Legendary Johnny Walker, one of the most beloved actors of all time, from India, He borrowed his screen name from a popular brand of whisky, but later it became difficult to decide which of the two was more popular.
Early Life
Born on November 11, 1926, as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi, Johnny Walker’s journey began with humble origins. The master of comedic timing was the third among ten siblings. His life unfolded like a script tailor-made for the silver screen. Faced with adversity when his father lost his job in a mill, the family relocated to Mumbai. In pursuit of livelihood, Walker explored various odd jobs until he found stability as a bus conductor with Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). It was during his time as a bus conductor that he began entertaining passengers with his humorous antics and impressions, showcasing his natural talent for comedy.
Johnny Walker Meet Guru Dutt
His pastime to make jokes with the passengers on the bus attracted the great Balraj Sahni. Balraj Sahni introduced him to Guru Dutt, who was looking for a comedian for his 1951 film “Baazi.” During the screen test, Badruddin performed a drunkard act that left Guru Dutt in splits. Impressed by his performance, Dutt gave him the screen name “Johnny Walker,” after the famous Scotch whisky brand.
It was the story of the coming together of Dutt and Walker; the two peaks of sensibility and humour became one, which created new definitions for Hindi cinema. Johnny Walker became a parallel identity in Guru Dutt’s films like “Baazi,” “Aar-Paar,” “Mr. and Mrs. 55,” “CID,” “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” “Chaudhavin Ka Chand,” and “Pyaasa.”
His “Aye dil hai mushkil” from “CID,” not only captures the essence of the city of dreams but also reflects the philisophy of life. Johnny Walker’s “Sar Jo Tera Chakraye,” in Pyaasa, gave a breathing space to otherwise too realistic and dark “Payasa.” “Mera Yar Bana Hai Dulha,” in Chaudhvin ka Chand,” an all-time great expression of a friend’s emotions.
The Greatest Of Them all
Interestingly, Hindi cinema’s most beloved comedian, who became synonymous with playing the perfect drunk character, all the while abstaining from alcohol in real life. Walker was known for his clean and family-friendly comedy. He often played the role of the hero’s comic sidekick, bringing humor and lightheartedness to the films. His iconic look, characterised by his squeaky voice, pencil-thin mustache, and exaggerated mannerisms, became his trademark.
Walker’s unique career showcased his ability to be funny without resorting to loud or vulgar humor. He avoid the popular slapstick for a more refined comedic style. Walker worked with all the big names of the industry. With Dilip Kumar he worked in the films like “Paigham (1959),” “Naya Daur (1957),” “Mughal-e-Azam (1960),” “Dil Diya Dard Liya (1965),” “Gopi (1970),” and many more. He got the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award in 1959 for Bimal Roy’s Madhumati.
With Dev Anand he shared screen in films like Aandhiyan (1952), “Taxi Driver (1954),” Milap (1955) “Amar Deep (1958),” Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962) “Duniya (1968),” Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1973) and many more. He also worked with Raj kapoor in “Chori Chori (1956).”
His legacy lives on through his memorable movies and songs. Known for his contributions to classics like “Railway Platform (1955),” “Chhoo Mantar (1956),” “Gateway of India (1957),” “Ghar Sansar (1958),” “12 O’Clock (1958),” Ek Phool Char Kante (1960),” and “Chhote Nawab (1961),” walker was the go to comedian of 1950s and 60s.
Other Work
In 1963 he worked in HS Rawail’s “Mere Mehboob,” where he played the role of Rajendra Kumar’s friend Bindadeen Rastogi. He get Filmfare Best Comedian Award for Shikar starring Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. He also worked with Dharmendra in “Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1965),” “Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967),” “Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969),” “Raja Jani (1972),” “Pratiggya (1972),” “Khel” Khilari Ka (1977),” and many more. Some of his other memorable films include “Shehnai (1964),” “Zindagi Aur Maut (1965),” “Suraj (1966),” “Bahu Begum (1967),” “Noorjehan (1967),” “Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968),” “Mere Huzoor (1968),” “Anand (1971),” “Ek Hasina Do Diwane (1972),” and many more.
Perhaps his most impactful role came in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anand in 1971. He played Isa Bhai Suratwala aka Morarilal who become friend of Rajesh Khanna. His last memorable role was in Kamal Hassan’s makeupman in the comedy Chachi 420.
Personal Life
Johnny Walker was married to Noorjahan, the sister of actress Shakila. The couple met on the sets of “Mr. & Mrs. 55” and got married in 1955. They had six children, three daughters (Kausar, Tasneem, and Firdaus) and three sons (Nazim, Kazim, and Nasir). His son Nasir Khan followed in his footsteps and became a film and television actor.
Johnny Walker passed away on July 29, 2003, in Mumbai, leaving behind a rich legacy of laughter and joy. His journey from a bus conductor to a celebrated comedian is straight from fairytales. Although he is not with us, Johnny Walker’s work continues to inspire and entertain audiences. His extraordinary personality and his impact on Indian cinema will be remembered for years to come.
Johnny Walker on IMDB
