Jagdish Sethi
ActingAbout Jagdish Sethi
Jagdish Sethi (15 January 1903 – 12 June 1969) was an Indian actor and film director born in Punjab, India, whose prolific career spanned nearly four decades and included over 80 appearances in Hindi and regional cinema. He is best remembered for his character‑driven performances in key early sound‑era films such as Draupadi (1931), where he portrayed Duryodhana in one of India's first mythological talkies, Anath Ashram (1937), and Insaan (1952), a socially conscious drama which he also directed. Jagdish Sethi directed several films including Do Dil (1947), Insaan (1952), and Jaggu (1952), and contributed as a screenwriter, lyricist, and producer in industry collaborations with major studios such as New Theatres, Imperial, and Filmistan. Recognized for his versatility in both performance and filmmaking, he remained one of the notable figures of early Indian cinema until his passing in Bombay on 12 June 1969.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jagdish Sethi reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 28 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Jagdish Sethi's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 7% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jagdish Sethi remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mera Saaya, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jagdish Sethi Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jagdish Sethi's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jagdish Sethi.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Mera Saaya | Judge | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Baat Ek Raat Ki | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Chaudhary Karnail Singh | Chaudhary Karnail Singh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Phir Subha Hogi | Harbanslal | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Sitaron Se Aage | Shyamlal | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Miss Mary | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Aar Paar | Lalaji | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Waris | Rana Himmat Singh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Do Raha | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Nau Bahar | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Pardes | Lala Mangaldas / Manglu | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Amrapali | Mahamantra | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Chand Tara | Ratan's Father | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Village Girl | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Chal Chal Re Naujawan | Thakur Jaipal Singh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Bhagya Laxmi | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Kadambari | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Tamanna | Arabind | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Station Master | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Nartaki | Seth Hiralal | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | As You Please | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Street Singer | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Anath Ashram | Jai Narain | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | President | Dr Shethy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | Anokha Prem | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1931 | Draupadi | Duryodhana | Flop | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Light of the World | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Arabian Knight | - | Flop | Similar → |
Jagdish Sethi - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jagdish Sethi?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jagdish Sethi is "Mera Saaya" with a rating of 7.6/10.
How many movies has Jagdish Sethi acted in?
Jagdish Sethi has been featured in at least 28 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jagdish Sethi?
Other notable films include "Village Girl", "Phir Subha Hogi", and "The Light of the World".