Zakaria Khan (15 October 1915 – 2 June 1975), better known by his stage name Jayant, was an Indian actor. He was the father of actors Amjad Khan and Imtiaz Khan. His notable works are in films like Amar, Memdidi and Nazneen. He worked in many movies with Dilip Kumar,Madhubala and Kishore Kumar.

Early life

Jayant was born in Nodeh Payan (Nawan Kalli), Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province, British India on 15 October 1915 and was named Zakaria Khan. He was a Pashtun. He was only able to finish his elementary education. Jayant was a police officer in Alwar, Rajasthan before starting the film career.

Career

Jayant was tall and had a deep voice. He worked in Vijay Bhatt's first Gujarati movie Sansaar Leela (1933). The name Jayant was also given to him by director and producer Vijay Bhatt. He played lead role in many movies like Bombay Mail (1935), Challenge (1936), His Highness (1937) and State Express (1938).

Personal life

Jayant was married and his children were Amjad Khan (of Gabbar Singh fame), and Imtiaz Khan. He was the grandfather of Shadaab Khan, Ahlam Khan, Seemaab Khan and Ayesha Khan and father-in-law of Shaila Khan and Krutika Desai Khan (wife of Imtiaz).

Death

Jayant died on 2 June 1975 at age 60 in Bombay two months prior to the release of his son Amjad Khan's most successful movie Sholay. He died due to throat cancer. He was buried at Naupada Qabarstan of Bandra West in Mumbai.

Filmography