Anwar Ali recalls elder brother Mehmood on his 21st death anniversary: 'Heroes were guaranteed a superhit if he was in their film'

Time of India

6 days ago

Gone but not forgotten, Mehmood is a legend whose name is etched in golden letters in the books of cinema's history. On his 21st death anniversary, his younger brother Anwar Ali sat with us for a candid conversation, revisiting cherished memories, untold stories, and more.
He shared how despite his immense talent and stardom, heroes never got scared of sharing the screen with him, rather were sure of the film's success.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation:
How close were you to your brother Mehmood?
Bhaijaan was a brother who played pranks on me during childhood, a father who sent me to boarding school in my teens, a friend who discussed aspects of film making when I assisted him, a business partner who shared his profits with me, an influential figure who I learnt so much from, so I would say we were pretty close.
Is it true you introduced Mehmood Saab to Amitabh Bachchan?
I always spoke my heart and mind to him unfiltered. Bhaijaan appreciated that about me. He knew he could rely on me. When I introduced Amitabh to him as a prospective hero for Bombay to Goa he believed in my vision; he gave me his assurance. When I recommended debutant Raju ( Rajesh Roshan) to render music for our home production, Bhaijaan called us with our Baaja as he fondly referred to the harmonium, and coined a melody along with Raju in the first meeting itself.
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Bhaijaan's confidence in me gave me confidence in myself.
Being the elder, did he bully you as a child?
Being the youngest of eight siblings, I had the attention of the entire household and Bhaijaan's attention in instalments. He was otherwise busy playing with kids his age. What I do remember so vividly is that he would entice me with the sheen and the clink of his five paise and ten paise coins, taking from me the one rupee and two rupee notes that father had pampered me with! I would be only too happy exchanging the notes for coins since the coins looked more convincing!
When did you realise your brother was a star?
When Gregory Peck, on his return from India, remarked in an interview that Mehmood was one star he met who did back-to-back shoots in three different cities over 24 hours.When Bhaijaan returned home, most days to fall asleep at the dinner table, his hands being washed by the sisters.
When Bhaijaan's car was stopped by his loving fans, persuading him to deliver a two-minute live performance as he drove to the hospital to meet our dying mother.
Bhaijaan fought back his tears, complied with their request, delivering one of his famous dialogues, not disappointing his fans even in his moment of grief. Only a person of his dedication and devotion could manage such a situation, making him a true star.
Which are your favourite films of your brother?
'Kunwaara Baap,' this is Mehmood in a nutshell.
Funny yet intense, playful yet sensitive, 'Kunwaara Baap' was his silent conversation with son Macky, who was afflicted with polio at a very early age, a father's helplessness and strife to undo the impossible. Bhaijaan aimed to raise awareness about polio through the film. I was controlling the production of the film, and for the song Main hoon ghoda yeh hai gaadi, Bhaijaan gave me a mere two hours to get everything organised, including props and permissions to shoot at various locations.
Finally, the only detail missing was the presence of a policeman, so I donned the costume of one and stood under the umbrella, whistle in hand, ushering Mehmood rickshawallah in a song that was shot in a day!!!
Which of Mehmood Saab's other films did you like?
'Sabse Bada Rupaiya' Bhaijaan picked on a debatable subject, dared to highlight the practicality of materialism. 'Na Biwi Na Bachcha, Na Baap Bada Na Maiya' only Bhaijaan could sing his way through this thought-provoking truth.
Then there was Bombay to Goa. It was a treat to be part of the Bombay to Goa team. Bhaijaan took the audience for the most rib-tickling travel, where every character had a significant role to play, a film that never ceases to entertain to date.
Such an evergreen comedy!
He was known to be a natural-born scene stealer. Did that scare off the heroes?
On the contrary. The heroes were guaranteed a superhit if Mehmood was in their film. The distributors made no bones about making that demand. At times, the producers had to make a separate track for Mehmood to make their film saleable.
Mehmood had no insecurity whatsoever as an actor, star or human being. Because of this quality, he was able to extend opportunities to many debutants and technicians. The film industry was also marked by a camaraderie that made the work atmosphere harmonious and fun.
Many of the lead heroes were Bhaijaan's best friends.
It is said that those who make others laugh are often unhappy souls. How far was this true of Mehmood Saab?
For him to have been a class performer, he must have had to go through the entire gamut of emotions and a vast range of experiences. For him to have been second best to none, he must have known the heights of happiness and the depths of sadness. Has there been another like him, I ask. Like his name, he was the glory, the nucleus of the film industry. The one who has the last laugh has truly laughed his way through.