Remembering yesteryear Hindi film actor Vijay Arora on his 12th death anniversary today.

Remembering yesteryear Hindi film actor Vijay Arora on his 12th death anniversary today.

Vijay Arora was a promising actor of 1970s in Hindi films and television serials. Though Vijay Arora is a least known actor, movie lovers can never forget Vijay Arora’s performance in the evergreen romantic song ‘Chura liya hai tum ne jo dil ko’ of musical blockbuster Yadoon Ki Baraat (1973).

Vijay Arora won a gold medal when he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1971. He made his debut with another newcomer Reena Roy in Zaroorat (1972). He starred with Asha Parekh in Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972) and with the guitar-strumming Zeenat Aman in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) (featuring the romantic song, “Chura Liya Hai”). Two powerful actresses, Jaya Bhaduri and Waheeda Rehman, played his wife and mother-in-law in Phagun (1973). He starred with Shabana Azmi in Kadambari (1975); with Tanuja in Insaaf (1973); with Parveen Babi in 36 Ghante (1974); and with Moushumi Chatterjee in Natak (1975). Filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee gave him a starring role in the film Sabse Bada Sukh (1973). Other films include Roti, the lead role in Jeevan Jyoti (1976) opposite Bindiya Goswami which was a surprise hit of the year, Sargam (1979), Bade Dil Wala (1983), Jaan Tere Naam (1991) and Indian Babu (2003), where his characters were peripheral to the storyline.

In the late 80s, he found success on the small screen with his role of Meghnath in the serial Ramayan directed by Ramanand Sagar. He also appeared in the series Bharat Ek Khoj directed by Shyam Benegal as Prince Salim/Emperor Jahangir.

Vijay Arora remains most memorable for his performance as the guitar strumming brother in the classic ‘Yaadon ki Baarat’, though he acted in almost 110 films. A talented actor, he was reduced to peripheral roles and could never make an impact like in his first film.

Vijay Arora died of stomach cancer on 2 February 2007.