Mehmood Ali Birth Anniversary: The Luxurious Nawab-Style Life He Lived

Even though Anwar Ali was Mehmood's younger brother, he is still a big fan of the late actor Mehmood. Anwar Ali told many interesting things about his elder brother, which we are going to tell you. Mehmood's younger brother, Anwar Ali, is also an actor himself. He played the role of driver Rajesh in Mehmood's film 'Bombay to Goa'. He told us many memorable stories about Mehmood. He said that, at a time when heroes preferred to play romantic roles in films, Mehmood emerged as a talented comedian.

Mehmood Ali's hit songs

In the year 1950, tear-jerking films like 'Parvarish' and 'Sasural' gave Mehmood a distinct identity as a comedian. After this, Mehmood kept getting films. Mehmood worked in big films like 'Padosan', 'Goa' and 'Pyar Kiye Jaa'. After that, there was a line of film offers for Mehmood. His South Indian characters in the films Padosan' and 'Do Phool', Hyderabadi dialect in 'Gumnaam' and big films like 'Kunwara Baap' gave Mehmood a distinct identity for his comic acting.

If we talk about off-camera, he was no less than a rockstar. Mehmood, who had a collection of expensive cars, bought branded clothes from abroad, and was always surrounded by girls, was no less than a prince, he never needed to tell anyone his identity. Anwar Ali says that Bhaijaan always took great care of all the 7 brothers and sisters and took care of the whole family in bad times. He started his film career as a child artist in Ashok Kumar's 1943 film 'Kismet'. Not only this, he also did many small jobs to run the family. For a long time, he worked as a driver for filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi's father PL Santoshi. Kishore Da and Bhaijaan were both very good friends and used to go for a walk together from their home i.e. Malad to Filmistan Studio.

Fees were more than that of a hero

In the year 1950, Mehmood appeared in many big films like 'Do Bigha Zameen' and 'Pyaasa' but he got real success in the 60s with films like 'Gumnaam', 'Jauhar Mehmood in Goa', 'Padosan' and 'Do Phool'. After this, his film journey continued, and in the 80s, he worked in 'Bombay to Goa', 'Kunwara Baap' and 'Sabse Bada Rupaiya'. After this, Bhaijaan never looked back and he kept moving forward. After this, Rajshri Productions created a special character for him in their home production film 'Aarti'. Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar played the lead roles in this film released in 1962. Bhaijaan even taught Meena Kumari to play tennis for this film. For this film, Bhaijaan was paid more than the hero in the film. He was paid Rs. 7.5 lakh for 14 days of shooting.

Bhaijaan's flamboyance was a part of his personality. With his luxurious lifestyle and being a big-hearted person, he lived like a king. He was very fond of collecting expensive cars. He had 24 cars, which included many cars like Stingray, Dodge, Impala, MG and Jaguar. He also had his own mechanic. Whenever Bhaijaan went abroad, he brought back lots of gifts for everyone. He even gifted Seiko watches to his watchman, liftman, and postman.

Bhaijaan believed in all religions

Apart from this, Bhaijaan was very fond of horses. He had bought two horses. His favorite horse was brought from the US. Bhaijaan asked the famous horseman of that time, Mansingh, to go to Shirdi. During that time, Mansingh was going through a bad time. After this, Mansingh's time changed. Bhaijaan believed in all religions. He kept his onscreen name Mahesh in films, which is the name of Lord Shiva. We used to go together to Azad Maidan to offer Eid namaz. People used to recognize him there but did not bother him. From there, he used to go to Johnny Walker's house and ask for Eidi from him. Along with him, he also used to go to the dargahs of Sufi saints like Makhdoom Shah Baba in Mahim and Malad and Qamar Ali Darvesh's dargah in Shivpur, Pune.

A farmhouse was bought to keep horses

There was no dearth of girls among Bhaijaan's fans. Mehmood created a different style of comedy for himself. There came a time when he started getting more fees than the hero in films. His lifestyle and mannerisms were very luxurious. He also bought his own farmhouse to keep his horses. The aristocratic style was reflected in every vein of his. Let's talk about his married life next. Bhaijaan first married Meena Kumari's sister Madhu, but their marriage could not last long. They both have 4 sons. Bhaijaan married a US-based woman named Tracy for the second time. Whom he met during the shooting of his 1965 film 'Bhoot Bangla' in Mahabaleshwar. Both fell in love with each other and then got married. He also has 3 children from his second wife. Apart from this, he also has another daughter who was adopted by Tracy Bhabhi.

Bhaijaan's Smoking Habit: From Stardom to Health Struggles

Bhaijaan was as fond of smoking as he was of smoking. He did not drink alcohol, but he smoked a lot of cigarettes. Due to illness, he reduced his work in films. The film 'Dushman Duniya Ka' which came in 1996 was his last film. After this, he was completely out of the film industry. Due to excessive smoking, his lungs got damaged. Due to this, he had to use a mask for oxygen. He went to the US with Tracy Bhabhi for his treatment so that he could get good treatment there. After going there, he became completely religious. He used to say that he kept making people laugh his whole life, but the last time of his own life became his worst and saddest time.

Big B did not do any work for 5 days

He died on 23 July 2004 in Pennsylvania at the age of 72. His body was brought to Filmistan Studio for a final farewell. After his death, Amitabh Bachchan did not work for 5 days until his body reached Mumbai. After giving a final farewell, his body was taken to Bangalore for the last rites.

FAQs

What’s the latest tribute to Mehmood by Bollywood?

On his birth anniversary, people recalled his influence on comedy and how his presence in a movie poster often guaranteed a hit.

Did Mehmood help Amitabh Bachchan early in his career?

Yes. Mehmood gave Amitabh Bachchan a commercial lead role in Bombay To Goa, helping Bachchan gain visibility, which aided his later break in Zanjeer.

What did Aruna Irani recently reveal about her relationship with Mehmood?

Aruna Irani said they were in a romantic relationship, but they never married. She claimed Mehmood's wife opposed her working with him, which hurt their relationship and her career. 

How do people remember Mehmood’s impact on comedy today?

He is widely seen as a trailblazer who made comedians central to Bollywood films. His style, timing, and screen presence still influence new comic actors.

What’s known about Mehmood’s children and their careers?

Mehmood had 7 children. One of his sons, Lucky Ali, became a noted singer. Others have been involved in acting and film production.

Who was Mehmood Ali?

Mehmood Ali (29 Sep-1932 to 23 Jul-2004) was an Indian actor, singer, director & producer, famous for his comic roles in over 300 Hindi films.

What are some of Mehmood’s most iconic films?

Some iconic films include Padosan, Gumnaam, Parvarish, Do Bigha Zameen, Andaz Apna Apna, Pyaasa, Mera Naam Joker.

What awards or recognition did Mehmood receive?

He was nominated many times for roles in comic performance and supporting actor. In 2008, he was posthumously honoured with a stamp by India.

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