Days after he expressed wish to meet his childhood friend and actor Sachin Pilgaonkar and co-star in many movies Jeetendra, veteran actor Naeem Sayyed popularly known as Junior Mehmood who was a popular child actor in his time breathed his last today. The 67-year-old was suffering fromstage four cancer.?
From filmmaker Sanjay Gupta to Gadar director Anil Sharma, everyone is paying heartfelt tribute to the character actor.
In a statement, his family said, "He passed away last night at 2 am in Mumbai. He was suffering from stomach cancer and was not keeping well for the last few days. His last rites will be performed in Santacruz burial ground after today¡¯s afternoon prayers.?Jr Mehmood is survived by his wife Lata and two sons.
He was suffering from cancer for a long time but it was not detected. "We came to know about his fourth-stage stomach cancer only 18 days ago. We took him to Tata Memorial Hospital. The dean there told us that treatment and chemotherapy at this stage would be very painful. The hospital had suggested that we take care of him at home," his son?Husnain was quoted as saying by Indian Express.?
"He was ill for 2 months and initially we thought that he might have some minor problem but after that suddenly his weight started decreasing. And when the medical reports came, it said there was cancer in the liver and lungs and a tumour in the intestine and he has also developed jaundice. So the treatment going on, but the doctors said it¡¯s a stage four cancer," his close friend? Salam Kazi had earlier revealed.
He will be cremated at Santacruz West's Juhu Muslim Cemetery, which is also his mother's burial place.
Jr Mehmood was known for movies like?Kati Patang and Aan Milo Sajna among others. He made his debut in 1996 with?Mohabbat Zindagi Hai and went on to feature in movies like?Brahmachari, Haathi Mere Saathi, Caravan, Mera Naam Joker and Naunihal.??
Johny Lever was among the actors who met his at the hospital. Sachin Pilgaonkar after meeting his urged fans to pray for him. "I request you all to pray for my childhood friend Jr Mehmood who¡¯s suffering with a fatal illness. I had a video conversation with him a couple of days ago and went to see him today but he was sleeping as he was under medication. I am in touch with his son and Johnny Lever regarding his health. May god bless him," he wrote.??