Picture the archetype of the upright cop in Hindi movies—it’s Sujit Kumar’s face that flashes first. His career-defining police inspector roles overshadowed a diverse filmography spanning comedy to drama, cementing his place in Bollywood lore. Originally set on a legal career, destiny scripted a blockbuster tale for this Varanasi native.
Shamsher Bahadur Singh entered the world on February 7, 1934, in a farmer’s household in Chakiya. Academically gifted, he was studying law when a college drama caught the eye of director Phani Majumdar. The veteran’s admiration for his confidence and baritone voice fast-tracked Sujit to Mumbai, derailing his courtroom aspirations.
Kicking off with ‘Taxi Driver’ in 1954, Sujit navigated supporting roles—loyal sidekicks, antagonists, shadowy figures—gradually winning hearts. The suspense-laden ’60s and ’70s elevated him, but police parts truly immortalized his screen persona.
From the riveting cop in ‘Ittefaak’ to authoritative figures in ‘Amiri Garibi,’ ‘The Burning Train,’ ‘Takkar,’ ‘Boxer,’ ‘Kaidhi,’ ‘Haqeeqat,’ ‘Kala Dhanda Gore Log,’ ‘Tiranga,’ and ‘Krnatveer,’ his portrayals were pitch-perfect. No actor wore the khaki more often or convincingly, earning him the moniker ‘Cinema’s Cop.’
Sujit’s influence extended to Bhojpuri cinema, where he reigned as the inaugural superstar via ‘Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari,’ ‘Bidesiya,’ ‘Dangal,’ and ‘Paan Khaye Saiyan Hamar,’ dominating regional box offices.
As a producer alongside spouse Kiran Singh, he delivered ‘Khel,’ ‘Daraar,’ and ‘Champion.’ Honored with Bhojpuri Lifetime Achievement, he fought cancer valiantly before his demise on February 5, 2010, at 75, his cop legacy enduring.