Affectionately known as “Moby,” veteran actor Mubarak is one of the most respected names of early Hindi cinema who worked in iconic films like “Kangan (1939),” “Kismet (1943),” “Shabnam (1949),” “Tansen (1943),” “Anarkali (1953),” “Jhansi Ki Rani (1953),” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Mubarak was born Mubarak Merchant on January 30, 1909, in Bomabay into an affluent family. His father was a construction engineer who passed away when he was only a little kid. His father’s friend and partner, Mr. Dubash, took him to his home and brought him up as his own. Mubarak was educated at Saint Xavier’s High School before going to Saint Xavier’s College, where he completed his graduation.
While visiting a film studio, he was noticed by the director, “Altekar,” who offered him a role, which he declined, but it led him to think about his career in film. Eventually, he made his cinematic debut in Chandulal Shah’s 1929 film “Pati Patni.” The film also stars Raja Sandow, Gohar, and Keshav Narayan Kale.
The same year he starred in P. Y. Altekar’s “Gori Bala (1929),” with Kamala, Nayampally, and Jilloobai. His next was Altekar’s Vasal Ki Raat (1929) with P. Y. Altekar himself, Nayampally, Mazhar Khan, and Jilloobai. Both these films were made under Imperial Film Company.
He followed it with films like Ezra Mir’s “Noor Jahan (1931),” R. G. Torney’s “Dilawar (1931),” Madanrai Vakil’s “Namak Haram Kon/A Bid For The Throne (1931),” and many more.
Mubarak In Talkies
The advent of talkies brought new opportunities for Mubarak, who learnt the correct diction and voice control under the guidance of English actor and playwright Grant Anderson. His stately visage and regal bearing made him an apt choice for roles in historical and costume dramas.
After that, he starred in many films like “Veer Kunal (1932),” “Aurat Ka Dil (1933),” “Sati Mahananda” (1933), “Bala Joban (1934),” “Maharani (1934),” “Noore Islam (1934),” “Talismi Hira (1934),” “Pardesi Saiyan (1935),” “Sheila (1936),” “Hamari Betiyan (1936),” “Kal Ki Baat (1937),” “Saathi (1938),” and “Sitara (1938).”
Some of Mubarak’s most impressive performances came in films like “Kangan (1939),” “Usha Haran (1940),” “Naya Sansar (1941),” “Kanchanr (1941),” “Ujala (1942),” “Mata (1942),” “Aage Kadam (1943),” “Bhaktaraj (1943),” “Kismet (1943),” “Zaban (1943),” “Manorma (1944),” “Tadbir (1945),” “Shabnam (1949),” “Sheesh Mahal (1950),” “Samadhi (1950),” “Nagin (1954),” “Abe Hayat (1955),” and many more.
Transition To Character Roles
His portrayals of Emperor Akbar in “Tansen (1943)” and “Anarkali (1953)” and Gangadhar Rao in “Jhansi Ki Rani (1953)” are revered for their authenticity. His commanding presence and regal demeanour made him the quintessential choice for such historic and powerful roles.
He then acted in films like “Champakali (1957),” “Main Nashe Mein Hoon (1959),” “Phir Subah Hogi (1960), “Hum Hindustani (1960),” “Shola Aur Shabnam (1961),” Maya (1961),” “Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961),” “Waqt (1965),” “Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966),” “Humraaz (1967),” and “Ek Nannhi Munni Ladki Thi (1970),” and “Barkha Bahar (1973),” which are some of his memorable films. His last film appearance was in Shyam Benegal’s film Nishant (1975), after which he left the film industry and retired.
Beyond his on-screen persona, Mubarak also ventured into directing, adding another dimension to his cinematic contributions. His directorial stint included the film “Bahurani (1940),” where he also played a significant role.
Mubarak passed away on July 26, 1986, in Bombay.
Mubarak on IMDB
