Mehmood (29 September 1932 – 23 July 2004), the legendary actor, producer, director, and comedian, was a force to be reckoned with in the golden era of Indian cinema. With his impeccable comic timing and versatile acting skills, he carved a niche for himself that remains unparalleled. Beyond his rib-tickling performances, Mehmood delved into social themes through his films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Mehmood received 25 nominations for the Filmfare Awards, 19 for “Best Performance in a Comic Role,” and 6 nominations for “Best Supporting Actor.”
Early Life and Career
Mehmood Ali was born on September 29, 1932, in Bombay, India, into a family of eight children. His father was Mumtaz Ali, a prominent actor and dancer of the 40s and 50s. Mumtaz Ali faced financial ruin due to his alcoholism. This left the family in poverty during Mehmood’s childhood. As the second eldest, he took on the responsibility of supporting his siblings. His family’s condition forced him to prioritize work over studies. He sold poultry, drove for director P.L. Santoshi, and taught table tennis to actress Meena Kumari.
He also worked as a child artist in films like Kismet (1943), but that was before the bad days of his family. His family’s struggles instilled a strong work ethic and resilience, shaping his determination to succeed.
As an adult, he started as a small-time actor in films like Nadaan (1951), Maa (1952), Do Bigha Zameen (1953), Nastik (1954), Naukri (1954), Mem Sahib (1956), Baarish (1957), Ek saal (1957), and Howrah Bridge (1958). He also appeared in C.I.D. (1956) and Pyaasa (1957), directed by Guru Dutt, who recognized his potential. His first notable role came in Parvarish (1958), where he played Raj Kapoor’s younger brother, earning attention for his expressive performance. Mehmood honed his skills in Bombay’s theater and comedy circuits, mastering mimicry and physical comedy. His ability to imitate voices and mannerisms, developed during childhood, became a hallmark of his craft.
Mehmood The Superstar
Slowly, he started getting recognition and bigger roles in films like Qaidi No. 911 (1959), and Chhoti Behen (1959), for which he received his first Filmfare nomination as Supporting Actor. The turning point arrived with Sasuraal (1961), where Mehmood’s role as a quirky villager alongside Rajendra Kumar highlighted his comedic timing. The film’s success, bolstered by Shankar-Jaikishan’s music, marked his rise as a comedian. In Dil Tera Diwana (1962), he played Shammi Kapoor’s friend, further establishing his reputation for stealing scenes.
He then starred in films like Mian Biwi Razi (1960), Manzil (1960), Shriman Satyawadi (1960), Rakhi (1962), Hamrahi (1963), Ghar Basake Dekho (1963), Godaan (1963), Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (1963), Bharosa (1963), Zindagi (1964), Sanjh Aur Savera (1964), and Beti Bete (1964). In Chitralekha (1964), his role as Brahmachari Shwetank, singing “Maara Gaya Brahmachari” is still a fan favourite.
His role in Gumnaam (1965) as a humorous butler balanced the film’s suspense, with the song “Ham Kale Hain To Kya Hua” gaining international acclaim. He starred with IS Johar in “Johar-Mehmood in Goa (1965),” a comedy about the Goa’s freedom struggle against Portugese. The pinnacle came with Padosan (1968), where His portrayal of Master Pillai, a South Indian musician, showcased his mimicry and chemistry with Kishore Kumar. The iconic song “Ek Chatur Naar” became a cultural phenomenon.
The Performer
There is no looking back from there; he becomes the go-to comedian for filmmakers. Roles were written for him; people started making special songs for him; and special songs were made for him. Mehmood’s contribution to Indian cinema spans over four decades, where he enthralled audiences with his inimitable style. His performances were not just comedic; they were a masterclass in the art of making people laugh.
Whether it was his iconic role as dance teacher in “Padosan (1968),” his endearing portrayal of a Hydrabadi in “Gumnaam (1965),” or the master storyteller of “Pyar Kiye e Ja (1966), he was always memorable.
