The Hindu : Front Page : Sholay's ‘Sambha' passes away

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Sholay's ‘Sambha' passes away

Mac Mohan

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Mac Mohan, immortalised in the role of Gabbar Singh's sidekick Sambha in Ramesh Sippy's 1975 blockbuster Sholay, died here on Monday.

The actor breathed his last at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in suburban Mumbai. He was suffering from cancer, according to hospital sources.

Mac Mohan, who started his career with Haqeeqat in 1964, acted in over 175 films in a memorable career spanning 46 years.

He shot to fame as the gun-toting dacoit Sambha in Sholay. After that he never looked back and essayed countless villainous roles in films like Don, The Burning Train and Satte Pe Satta.

“No one could have suited Sambha's role better than Mac Mohan. He will always be remembered by that role,” Mr. Sippy told PTI.

Amjad Khan's conversations with him are among the most favourite dialogue from the film. Mac Mohan is asked by Amjad Khan, “Arrey o Sambha, kitna inaam rakhe hain Sarkar hum par?” (Hey Sambha, what is the reward the Government has placed on my head?) And prompt comes Sambha's reply, “Poorey pachaas hazaar (altogether Rs.50,000)”.

Javed Akhtar, who penned those famous lines, says only Mac Mohan could have done justice to them. “The way he sat on the hillock, overlooking Gabbar's den, was a sight to behold,” said the seasoned writer-lyricist. - PTI

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