Latest news with #Mehmood
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Amitabh Bachchan was in hospital, Parveen Babi was in therapy,' recalls producer Anwar Ali talking about ‘Khud-daar': ‘It released after his Coolie accident and became superhit'
Amitabh Bachchan 's 'Coolie' accident shook the entire nation because fans were worried about his health. While people prayed for him to get fine, his film 'Khud-daar' co-starring Parveen Babi had released when he was still recuperating in the hospital. There were a lot of hurdles during the making of 'Khud-daar' and as the film completes 43 years of release, producer Anwar Ali has opened up on it. For those not in the know, Anwar Ali is Mehmood's younger brother. 'Khud-daar' was directed by Raveena Tandon's father Ravi Tandon. Talking about the hurdles in the making of the film, Ali said during a chat with Screen, 'One lead artist was in therapy during the making of the film; the other lead artist was in the hospital during the release of the film. This was another unexpected challenge. 'Behna' Parveen, as I respectfully addressed her, had to stay in America for six long months for treatment, and many producers had terminated her contracts for various films. ' He added further, 'When I went up to her to discuss the same, she asked if I had come to ask for the signing amount back like the others. To her surprise, I replied on the contrary. I had gone to ask her how much time she needed and that we would wait for her. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo On her return, Yokohama Productions was the first to get Parveen's dates, a sign of her gratitude and graceful nature.' During the release of the film, Big B had an accident on the sets of 'Coolie' and the fact that he came back from that, was considered like a second life. Anwar Ali recalled the first thing which Bachchan asked him as he visited him at the hospital. He said, 'Amitabh's Coolie accident shook the entire nation. Everyone was praying; the queues outside the hospital to donate blood got longer by the day — seemed like eternity. Khud-Daar was released when he was still in the hospital. Five years from conceptualisation to film release—that's what it took for Khud-Daar to see the light of day. The two-rupee note took me on a five-year-long journey, nothing short of an adventure. One cannot say time just flew because time did not fly. For a first-time producer of sorts partnering with a strong risk taker of sorts, it was our courage of conviction that saw us through and how. As I entered Amitabh's hospital room, the first thing he asked was, 'Bidoo, how's the film doing?' I said it's a superhit.' 'Khud-daar' also starred Sanjeev Kumar , Vinod Mehra, Tanuja, Bindiya Goswami, Prem Chopra and Mehmood.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know superstar Rajesh Khanna once got beaten by Mehmood? 'I had worked with stars much bigger'
Rajesh Khanna , the first superstar of Hindi cinema, was also fondly known as Kaka by his fans. The actor who delivered 17 superhit movies back-to-back once got a beating from actor Mehmood. This happened when they worked together on a project. What exactly happened? The Gautam Chintamani-penned biography, Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, has the episode mentioned in it. The book has addressed the infamous Mehmood-Khanna controversy. According to it, in the mid-1970s, Mehmood approached Rajesh Khanna for a special appearance in 'Ginny and Johnny.' The former loved the way the superstar treated him. As per the biography, they both agreed to shoot the very next day and got it done, without the megastar throwing any tantrums at all. Khanna even denied taking the fees for the cameo. However, Mehmood's experience of working with the actor for the long term was not good. As per the book, the legendary comedian recalled, "I had worked with stars much bigger than Rajesh Khanna." Rajesh Khanna gets a beating from Mehmood In the same book, it was revealed that Mehmood got frustrated with Rajesh Khanna before the film could be finished. Excerpts from the book read that Mehmood even "beat up" Khanna. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo The biography also mentioned that Mehmood later stated that Khanna's downfall was not only because of the attitude but also due to the company he kept. The film was 'Janta Hawaldar,' which was released in 1979. Yogita Bali played the female lead in the film. However, the movie didn't work at the box office. Rajesh Khanna's death Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. He was fighting a prolonged illness. However, no one confirmed what the illness was. The actor took his last breath at his Carter Road bungalow, Aashirwad, in Mumbai, surrounded by family, including his estranged wife, Dimple Kapadia; daughters Twinkle and Rinke Khanna; and son-in-law, Akshay Kumar .
