Remembering Mehmood: The Man Of Comedies

“Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.”

Mehmood, the man with a tragic life, was best known for playing comical roles in the Hindi cinema. He was a very popular Indian actor, director, singer, and producer. Names like Asrani and Gufi Paintal pop up in our minds when we think of veteran comedians and trendsetters.  

But Mehmood too was someone who certainly proved his worth of being just more than a comedian. There’s a lot that people don’t know about him apart from his humorous form.

(Image Courtesy: Meri Saheli)

#1. Mehmood was a Tamilian, and that’s why he nailed all his South Indian performances.

#2. Being the son of a famous stage actor and dancer, Mumtaz Ali, Mehmood has had a fair share of odd jobs during his struggling days. He was the driver of PL Santoshi and was even the Table Tennis coach of Meena Kumari.

#3. Mehmood flourished as a comedian with films like Padosan, Love in Tokyo and Gumnaam.

#4. On screen comic character always made people laugh but he often wondered why life was so tragic.

#5. Mehmood’s father was an alcoholic; he also had a disabled son and a never ending financial responsibility towards a larger family.

#6. Mehmood witnessed his peak point wherein he developed his own style of comedy. Because of this, Mehmood was also paid more than what the lead actors were earning.

#7. Mehmood led a flamboyant lifestyle. He was a warm hearted person who was also a great spendthrift. All his flashiness could be because of the royal blood running through his nerves!

#8. Mehmood was foresighted. Once in an interview with Ameen Sayani, the very successful radio broadcaster, Mehmood was asked about his horses. To this, he replied, “Amitabh is the fastest horse. The day he picks up speed, he’ll leave all else behind.”

(Image Courtesy: The Better India)

#9. While on the one hand, Mehmood apparently was a comic actor, on the other hand, his productions were run on serious lines. Kuwara Baap was one of the films that Mehmood directed.

#10. Amitabh Bachchan considered Mehmood as his godfather. This legendary actor was somehow destined to be in the Indian cinema. Even now if you decide to watch a Mehmood film; you’ll be assured of three things - humor, drama, and great music!

#11. The actor could give a magical touch to anything and everything he took in hand. Remember the song “Hum Kaale Hain” from the film Gumnaam (1965); it perfectly had that Mehmood touch to the entire piece!

#12. Some of his popular songs include, “Ek chatur naar” from the film Padosan, “Hum kaale hai to kya hua dilwaale hain” from the film Gumnaam, “Aao Twist Kare” from the film Bhoot Bangla, and so on.

#13. It was due to respiratory insufficiency that Mehmood left us all in silence and grief on 23rd July 2004. The actor and singer left a remarkable impact on his audience but no one can fight the law of death.

Liked what you just read? Let us know through the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!