Born on February 24, 1939, Joy Mukherjee was the son of a successful producer and co-founder of Mumbai's Filmalaya Studios, Sashadhar Mukherjee, and Ashok Kumar's sister Satirani Devi. Joy started his career in R K Nayyar's Love in Simla (1960), co-starring Sadhana. He joined the film industry quite by accident.
 
The script and dialogue writer of Love in Shimla Agha Jani Kashmeri was a friend and employee of Sashadhar. One day, Sashadhar and Agha were discussing who should play the lead in Love in Shimla. The former wanted to rope in Shammi Kapoor. Just then, Joy walked in the room, and Agha suggested his name.
 
Sashadhar was not keen on making his son an actor but Agha Jani was impressed with the tall and good looking Joy. Sashadhar asked Agha Jani whether he will teach Joy the nuances of acting. The latter agreed and Bollywood got a new hero.

Image: Joy Mukherjee in Love in Shimla