar' actor is the son of playback singer Nitin Mukesh and grandson of legendary singer Mukesh.
Although William Shakespeare questioned, "What's in a name?", names do make a difference. For instance, when you hear a name like, say, Amitabh Bachchan - even if you don't know who he is - you would imagine a man with a commanding personality in your mind. A unique name, on the other hand, sticks with you and ensures that the person stays in your memory. I know this well because mine is a very common name, one of those that don't leave much of a specific impression. Now coming to the point - Neil Nitin Mukesh is blessed with a truly unique name. And that's a name you simply can't ignore. Needless to say, it has always been a topic of curiosity among fans. Interestingly, it's not random - there's a story behind it that many do not know.
(Credit: neilnitinmukesh)
Today, on the actor's 43rd birthday, let's learn the untold story behind his name.
As already mentioned, Neil Nitin Mukesh is the son of playback singer Nitin Mukesh and the grandson of legendary singer Mukesh.
His grandfather, Mukesh, was one of the most popular singers of Hindi cinema during its classic era. Being the voice of actors like Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Feroz Khan, Sunil Dutt, and Dilip Kumar, he enthralled billions of people, leaving behind a legacy that's still unmatched today.
As Neil Nitin Mukesh shared, "... The void I felt back in my childhood because of my grandfather not being around, I don't feel it all that much now, because my father has tried to keep his musical legacy alive through his songs. I am truly humbled and honored to say that there is no greater son than my father."
Happy Father’s Day to my darling father❤️❤️ and all the fathers celebrating 🤗. pic.twitter.com/8p4vTXoTxe
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) June 19, 2022
(Credit: Neil Nitin Mukesh)
"My father wanted to be a director, but when my grandfather passed away, he got into playback singing to keep his memory alive. He even added his father's name in his, and I did the same; I added both their names in my own name," he added.
Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, who sang numerous duets with Mukesh, gave him the name 'Neil'. According to some reports, when she saw the baby for the first time, she said that he looked like a foreigner (because of his fair complexion). Therefore, she named him 'Neil' - after American astronaut Neil Armstrong who is remembered as the "first person to walk on the Moon".
Cannot even begin to tell you what my family feels at this moment 💔 We are devastated. For my father @nitinmukesh9 , music began with her and ended with her. He is inconsolable. Lata didi was the Goddess that my father and all of us worshiped ❤️🙏🏻SAAKSHAT SARASWATI. pic.twitter.com/Ygy12aZS2A
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) February 6, 2022
(Credit: Neil Nitin Mukesh)
It's worth noting that the actor has often been mistaken as a foreigner. In fact, in 2009, he was reportedly detained at an airport in the United States for more than an hour because the immigration officials refused to believe he was an Indian.
The actor's full name is Neil Nitin Mukesh Chand Mathur.
Long before making his full-fledged debut with 'Johnny Gaddaar', he worked as a child artist in films like "Vijay' (1988) and 'Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii' (1989).
His father, Nitin Mukesh, wasn't very happy with his decision to debut with a negative role in 'Johnny Gaddar'. In his words, "My dad (singer Nitin Mukesh) did not speak to me for six months because I signed 'Johnny Gaddar'. He was so mad at me that he wouldn't even speak to me while eating meals. On asking him what was upsetting him, he said that you're Mukesh's grandchild and we're known for our goodness so how could I sign up for a negative role in my debut film."
Happy Birthday, Mr. Neil Nitin Mukesh.
