Jafar Mir Abdullah

Last updated
Nawab
Jafar Mir Abdullah
Jafar Mir Abdullah.jpg
Abdullah in 2010
Born(1951-03-17)17 March 1951
Died18 April 2023(2023-04-18) (aged 72)
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Alma mater La Martinière College, Lucknow
Occupation(s)Businessperson, art enthusiast
Known forCultural heritage, contributions to the art and acting
FatherMir Abdullah
Family Nawab of Awadh
Awards Yash Bharati

Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah was an Indian nobleman and art enthusiast from Lucknow, known for his deep connection to the city's cultural heritage and his contributions to the arts. Born into the royal family of Awadh, he was the Nawab of Dehta and Dhaurera. He served as a cultural and heritage ambassador of Lucknow.

Contents

He was a direct descendant of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the ruler of Awadh (1775 to 1797) who commissioned the construction of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow.

He appeared in cameos in multiple films, including Umrao Jaan, Gadar, Gulabo Sitabo, Ishaqzade and Madam Chief Minister. He was also seen in the BBC miniseries A Suitable Boy, an adaptation of Vikram Seth's novel.

In 2016 he was awarded the Yash Bharati, the highest civilian award in Uttar Pradesh.

Early life and education

Jafar Mir Abdullah was born as the eldest of seven children, to Mir Abdullah, a member of the royal family of Awadh in Lucknow. He studied at the La Martinière College, Lucknow, where he developed a deep appreciation for the history and culture of his city. His upbringing in a royal family instilled in him a sense of responsibility towards preserving the traditions and customs of Lucknow. [1] [2]

Later he obtained a degree in Bachelor of Science (H) from Aligarh Muslim University and then pursued Law at Lucknow University. [3] [4]

Acting

Nawab was a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, known for his contributions to theatre, film, and television.

Theatre Contributions

He had a significant background in theatre, where he was involved in various productions that showcased the cultural heritage of Awadh. He was known for his performances in plays such as Ghalib in New Delhi, which highlighted the poetry of Mirza Ghalib, Begum Hazrat Mahal, based on the life and the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal, and The Last Mughal, which depicted the historical events surrounding the last days of the Mughal Empire. [5]

His work in theatre was characterised by a deep understanding of the cultural narratives of his region. [6]

Film Career

His film career included cameo appearances in several Bollywood productions. He acted in Umrao Jaan , a classic film that showcased the cultural richness of Lucknow, where his ancestral home, the Sheesh Mahal, served as a filming location. [7]

He also appeared in Gadar, Gulabo Sitabo, Ishaqzade, and Madam Chief Minister . [3]

Awards

In 2016, he received Yash Bharati Award at the Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, for his contribution to arts and handicrafts. It is the highest civilian award in Uttar Pradesh. [3]

Death

Nawab died on 18 April 2023 in Lucknow after a prolonged kidney disease. Many politicians including, then chief minister Yogi Adityanath, former CM Akhilesh Yadav, Shivpal Singh Yadav, and Mohsin Raza, posted condolence messages on social media following his death. [8]

He is survived by his three daughters, Sheerin, Nishat and Manrukh. [9] [10]

References

  1. "Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah, face of Awadh's royal family, passes away in Lucknow". The Times of India. 2023-04-19. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  2. Bharat, E. T. V. (2023-04-19). "Lucknow's cultural icon Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah passes away". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  3. 1 2 3 Handa, Aakriti; Asrar, Ashhar (2023-04-20). "In Photos: Remembering Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah, the Keeper of Lucknow's Tehzeeb". The Quint . Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  4. "Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah passed away CM Yogi grieved". Prabhat Khabar (in Hindi). 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  5. "Lucknowites got a lesson in history through this play". The Times of India. 2019-05-03. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  6. JAFFER, MEHRU (2023-04-21). "A Final Adaab". www.thecitizen.in. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  7. Sheetal, Kalpana. "Jafar Mir Abdullah: 'उमराव जान' में फारुख शेख ने पहनी थी मीर अब्दुल्ला की अंगूठी, जानें दिलचस्प बातें". www.newsnationtv.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  8. "Lucknow's Famous Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah Passes Away After Prolonged Illness". ABP News . 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  9. "Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah: लखनऊ के नवाब जाफर मीर अब्दुल्लाह का निधन, लंबे समय से चल रहे थे बीमार - Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah of Lucknow passed away who was ill for a long time". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  10. असरार, आकृति हांडा,अशर (2023-04-21). "लखनवी तहजीब के रखवाले नवाब जाफर मीर अब्दुल्ला का इंतकाल,तस्वीरों में उनकी विरासत". TheQuint (in Hindi). Retrieved 2025-01-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)