Known for his expressive dialogue delivery and powerful screen presence, Anwar Hussain was a prominent actor known for his versatile roles, especially in negative roles in films like Footpath, Bhabhi, Ab Dilli Door Nahi, Ganga Jamuna, Shaheed, Baharon Ke Sapne, Victoria No. 203, Chori Mera Kaam, and many more.
Early Life
Anwar Hussain was born on November 11, 1925, in Calcutta. His mother, Jaddanbai, was a renowned singer, actress, and filmmaker, and his father was a lawyer. Anwar was the elder brother of the legendary actress Nargis Dutt and Akhtar Hussain. Growing up in such an environment, Anwar was exposed to the world of arts and cinema from a young age. His family’s influence played a significant role in shaping his career in the film industry.
Cinamatic Journey
Anwar Hussain made his Hindi film debut as a child actor with his mother’s film “Talashe Haq” in 1935. His first adult role came in A. R. Kardar’s “Sanjog” in 1943. He followed this with roles in films like “Prem Sangeet (1943),” “Pehle Aap (1944),” “Jeevan (1944),” “Ghulami (1945),” “Naiya (1947),” “Rasta (1947),” “Romeo and Juliet (1947),” “Shahkar (1947),” “Anjuman (1948),” “Hum Log (1951),” “Aasmaan (1952),” and many more. However, it was his performance in the 1953 film “Jhamela” that brought him widespread recognition. Anwar’s ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity quickly made him a sought-after actor in the industry.
In 1957, he played the role of Jeevan in the film Bhabhi, which earned him widespread acclaim. His portrayal of Mukundlal in the film Ab Dilli Dur Nahin (1957) further established his reputation as a talented actor. Anwar’s versatility was evident in his ability to take on both positive and negative roles with equal finesse.
Throughout his career, Anwar Hussain worked with some of the most renowned directors and actors in the industry. He has acted in a number of films with Dilip Kumar; the most notable of them is Gunga Jumna (1961). His portrayal of Thakur Hariram, the main antagonist of the film, is considered one of his best performances. He also acted in “Sangdil (1952),” “Footpath (1953),” and “Yahudi (1958)” with Kumar.
Other Work
Anwar Hussain worked with Khwaja Ahmad Abbas in films like Char Dil Char Rahen (1958), Shehar Aur Sapna (1963), and Aasman Mahal (1965). Some of his memorable films include “Amar Deep (1958),” “Asli Naqli (1961),” “Shaheed (1965),” “Guide (1965),” “Baharon Ke Sapne (1967),” “Anokhi Raat (1967),” “Yakeen (1969),” “Dastak (1970),” “Dushman (1971),” “Balidaan (1971),” “Upaasna (1971),” “Victoria No. 203 (1972),” “Loafer (1973),” “Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973),” “Rafoo Chakkar (1975),” “Jaggu (1975),” “Adalat (1976),” “Shankar Shambhu (1976),” “Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978),” “Heera-Moti (1979),” “Nauker (1979),” and many more.
Anwar Hussain worked with sister Nargis in “Romeo and Juliet” in 1947 and 20 years later in “Raat Aur Din (1969).” He worked extensively with Sunil Dutt. Some of their notable films include Mujhe Jeene Do (1963), Mera Saaya (1966), Gaban (1966), Hamraaz (1967), Zindagi Zindagi (1972), Heera (1973), Nehle Pe Dehla (1976), Daku Aur Jawan(1978), and many more. He also acted in his nephew Sanjay Dutt’s debut film “Rocky” in 1981.
Anwar Hussain had a son named Javed Hussain and a daughter named Zahida Hussain. He passed away on January 1, 1988, in Bombay, at the age of 62.
Anwar Hussain on IMDB
