Today Tasweermahal is remembering the comedy king of yesteryear, “Noor Mohammad Charlie,” and bringing his brief life sketch.
Way before the golden age of comedy actors in Hindi films, there was an actor who started it all. He was the first star comedian in Indian cinema, and the and the audience adored him to the extent that scripts were written for him as the lead. People used to call him “Indian Charlie Chaplin.”
Early Life and Career
Noor Mohammad Charlie, born Noor Muhammad Memon on July 1, 1911, in Ranavav village, Porbandar, Saurashtra, India, was a trailblazer in the Indian film industry.
Disenchanted with school, young Noor Muhammad often skipped classes to indulge in his love for films. His career began modestly, repairing umbrellas, but his destiny lay elsewhere. In 1925, he boldly walked into the Imperial Film Company, claiming he could sing. Although he did not get the acting chance, he got a job there.
Noor Muhammad made his debut in 1928 with the film “Akalna Bardan,” directed by Praffulla Ghosh, followed by Homi Master’s Lekh Par Mekh (1928). The same year he acted in D.A. Daneker and N.G. Deware’s Vasant Leela (1928).
In 1932, he starred in the superhit film Zarina, directed by Ezra Mir. It also stars Zubeida, Jal Merchant, Lala Yaqoob and a young Mehboob Khan. He again collaborated with Ezra Mir for Premi Pagal (1933) opposite Khatun, Farzande Hind (1934) and Phantom of the Hills (1934).
Noor Mohammad was always a fan of Hollywood comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and could copy his style and mannerism. It was his ability to act like Charlie Chaplin that got him his first lead role in “Indian Charlie” in 1929, but the film got delayed and was released in 1933. His parody of Chaplin, including mannerism, clothes, and style, makes him an instant hit. The role was so popular that he was credited as Noor Mohammad “Charlie” in his later films.
The King Of Comedy
In 1934, Charlie joined the Ranjit Film Company and starred in many successful films, especially with fellow comedians “Dixit and Ghouri.” Some of his films in that era were Chandrahasa (1933), Nadira (1934), Sitamgarh (1934), Toofani Taruni (1934), Toofan Mail (1934), Barrister’s Wife (1935), Sipahi Ki Sajni (1936), Secretary (1938), Achhut (1938), Thokar (1939), and Pagal (1939).
Notably, Hnidi Cinem’s first ever Qawwali, “Nazariya tane hai teer kamaan, jaane lagi yah kis kis ki jaan,” in Barrister’s Wife, was picturized on Charlie.
In 1940, he starred in Chaturbhuj Doshi’s “Musafir,” with Khurshid Begum. The film was a huge success. In 1941, he directed “Dhandora,” which became a big hit.
Continuing Success
Noor Mohammad Charlie starred in A. R. Kardar’s “Pagal (1941)” with Madhuri, Prithviraj Kapoor, Trilok Kapoor, and Sitara Devi. In 1943 he starred in kardar’s “Sanjog (1943),” with Mehtab, Ulhas, Wasti, and Anwar Hussain. He also starred in Mehboob Khan’s “Taqdeer (1943),” Jayant Desai’s “Bansari (1943),” and “Manorama (1944),” Shankar Mehta’s “Pagli (1943),” and “Aayi Bahar (1946),” Zia Sarhadi’s “Yateem (1945),” and Phani Majumdar’s “Insaf (1946).”
Charlie was also a singer; he sang many songs, including “Aisa Bhojan Ho Taiyar (The Secretary),” “Jab Se Mali Tere Dar Ki Khaq” and “Main Banoon Nadi Main Banoon Kinara” (Thokar), “Yeh Pyari Chaahat Yeh Meethi Ulfat (Aaj Ka Hindostan), and “Khatmal Ki Hai Basti Ya Machhar Ka Thikana.” “Maan Le Kehna Mera” (Musafir), “Chambeela Koli Maara Na Gol,” “Makhmoor Nigahon Mein” (Dhandhora), “Aaya Karo Idhar Bhi Meri Jaan Kabhi (Bansari),” “Ek Dilwala Ek Dilwali” “Palat Tera Dhyaan Kidhar Hai” (Sanjog), “Ek Kahar Barpa Karta Hai Jab Aaye Budhapa (Raunaq),” “Aaj Mera Mann Dole Re” “Zindagi Fareb Hai Fareb Se Nibhaye Ja” (Chand Tara),” “He Choodi Choodiwala (Dulha),” and many more.
Partition and Aftermath
The partition of India in 1947 was a sad turning point in Charlie’s career. He had to move to Pakistan, where he never got the opportunities and success he enjoyed in Bombay. Some of the films he did in Pakistan include Beqarar (1950), Akeli (19501), Pardesi (1958), Prai Zamin (1958), Pilpili Sahib (1965), and Pyar Ki Jeet (1969).
In the 1960s, he made three films, Zameen Ke Taare (1960), Zamana Badal Gaya (1961), and Akeli Mat Jaiyo (1963), in India, all with his old friends at Ranjit Movietone.
Personal Life
Noor Mohammad Charlie later migrated to the United States to live with his son, but eventually returned to Pakistan after a few years. He had six sons and six daughters; the famous Pakistani TV actor Latif Charlie was his son. Grandson Yawar Charlie acted in JAG and General Hospital, later focusing on real estate in West Hollywood. Another grandson, RJ Dino Ali, works as a radio jockey. Noorarash Charlie, another grandson, is a designer and theater actor in Tehran.
Noor Mohammad Charlie passed away on June 30, 1983, in Karachi, leaving behind a rich legacy of many memorable performances. Charlie will always be remembered for his pioneering effort to bring comic films to the forefront.
Noor Mohammad Charlie on IMDB
