The Hindu : Front Page : Mehmood dead

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 24, 2004

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Front Page

Mehmood dead

Comedian Mehmood who passed away in the U.S. on Friday had acted in over 300 films and directed a few.

MUMBAI, JULY 23. Mehmood, the king of comedy who tickled many a funny bone with his perfect sense of timing, his rib-tickling punchlines, his native wit and his deliberated accented drawl, was among the rare breed of actors to bring both a smile to the lip and a tear in the eye.

The son of actor-dancer Mumtaj Ali, Mehmood began life in a humble way, driving cars for others, running errands for a few rupees before the spotlight hit him. Mehmood's forte lay in his impeccable acting style that had blended humour with human sensitivity.

The body of Mehmood, who died in sleep in the United States, will be brought here, his brother Usman Ali told PTI.

Mehmood, born in 1932, had acted in over 300 films, including the big-hit ``Padosan'' and directed a few films. The last film directed by him was "Dushman Duniyaki." His notable films include, "Sabse Bada Rupaiya," "Pyar Kiye Jaa," "Johar Mehmood in Hongkong."

Mehmood's first major break came in the film "Parvarish" in 1958. Some of his memorable performances included the good-hearted rickshawalla in "Kunwara Baap," his portrayal of a bus conductor in "Bombay to Goa" and as a South-Indian music teacher in ``Padosan.''

Unique brand of comedy

Our New Delhi Special Correspondent writes:

The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Jaipal Reddy, has condoled the death of the veteran comedian, Mehmood.

In his condolence message, Mr. Reddy said that Mehmood's brand of comedy was unique and endeared him to all age groups. With the creative use of Hyderabadi accent, he made India laugh even as he ensured that the comedy did not become vulgar and indecent.

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