Today i.e., 28 September, is the 87th birth anniversary of India’s greatest comedian and actor Mehmood. Mainly known for his acting in the comedy genre, Mehmood was born and brought up in Mumbai in 1932. His father, Mumtaz Ali was also a famous stage actor and dancer in the 40s and 50s era. Mehmood also begins his journey in Indian Cinema as an artist in Bombay Talkies film, Kismet. Later, the actor never looked back and gave many hits like Padosan, Do Phool and Kunwara Baap and many others. One of his comedy film ‘Pyaar Kiya Jaa’ was mind-blowing and still favourite to many.

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On his birth anniversary, let’s take a look at some of the unknown facts of his life:

• Mehmood was known as the ‘King OF Comedy’ in Indian cinema and acted in more than 300 films and debuted from the film ‘CID’ in Bollywood.
• Before entering the film industry, Mehmood was a tennis coach of Meena Kumari and at that time he fell in love with Meena’s sister Madhu. It is also reported that giving threats of suicide, he forced Madhu to marry him. Mehmood and Madhu had four sons. Later, they got divorced and Mehmood came in a relationship with Aruna Irani. Although, they never accepted their relationship.

• However, Mehmood’s second official marriage was with Tracy Ali and had three kids.
• He was very close to his mother.
• Directors were very well known to his talents that they used his pictures included in the official poster of films, knowing the audience will surely come for his comedy.
• Mehmood was the one who helped legendary Amitabh Bachchan during his struggling days and gave him a room in his own house.
• He gets into the skin of the character be it playing Master Pillai in Padosan or a butler in Gumnaam, or Atma in Pyar Kiye Jaa.
• At the time when he was at the Bombay Talkies, the actor became friends with another upcoming comedian – the versatile Kishore Kumar. Kishore famously remarked, “How can I give a chance to someone who will compete with me?” To this, Mehmood is supposed to have laughingly replied, “One day, I will become a big filmmaker and I will cast you in a role in my film!”
• Mehmood was a godfather to many in this industry. Mehmood’s the only one who gave a chance RD Burman as a music director in his film- Chhote Nawab. Later, their friendship became the talk of the town.

We love Mehmood who gave us such memorable performance and made us laugh with his outstanding comedy.

Published by Soniya Kaur on 28 Sep 2018