Jay-Veeru Ni Amar Gatha
Parimal Nathwani
A tribute to the pair.
Coalition · Ended
Jay and Veeru
Also known as Jai and Veeru · Gir forest, Gujarat, India
c. 2017 – 2025
Origin: Gir forest, Gujarat, India
Jay and Veeru were two male Asiatic lions of the Gir forest in Gujarat, India, the only place where Asiatic lions survive in the wild. They were named after Jai and Veeru, the inseparable friends of the 1975 Bollywood film Sholay, and for more than eight years they roamed together in the Tulsishyam range of Gir East.
They ruled an area including Malanka, Kenedipur, Natadia, Itadi and Limadra, were often seen resting side by side, and defended each other against rival males, becoming the best-known lions of Gir.
In 2025 the pair were separated, and rival males attacked. Veeru died of his injuries on 10 or 11 June, and Jay on 30 July. The lion enthusiast and MP Parimal Nathwani, who helped name them, released a song and a documentary in their memory, and in July 2026 unveiled a memorial to them at Sasan Gir.
Members
2Lions
8+Years together
7Weeks between their deaths
2025Died
Profile
Coalition
- Members
- Jay and Veeru
- Relationship
- Information not availableNot published
- Origin / birthplace
- Gir forest, Gujarat, India
- How it formed
- Together from about 2017
Reign
- Area
- Tulsishyam range, Gir East: Malanka, Kenedipur, Natadia, Itadi and Limadra
- Prides ruled
- Prides of the Tulsishyam range
- Took over from
- Information not available
- Reign
- More than 8 years (c. 2017 – 2025)
- Territory size
- Information not available
End
- End of the coalition
- Veeru died in June 2025 and Jay on 30 July 2025, after territorial fights
- Successors
- Information not available
Names & Meanings
Jay and VeeruNames
After the friends Jai and Veeru of the film Sholay (1975).
Story of the Coalition
- c. 2017
Began roaming together in Gir East.
- 2017 – 2025
Ruled the Tulsishyam range.
- 2025
Separated; attacked by rival males.
- 10 – 11 June 2025
Veeru died.
- 30 July 2025
Jay died.
- August 2025
A song and documentary were released in their memory.
- July 2026
A memorial was unveiled at Sasan Gir.
Legend & Truth
Successors of Ram and Shyam
Jay and Veeru followed Ram and Shyam as the most famous lion pair of Gir.
Photographs
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Photograph coming soon
Film
The film of Jay and Veeru is coming soon
Animation
An animated story of Jay and Veeru is coming soon
Documentaries & Features
Sources
- Indian Masterminds — Jai and Veeru die weeks apart
- The School Post — Veeru passes away
- Vibes of India — Memorial for Jay and Veeru
Where sources disagree, the most widely reported figure is shown, with other reports noted beneath it.