Mehmood (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mehmood Ali
Mehmood in 1955
Born	(1932-09-29)29 September 1932 Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
Died	23 July 2004(2004-07-23) (aged 71) Dunmore, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Actor singer film producer director
Spouse(s)	Madhu Kumari ​ ​ (m. 1953; sep. 1967)​
Children	7, including Pucky Ali, Lucky Ali, Macky Ali, Ginny Ali
Parent(s)	Mumtaz Ali (father)
Relatives	Meena Kumari (sister-in-law); see also Ali-Amrohi family
Family	Mehmood Ali family

Mehmood Ali (born September 29, 1932 – died July 23, 2004) was a famous Indian actor, singer, director, and producer. People knew him simply as Mehmood. He was best known for his funny roles in Hindi films.

Mehmood worked in over 300 Hindi films during his career, which lasted more than 40 years. Many called him India's national comedian. He was nominated for many film awards. He got 19 nominations for 'Best Performance in a Comic Role'. Before that award category started, he also received 6 nominations for 'Best Supporting Actor'.

Early Life of Mehmood

Mehmood Ali was born on September 29, 1932. He was the second of eight children. His father, Mumtaz Ali, was a big film and stage actor and dancer in the 1940s and 1950s.

Mehmood had an older sister and six younger brothers and sisters. His sister, Minoo Mumtaz, was also a successful dancer and actress. His youngest brother, Anwar Ali, became an actor and producer too.

Mehmood's Film Career

Starting Out in Films

As a child, Mehmood worked in films like Kismet. Later, he did many different jobs. He sold poultry products and even worked as a driver for a director named P. L. Santoshi. Years later, Santoshi's son, Rajkumar Santoshi, gave Mehmood a role in the film Andaz Apna Apna (1994).

Mehmood also taught table tennis to the famous actress Meena Kumari. After marrying Meena Kumari's younger sister, Madhu, in the early 1950s, he decided to act to earn more money. He started with small roles, like a peanut seller in Do Bigha Zameen and a killer in C.I.D. (1956 film).

He became known for his comedy, especially when he used a special Urdu accent from Hyderabad. Mehmood was great at making people laugh. He often played the hero's funny friend who helped solve problems with clever ideas. He often worked with actress Shubha Khote and fellow comedian I. S. Johar.

Later Years in Acting

In the 1980s, other comedy actors became very popular. Because of this, Mehmood's acting roles became less frequent. Between 1990 and 1999, he made only a few movies. His last known film as an actor was Andaz Apna Apna (1994), where he played a character named Johnny.

Mehmood's Passing

Mehmood had health problems for several years. On July 23, 2004, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was in Pennsylvania, USA, for treatment for a heart condition. His fans in Mumbai, India, were able to say goodbye to him at Mehboob Studio.

Mehmood's Lasting Impact

Mehmood was a very respected and loved person in the Indian film world. He was so good that sometimes leading actors would not want to be in films with him. This was because Mehmood's strong presence could make their own roles seem smaller.

One of his sons, Lucky Ali, is a well-known singer and composer today. Mehmood helped many new talents get their start. He saw great potential in Amitabh Bachchan and cast him in the successful film Bombay To Goa (1972).

He also gave music director R. D. Burman his first big chance in the film Chhote Nawab (1961). Later, he introduced Rajesh Roshan as a music director in his own film, Kunwara Baap (1974).

The famous American actor Gregory Peck once said that Mehmood was too handsome to be a comedian! Mehmood and Tamil comedian Nagesh were inspired by the American comedian Jerry Lewis. They often copied his funny, physical comedy and dancing style. Mehmood also formed a funny acting team with another Bollywood star, I.S. Johar.

Filmography (Selected Films)

Awards and Recognition

Images for kids

• 

  Mehmood on a 2013 stamp of India

See also

• Mehmood Ali Family
• List of Hindi film clans