Mumbai, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : Mahmood, a beloved figure in Hindi cinema, was known for his ability to bring life to films with his comedic talent. His career spanned several decades, during which he not only acted but also ventured into film production and direction. Many fascinating anecdotes surround his life, one of which involves a young Amitabh Bachchan and Rajiv Gandhi.
According to the book “Mahmood: A Man of Many Mood” by Hanif Javeeri, Mahmood once mistook a young man accompanying Amitabh Bachchan for a budding actor. In a moment of enthusiasm, he handed over 5,000 rupees to sign him for his next film. It was only later that he learned the young man was not an actor but Rajiv Gandhi, the son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Upon hearing this, Mahmood quickly took back the money, much to the amusement of both Amitabh and Rajiv.
Born on September 29, 1932, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Mahmood Ali grew up in a family intertwined with the film industry. His father, Mumtaz Ali, was a well-known dancer and actor. Despite the filmic backdrop, Mahmood faced a challenging childhood, marked by financial struggles that forced him to work from a young age. He made his Bollywood debut as a child artist in the 1943 film “Kismat” and took on various odd jobs, including working as a driver for filmmaker P.L. Santoshi.
Over time, Mahmood began to receive more significant roles, appearing in notable films like “Do Bigha Zamin” and “Pyaasa.” His breakthrough came in 1958 with “Parvarish,” where he played the brother of Raj Kapoor’s character. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Mahmood’s comedic performances earned him widespread recognition. Films such as “Gumnaam,” “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Padosan,” “Bombay to Goa,” and “Kuwara Baap” showcased his exceptional talent. His role as Master Pillai in “Padosan” remains one of his most cherished performances.
Mahmood was not just a comedian; he became a significant draw for audiences. His brother, Anwar Ali, once remarked that distributors were often excited by Mahmood’s presence in a film. He also recognized and nurtured new talent, giving Amitabh Bachchan a significant opportunity in “Bombay to Goa.”
His popularity is reflected in his four Filmfare Awards, which include Best Comedian accolades for “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Waris,” and “Vardan.” Over a career spanning more than four decades, Mahmood appeared in over 300 films, establishing himself as one of the most beloved comedic actors in the industry.
The story of Mahmood’s encounter with Rajiv Gandhi serves as a humorous reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. When Rajiv Gandhi later became Prime Minister, Amitabh jokingly noted that Mahmood’s prediction had come true—Rajiv had indeed become an international star, though not in the film industry, but in politics.
Mahmood passed away at the age of 71 on July 23, 2004, in Pennsylvania, USA, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema.
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