Some of his memorable roles came in Do Dil (1965), Kaajal (1965), Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966), Patthar ke Sanam (1966), Mehrban (1966), Ankhen (1968), Neel Kamal (1968), Do Kaliyan (1968), Izzat (1968), Meri Bhabhi (1969), Waris (1970), Humjoli (1970), Paras (1970), Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971), Naya Zamana (1971), Mere Apne (1971), Lootmaar (1980), Man Pasand (1980), Khud-daar (1982), Faisla (1982), and many more.
Mehmood The Filmmaker
Mehmood had a unique ability to connect with viewers through his characters. Apart from being a prolific actor, Mehmood was a trailblazing producer and director. Mehmood turned producer with Chhote Nawab in 1961. He directed and starred in the horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla (1965), a rare genre in 1960s Bollywood. The film follows a group of characters in a haunted mansion, with jump scares, suspense and humor. It featured music by R.D. Burman, whom Mehmood introduced to the industry.
As producer, Mehmood crafted a classic comedy “Padosan (1968),” about a naive villager competing with a South Indian musician for a woman’s affection. The film, a remake of the Bengali “Pasher Bari,” starred Kishore Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Saira Banu.
He then went on to make films like “Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968),” “Bombay to Goa (1972),” “Kunwara Baap (1974),” “Ginny Aur Johnny (1976),” “Ek Baap Chhe Bete (1978),” “Janta Hawaldar (1979),” and “Dushman Duniya Ka (1976).
Mehmood was not just about comedy; he was an artist with a social conscience. His film ‘Kuwara Baap‘ touched upon the issue of street children and societal stigma related to it. The film sheds light on the importance of acceptance and love. This film, in particular, highlights Mehmood’s commitment to addressing pertinent social issues through the medium of cinema. Released in 1974, It was a groundbreaking film ahead of its time. His portrayal of a single father navigating societal norms struck a chord with audiences. The film’s poignant narrative, combined with Mehmood’s exceptional performance, made it a memorable cinematic experience.
Legacy
Mehmood gave early breaks to music directors R.D. Burman (Chhote Nawab, 1961) and Rajesh Roshan (Kunwara Baap, 1974). It was he who asked Dilip Kumar to work with Mumtaz, who was working in action-adventure films in those days, and big actors were not ready to act with her. After Ram Aur Shyam, no one had the guts to refuse a Dilip Kumar heroine.
He mentored Amitabh Bachchan, casting him in Bombay to Goa (1972) and housing him for two years, earning the nickname “godfather” from Bachchan. His brother Anwar Ali introduced Bachchan to Mehmood during Saat Hindustani (1969). Mehmood’s films often featured family members. His son Macky Ali plays his adopted son in Kunwara Baap (1974). His daughter Ginny also worked in his film Ginny Aur Johnny (1976). He also mentored Junior Mehmood, giving him his own name and making him his official disciple.
Personal Life
Mehmood married Madhu Kumari, Meena Kumari’s sister, in 1953. They had four sons: Masood (Pucky), Maqsood (Lucky), Maqdoom (Macky), and Masoom. The couple divorced in 1967. Mehmood then married Tracy Ali, an American, and had three children: Mansoor, Manzoor, and Latifunnisa (Ginny). They adopted a daughter, Kizzy (Rehmat), who became a nurse in Pennsylvania. Mehmood’s relationship with son Lucky Ali, The famous singer and actor, was strained due to Lucky’s marijuana use, inspiring the film Dushman Duniya Ka. Mehmood supported an extended family of 150, and was famous for his helping nature and generosity.
Health issues, including cardiovascular disease impacted his later years. He passed away on July 23, 2004, in Pennsylvania after a long illness.
Mehmood Bhai Jan’s influence on Indian cinema continues to reverberate through the work of actors and filmmakers who drew inspiration from his genius.
Mehmood on IMDB