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mehmood Once Claimed He 'Beat' Up Rajesh Khanna: 'I've Worked With Bigger Stars'
Rajesh Khanna, known as Kaka, delivered 17 superhits but faced a downfall due to his peers and attitude, Mehmood once claimed. He also said that he 'beat' Khanna during a film. Rajesh Khanna, fondly called Kaka by his fans, once delivered 17 superhit films at a stretch. Back then, he had it all – love, luck, fame, and wealth. Unfortunately, before he could savour his stardom, it slipped right through his fingers. Late actor-filmmaker Mehmood, who had worked closely with Khanna, once claimed that he 'beat" up the superstar as he couldn't take his starry tantrums. He even revealed that the then-superstar's peers led to his drastic downfall. In Rajesh Khanna 's biography, Dark Star The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, penned by Gautam Chintamani and published by Rupa Publications, an excerpt about the infamous Mehmood-Khanna controversy read: 'In the mid 1970s, Mehmood had approached Khanna for a cameo in his Ginny Aur Johnny (1976) and was impressed with the way the then megastar had treated him. Khanna agreed to shoot the very next day, showed up on time, worked without displaying any starry airs, and also refused to take any money. But working full-time with Khanna proved to be a harrowing experience for Mehmood. 'I had worked with stars much bigger than Rajesh Khanna,' recalled the legendary comedian, who couldn't help but think that signing Khanna had been a mistake." Before the film could be completed, a frustrated Mehmood 'even beat up Khanna". It was his way of drawing a line – making it clear that he wasn't someone like Shakti Samanta or Roopesh Kumar, who would bend over backwards to please him. Mehmood later remarked that it wasn't just Khanna's attitude, but the company he kept, that ultimately led to the downfall of his career. 'Written by Abrar Alvi, Mehmood's film paired Khanna opposite Yogita Bali and was a disappointment that is best remembered for the song 'Hum se kaa bhool huee' sung by Anwar, who was the first of Rafi's clones that littered the landscape in the 1980s," read another line from the book. How did Rajesh Khanna die? Rajesh Khanna, often regarded as the first superstar of Indian cinema, died on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. He had been battling a prolonged illness, widely believed to be cancer, although the exact nature was never officially confirmed by his family. In the months leading up to his death, his health had significantly worsened, and he was frequently in and out of the hospital. He passed away at his Carter Road bungalow, Aashirwad, in Mumbai, surrounded by close family members, including his estranged wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Twinkle and Rinke Khanna, and son-in-law Akshay Kumar. His death marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable films and a fan following that spanned generations. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anwar Ali recalls elder brother Mehmood on his 21st death anniversary: 'Heroes were guaranteed a superhit if he was in their film'
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo 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 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.
India Today
21-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
More goons than Shiv devotees in Kanwar Yatra: Samajwadi MLA amid assault cases
Amid several incidents of vandalism and harassment involving kanwariyas, a Samajwadi Party MLA said there were more goons than Shiva devotees in the Kanwar Yatra. Sambhal MLA Iqbal Mehmood urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take action against the miscreants and send them to to the incident in Meerut where kanwariyas vandalised a school bus, Mehmood asserted that the number of genuine Shiv devotees was low, while that of troublemakers is are more goons than Shiv devotees in the Kanwar Yatra. These individuals are indulging in vandalism and hooliganism, and their place is in jail," Mehmood said. He said their actions would have consequences in the afterlife. STRING OF VANDALISM INCIDENTSThe Samajwadi MLA's strong remarks come amid a string of vandalism and assault cases on Kanwar Yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Incidents of targeting of roadside dhabas and stalls over disputes on nameplates have also been reported. Last week, kanwariyas vandalised a school bus in Meerut after the vehicle allegedly brushed past some of them. In videos that have gone viral, the enraged pilgrims are seen boarding the bus and beating the driver and smashing the another incident, kanwariyas were seen punching a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur railway station during an argument over train tickets. Seven kanwariyas were several complaints, Uttar Pradesh has banned kanwariyas from carrying sticks, tridents (trishuls), hockey sticks, and similar items during the yatra, which will end on July 23. The administration has also prohibited the use of motorbikes without silencers to curb noise pollution and public Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out strongly in support of the pilgrims, accusing sections of the media of unfairly labelling them as 'hooligans'."Kanwariyas are constantly put through media trials. They are labelled as hooligans and even terrorists. This mindset is an insult to India's rich cultural heritage," Adityanath said last week.- EndsMust Watch
