Amitabh Bachchan's Official Blog

DAY 1557

London , UK July 23, 2012 Mon 11 : 35 PM GmT

The sun shines bright over the city – a rare occurrence ! And the entire population is in the parks, on the benches, by the cafes and pubs, strolling about in the briefest of summer wear, amidst the excitement of the Olympics, scheduled to begin on the 27^th evening with great anticipated fanfare !

It is also the death anniversary today of Mehmood Bhai, whom we addressed as Bhaijaan, the greatest comedic actor of the Industry, of all time. His brother Anwar Ali and I met on the sets of my first film ‘Saat Hindustani’, he playing one of them, and we remained close friends since. I stayed with him in his apartment contained in a large complex belonging to Mehmood bhai, along with the rest of his rather large family. Mehmood Bhai was among the early contributors to my career graph ; he having faith from day one in me, much against the wishes and comments of naysayers. For some peculiar reason he would address me as ‘Danger Diabolic’, and was the first producer to give me a lead role – ‘Bombay to Goa’, a remake of a Tamil hit ‘Madras to Pondicherry’, that had that other brilliant comedian Nagesh from the South, opposite Aruna Irani. Mehmood Bhaijaan did several remakes of Nagesh’s films in Tamil and they were all very successful. Nagesh was an institution. His brilliance has not been matched so far. He was the comedy quotient of a film, but such was his popularity and following that lead roles were written for him, despite the fact that he was the comedian in the film.

Mehmood Bhai on the other hand, who started off as a group dancer in films, became the only example I think of an entire story revolving around a comedian. Mehmood Bhai had a large family – 4 brothers – Mehmood bhai, Usman Bhai, Shaukat and Anwar and 3 sisters – Shanu Aapa, Minu Aapa, and Baby Aapa.

Minu Aapa was Minu Mumtaz an artist in her own right and a great dancer. Her memorable mujra in Guru Dutt’s ‘Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam’ is eternal even to this day. Baby Aapa looked after Anwar and when I stayed with them, she treated me like another brother of hers !

They were all children of Mumtaz Ali, their father, and a huge star of the 40’s or 50’s cinema. His subtle acting talent and his dance capabilities were exemplary. But he went through a bad economic patch and the family was reduced to taking on the mantle of support ; Mehmood Bhai pioneering the effort. It was the sharp eye of the great Guru Dutt that spotted Bhaijaan and gave him a big break as an actor ! He never forgot that gesture – a large photograph of Guru Dutt adorned his bedroom !

Mehmood Bhai was also the one that gave RD Burman his first music direction. They were close friends and shared a lovely camaraderie. Bhaijaan’s sense of music too was exceptional. Some of the tunes that he gave for his own films are still remembered. He sang some of them too. He produced films and directed one – a most poignant film on the story of a polio stricken physically challenged child. The role of the child was played by Macky Ali, his own third son from his first wife, a victim of polio. Lucky Ali the singer musician who has turned out some wonderful albums is Mehmood bhai’s second son !

Mehmood Bhai a generous hearted and caring son brother father husband and friend …

When he passed away after a prolonged illness, his body was brought to Mehboob Studios for his grieving friends and relatives. I did not go that evening. It would have been difficult to face the inert body of a man that was so full of life and laughter – mostly for others always !!

I sleep now … not with any purpose of work tomorrow, but just sleep ..

My love to all ..

Amitabh Bachchan