Best remembered as “Khopdi” of the iconic serial “Nukkad,” Sameer Khakhar was one of the most beloved actors on Indian television. He also acted in many films like “Pushpak,” “Parinda,” “Raja Babu,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Sameer Khakhar, a name synonymous with versatility in the Indian film and television industry, left an indelible mark with his distinctive acting style and memorable characters. Born on August 9, 1952, in Mumbai, Khakhar’s journey in the world of acting began in the 1980s, when he acted in many theater productions, especially in Gujarati theater. In 1985, he performed in the theatrical production Chhunn Chhhun Karti Aai Chidiya, directed by Imtiaz Khan. He acted alongside Amjad Khan in this play. His theater work laid the foundation for his screen career.
Khakhar became a household name with his portrayal of “Khopdi” in the popular TV show “Nukkad (1986).” Saeed Akhtar Mirza and Kundan Shah, the director of the serial, gave him the role after seeing his plays. This character, a lovable and often inebriated member of the street corner gang, showcased Khakhar’s ability to bring depth and humanity to even the most comedic of roles.
He made his debut with the 1987 film “Jawab Hum Denge,” followed by his most famous film role in Kamal Hasan’s silent film “Pushpak Vimana (Pushpak in Hindi)” in 1987, where he played an alcoholic rich man kidnapped by Kamal Hasan.
He then acted in films like Mera Shikar (1988), Shahenshah (1988), Guru (1989), Nafrat Ki Aandhi (1989), Parinda (1989), Rakhwaala (1989), Shehzaade (1989), Vardi (1989), Jurrat (1989), Awwal Number (1990), Baarish (1991), Dhartiputra (1993), Hum Hain Kamaal Ke (1993), and many more.
In 1994, he acted in David Dhawan’s “Raja Babu,” where his character Amavas became a fan favorite. Khakhar’s performances were not just limited to the silver screen; he also shone on television. Some of Khakhar’s shows are like “Manoranjan,” “Circus,” “Naya Nukkad,” “Shrimaan Shrimati,” “Bandini,” “Adaalat,” and “Sanjeevni.”
Later Career
Despite his success, Khakhar faced challenges, including a period of unemployment after moving to the USA, where he worked as a Java developer. He worked there until the 2008 recession led to job loss. He returned to India to resume acting, initially performing in three Gujarati theater productions. Between 2008 and 2009, he and his wife returned to the USA, but he later came back alone to pursue acting. In early 2021, he publicly expressed his desire for more substantial roles.
Some of his later film roles include Hasee Toh Phasee (2014), Jai Ho (2014), Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi (2017), Wassup! Zindagi (2017), and Patakha (2018). He was also seen in web series like ‘Sunflower‘ and ‘Farzi.’
Khakhar’s life was a narrative of resilience and reinvention. He passed away on March 15, 2023, due to multiple organ failure, but his legacy lives on through the characters he immortalized and the lives he touched with his artistry.
As we remember Sameer Khakhar, we celebrate not just the actor but the man who brought warmth, humor, and realism to every role he played.
Sameer Khakhar on IMDB
