Anwar Ali Remembers His Brother Mehmood: A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Cherished Memories of Mehmood
“Mee Mehmood cha bhau aahe” (I am Mehmood’s brother) is how Anwar Ali fondly introduced himself in his youth. He reflects, “Over time, that pride transformed into modesty, which then blossomed into happiness, yet the essence remained: ‘Mee Mehmood cha bhau aahe’. Our iconic pairing as Rajesh and Khanna in Bombay to Goa is forever etched in the hearts of many.”
Contrary to popular belief, Anwar asserts that the leading stars of the 1960s were not intimidated by Mehmood's talent. “If they felt hesitant, it didn’t stop them from wanting to collaborate with him. Often, his scenes were filmed separately after the main shoot, as distributors insisted on having Mehmood to ensure the film's success. His presence guaranteed visibility and success for his co-stars.”
Being the youngest of eight siblings, Anwar recalls his relationship with Mehmood, who was thirteen years his senior. “I held him in high regard, almost like a father figure. Our household was filled with joy and mischief. I often found myself the target of both affection and pranks. My father would spoil me with crisp blue rupee notes, while Mehmood would entice me with shiny coins for what he called ‘little scraps of paper’.”
With a hint of nostalgia, Anwar shares how Mehmood was the family's sole provider. “During my teenage years, I witnessed his struggles to support us. He took on various jobs before landing his first significant role. After marrying, he lived in a modest room with just a fan and a single light bulb until he achieved fame and acquired multiple properties and vast land. He became a father figure not just to our family but to many others.”
Even as a child, Mehmood had a playful spirit. “He would sell mutton pakodas to his vegetarian classmates, much to their delight and their parents' dismay! His humor and talent were undoubtedly inherited from our father, who was an actor, dancer, and choreographer at Bombay Talkies.”
Mehmood was serious about his craft, always brainstorming ways to entertain audiences. He often hung out with a close-knit group known as the Paanch Pandavas, which included notable figures like R.D. Burman and choreographer Suresh Bhatt. They enjoyed many evenings together at A1 Grill, indulging in their love for food.
Family outings revealed Mehmood's playful side. Anwar recalls a trip to Kashmir where Mehmood sent his siblings on a long horseback trek, only to greet them the next morning with a mischievous smile as they waddled back, sore from the ride.
In the 1970s, Mehmood ventured into directing with films like Kunwara Baap. Anwar reminisces, “His passion for connecting with audiences led him to direct. Bhoot Bangla was a standout, and Kunwara Baap conveyed a poignant social message, showcasing a dialogue between Mehmood and his son Macky, who faced polio as a child.”
Regarding the rumored romance between Mehmood and Aruna Irani, Anwar is protective. “Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, especially in Aulad. However, any speculation about their personal lives is unfounded. Mehmood was happily married to Tracy Bhabi for over forty years until his passing in Pennsylvania.”
Reflecting on Mehmood's later years, Anwar describes them as fulfilling. “His final directorial project, Dushman Duniya Ka, featured guest appearances from industry giants like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, showcasing the respect he garnered. He carried that love with him to the US, where he spent his final years.”
Anwar concludes, “Disillusionment stems from expectations, which contradict selflessness. Mehmood was an achiever and a giver, so there was little room for disappointment in his life. He dedicated himself to nurturing talent and supporting those in need, making it impossible for disappointment to linger. His legacy in cinema is irreplaceable, marked by his exceptional comedic timing and innate ability to entertain. He once remarked about Amitabh, ‘Yeh lambi race ka ghoda hai’ — and look at how he continues to thrive!”