Vijay Arora

Vijay Arora (27 December 1944 – 2 February 2007) was an Indian actor in Hindi films and television serials, most famous for his roles in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and as Indrajit in the television serial Ramayan.

Career
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 (1973) where the song Achchi Nahi Sanam Dillagi became popular among music lovers. He shot to stardom with the guitar-strumming Zeenat Aman in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), featuring the romantic song, "Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo". 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 the lead role in the film Sabse Bada Sukh (1973).He went on to star in hit films like Ek Mutthi Aasmaan opposite Radha Saluja and in Satyan Bose's directorial venture Mere Bhaiya.

He played supporting roles regularly in films with Rajesh Khanna in lead role include Roti, Nishaan, Souten, Anurag and Awam''. He played the lead role in Jeevan Jyoti (1976), opposite Bindiya Goswami, which was a surprise hit of the year. He played supporting roles in Sargam (1979), Bade Dil Wala (1983), Jaan Tere Naam (1991) and Indian Babu (2003), where his characters were peripheral to the story line.

In 1987, Arora again found success on the small screen with his role as Meghnad Indrajit 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. He also played various characters in Ramanand Sagar's successful serial Vikram Aur Betal.

In 2001, he was seen in two serials, Lakeerein and Talaash, and Ketan Mehta's Pradhan Mantri. He acted in Jaana Na Dil Se Door, directed by Vijay Anand. Arora appeared in Gujarati cinema in films like Raja Harish Chandra, with Madhuri Dixit. He had acted in several Hindi and Gujarati plays. He did over 110 films and over 500 broadcast television serial episodes.

Other activities
Besides acting, Arora also set up his own software house which produced ad films and corporate films. His serial for children, Ek Tara Bole, was an award winner. He was the first in India to make ads and documentary films on using ISO 9000 standards. He did events for the Gem and Jewellery Council of India and was promoter of several imported products like acupuncture massagers and non electric industrial ventilators. He manufactured playing cards for various Indian corporations and sourced them to Warner Brothers for the movie Superman. He enjoyed helping students develop the skill and art of acting and was heavily into yoga, health and fitness. Vijay Arora died of stomach cancer on 2 February 2007.

Personal life


Arora was married to ex-model and Miss India, Dilber Debara. They have a son called Farhad Vijay Arora who was a promoter for Ferrari and Maserati cars in India and is now producing films and directing music videos and ads. Arora died on 2 February 2007 at his residence, due to a stomach ailment.

Achievements
The episode of Ramayana which was telecasted on DD National on 16 April 2020 showed the Megnath vadh by Laxman. The character of Meghnath was portrayed by Vijay Arora and of Laxman by Sunil Lehari. DD National said on 16 April 2020 the show created world record, 77 million people watched the show in 1 day and beat the record set by the famous American TV show Game of Thrones.