Famous Artists in Surat!
You might have heard about Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and many other big cities. Surat, though not as big as the ones said earlier, but it sure is famous and on its path to be called one of the top cities of our country.
Surat, the city of sun, is indeed world known for its diamond polishing and cutting and textile market, but unlike popular belief, is not only limited to business and financial masterminds. It has also contributed significantly to the artist community.
Following are the artists who emerged from Surat, and are now known to the entire country.
Sanjeev Kumar
Yes, the very famous actor Sanjeev Kumar, who has won several major awards including two National Film Award for Best Actor for his commendable performances in the movies Dastak (1970) and Koshish (1972), and who was voted the seventh greatest actor of Indian cinema of all-time in a poll conducted by Rediff.com, was indeed born in Surat as Harihar Jethalal Jariwala (also referred to as Haribhai)on 9 July 1938. His double role in the film Angoor was listed among the 25 best acting performances of Indian cinema by Forbes India on the occasion of celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema.
Abbas-Mustan
Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla and Mustan Alibhai Burmalla are a film director, film producer and writer duo, who took birth in Surat. They wanted to do something different than their family’s furniture business, and hence began making films. They started with a Gujarati movie called Agnikaal. You might not have heard their name, but you sure as hell know the names of the movies these legends created, which are Khiladi, Baazigar, Ajnabee, Baadshah, Aitraaz, Humraaz, Race, Race 2 and Kapil Sharma’s debut Kis KisKo Pyaar Karu!
Aashika Bhatia
One of the most followed Indian Tiktoker and a child actress. You must have seen her Meera, Found a Treasure Called Love and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi. Utterly talented and popular, she has been in a number of commercials as well.
Prachi Desai
Yes, Prachi Desai too is a daughter of Surat, who was the lead of perhaps almost all housewives’ favourite show Kasam Se on ZeeTV, took birth on 12 September 1988. She has been a considerable part of many movies like Rock On, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Bol Bachchan and many more. She is also the endorser, spokesperson, brand ambassador and the face of Goa Tourism and Neutrogena products in India. She is also a brand ambassador of Lux Lyra.
Freddy Daruwala
Now based in Mumbai, was originally born in Surat, Gujarat. You must remember him in the movie Holiday as Sleeper Cell’s Head. This talented and handsome man has starred in over 12 films across various languages, including Telugu, Gujarati and Hindi. He has also been titled as The Most Desirable Man by Ahmedabad Times.
Hence, Surat succeeded in producing such masterpieces and producing still! It will indeed take time, but of course a little support and encouragement comes a long way.