
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.

Aar Paar
1954 · as Lalaji

Alam Ara
1931

Village Girl
1945

Chaudhary Karnail Singh
1960 · as Chaudhary Karnail Singh

Baat Ek Raat Ki
1962

Phir Subha Hogi
1958 · as Harbanslal

Amrapali
1945 · as Mahamantra

Tamanna
1942 · as Arabind

Street Singer
1938

Nau Bahar
1952

Waris
1954 · as Rana Himmat Singh

Station Master
1942

Draupadi
1931 · as Duryodhana

Mera Saaya
1966 · as Judge

Sitaron Se Aage
1958 · as Shyamlal

Miss Mary
1957

Pardes
1950 · as Lala Mangaldas / Manglu

President
1937 · as Dr Shethy