One of the most iconic comedians of Hindi cinema, Keshto Mukherjee was a versatile and beloved actor. Known for his comic drunkard roles, he acted in over 170 films in Some of his most famous roles came in films like “Parakh,” “China Town,” “Prem Patra,” “Padosan,” “Guddi,” “Bombay To Goa,” “Parichay,” “Zanjeer,” “Sholay,” “Chupke Chupke,” and many more. He was also a part of some of the acclaimed Bengali films by the legendary director Ritwik Ghatak.
Early Life and Struggles
Keshto Mukherjee was born on 7 August 1925 in Kolkata, Bengal Presidency, India. He had a passion for acting since his childhood and came to Bombay to pursue his dream of becoming a film hero. However, he faced many hardships and struggles in his initial days and had to live in a dingy room with nothing to eat but lots to drink. He started drinking out of frustration and loneliness and soon became addicted to alcohol. He later said in an interview that alcohol was his true friend and also the reason for his popularity as a drunkard character in films.
Big Break Keshto Mukherjee
Keshto got his first break in the 1952 film Nagarik, directed by Ritwik Ghatak, who became his mentor and friend. He played the small but important role of Jatin Babu, a corrupt clerk who tries to exploit the protagonist. They shared a special bond and a close relationship and continued to work in films, such as Ajantrik (1958), Bari Theke Paliye (1958), Jukti Takko Aar Gappo (1974), etc. He also acted in some other Bengali films, such as Lukochuri (1958), Paari (1966), etc.
Keshto made his debut in Hindi cinema with the 1957 film Musafir, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. He played a street dancer who performs with Kishore Kumar in the song “Hum To Mohabbat Karega.” He worked with Hrishikesh Mukherjee on many other films like “Asli Naqli (1962),” “Aashiq (1962),” “Biwi Aur Makan (1966),” “Majhli Didi (1967),” “Guddi (1971),” “Sabse Bada Sukh (1972),” “Chupke Chupke (1975),” “Arjun Pandit (1976),” “Naukri (1978),” “Gol Maal (1979),” “Jurmana (1979),” and “Khubsoorat (1980).”
The Lovable Drunkard
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Keshto appeared in many Hindi films, mostly in comic roles, often as a drunkard or a sidekick. He worked with some of the prominent directors, such as Bimal Roy, Raj Kapoor, Basu Chatterjee, Gulzar, Ramesh Sippy, etc. He also shared screen space with some of the leading stars, such as Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, etc.
Some of his other memorable films include Parakh (1960), Aas Ka Panchhi (1961), China Town (1962), Prem Patra (1962), Aarti (1962), Akashdeep (1965), Teesri Kasam (1966), Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968), Anokhi Raat (1968), Padosan (1968), Shikar (1968), Mere Humsafar (1970), Mere Apne (1971), Bombay To Goa (1972), Parichay (1972), Bombay To Goa (1972), Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), Sabse Bada Rupaiya (1976), Kitaab (1977), Kinara (1977), Inkaar (1977), Khatta Meetha (1978), Do Ladke Dono Kadke (1979), The Burning Train (1980), Naseeb (1981), Rocky (1981), Ghazab (1982), and many more.
Legacy of Keshto Mukherjee
Keshto Mukherjee had a distinctive style of acting, which involved stammering, twitching, shaking, and falling down. He often improvised his dialogues and scenes to add humor and spontaneity. Keshto remains one of the most beloved comedians of Hindi cinema. His mere presence is enough to elevate any scene. Critics also praised him for his convincing portrayal of drunkards. His performances in films like “Sholay,” “Padosan,” “Chupke Chupke,” and “Guddi” are still remembered and cherished by audiences.
Keshto Mukherjee married Shobha Mukherjee, and they had two sons, Ashok Mukherjee and Babloo Mukherjee. His younger son Ashok died in a road accident. Keshto himself died on 3 March 1982 due to a heart attack in Mumbai. He was 56 years old.
Keshto Mukherjee on IMDB
