A. K. Hangal

A. K. Hangal in 2011

Born      Avtar Kishan Hangal

1 February 1914

Sialkot,Punjab,British India

Died       26 August 2012 (aged 98)

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Cause of death Respiratory disease

Other names     Padmabhushan Avtar Krishna Hangal

Occupation         Actor

Years active        1929–1947 (freedom fighter), 1936–1965 (theater actor), 1965–2005 (film career), 1980–2012 (television career)

Notable work    Ram Shastri in Aaina

Inder Sen in Shaukeen

Imaam Sa'ab in Sholay

Bipinlal Pandey in Namak Haraam

Brinda Kaka in Aandhi

Children               Vijay (Retired Bollywood photographer)

Avtar Kishan Hangal (1 February 1914 – 26 August 2012),[2] popularly known as A. K. Hangal, was an Indian freedom fighter[3]from 1929–1947 and also stage actor from 1936–1965 and later became a character actor in Hindi language films from 1966–2005.[4][5] His most notable roles are as Ram Shastri in Aaina (1977), as the Inder Sen in Shaukeen, as Bipinlal Pandey in Namak Haraam, as Rahim Chacha in Sholay, as Anokhelal in Manzil and the antagonist in Prem Bandhan and the 16 films he did withRajesh Khanna.[6] He has acted in around 225 Hindi films in a career spanning from 1966 to 2005.[7]

•             1 Early life

•             2 Hindi cinema career

•             3 Awards

•             4 Old age problem

•             5 Freedom fighter

•             6 Political disputes

•             7 Death

•             8 Selected filmography

o             8.1 Films

o             8.2 TV series

•             9 Works

•             10 References

•             11 External links

Early life

Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family, he spent his childhood and youth in Peshawar, where he had performed in theatre for some major roles.His family home was inside Reti Gate as mentioned in his memoirs. His father's name was Pandit Hari Kishan Hangal.[8]However, his primary occupation for the early part of his life was that of a tailor.[9] He was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle from 1929–1947. He joined Shree Sangeet Priya Mandal, a theatre group in Peshawar in 1936 and continued to act in many plays in pre Partition Pakistan till 1946.[10] Following his father's retirement, the family moved from Peshawar to Karachi. He moved to Bombay after the Partition of India in 1949 after 3 years in prison in Pakistan. He was involved with the theatre group IPTAalong with Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi, both of whom had Marxist leanings. He was jailed because he was a communist[5] in Karachi for two years from 1947–1949 and after his release came to India and settled in Mumbai.[11] He later acted in many plays in theatres in India from 1949–1965.

Hindi cinema career

He started his Hindi film career at the age of 50 with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam in 1966 and Shagird, and went on to play as the man of principles playing the on-screen father or uncle of the leading men/women in the films in the 70's 80's 90's or sometimes the quintessential meek and oppressed old man. His pivotal roles in the films like Chetan Anand's Heer Raanjha (1970),Namak Haraam, Shaukeen (1981), Sholay, Aaina (1977), Avtaar, Arjun, Aandhi, Tapasya, Kora Kagaz, Bawarchi, Chhupa Rustam, Chitchor,Balika Badhu, Guddi, Naram Garam are considered to be among his best. He, as a character actor was part of 16 films with Rajesh Khanna as the lead hero like Aap Ki Kasam,Amar Deep, Naukri, Prem Bandhan, Thodisi Bewafaii, Phir Wohi Raat, Kudrat, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, Bewafai till Sautela Bhai in 1996.[6] His best performances in his later years was in Shararat (2002) his character roles in Tere Mere Sapne (1997) and Lagaan.In movies he has played a very large number of character roles, mostly positive, with rare exceptions where his negetive roles became famous like in Manzil and Prem Bandhan . According to film expert Rajesh Subramanian, the producer Debika Mitra had signed Madan Puri for Inder Sen's role but a friend advised that A K Hangal would be a better choice. The superlative performance went om to become one of the most cherished acts of Hangal.

On 8 February 2011, Hangal 'walked' the ramp in a wheelchair for fashion designer Riyaz Ganji for his summer line in Mumbai.[12]

Hangal made his last appearance in the television series Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon in May 2012, in which he had a cameo.[13] Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon was a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. The episode that featured Hangal aired on 1 June at 22:00 on Colors.[14] In the early 2012, Hangal also gave his voice for the character of King Ugrasen in the animation film Krishna Aur Kans which was released on 3 August 2012. This was final work in his career before his death.[15] His expressions for character of Ugrasen was much appreciated by critics.[16]

Awards[edit]

The government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Hindi Cinema in 2006.[17][18]

Old age problem[edit]

Hangal, who had more than 200 films to his credit in a career that spanned nearly five decades, due to his old age post 2007 found it difficult to meet his medical expenses. His son Vijay, a retired cameraman and former Bollywood photographer, himself is 75 and has not had a full-time job since 2001. As a result, the family had financial difficulties. Though previously Vijay would take up small jobs but later in like he suffered from back problems and was unable to work. After 2007, Hangal has been suffering from an illness[which?] and could not afford the treatment. At this point, following a media spotlight on 20 January 2011, many filmstars and directors[who?] promised to help him financially. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also pledged to give him Rs 50,000.

Jaya Bachchan, who worked with Hangal in 9 films including Guddi, Anamika, Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Kora Kagaz, Doosri Sita, Jawani Diwani, Parichay and Sholay, on getting to know about his condition, said: "Please tell Hangal saab that his daughter was not aware of his condition and I am really sorry about it. My office will be taking care of all his hospital expenses."[19]

Mithun Chakraborty from the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) asked the association to release funds for the senior actor. On 21 January 2011, Dharmesh Tiwari, the president of CINTAA concurred and said the association has helped Hangal in the past and will continue to do so and that they sending a cheque of RS 50,000. On 21 January 2011 Salman Khan contacted Tiwari on Thursday to pledge his support. Director Samar Khan used then a popular social networking site to spread the word, and by 22 January 2011 evening friends and fans had pledged about Rs 1 lakh. Tiwari said, "If the government can allot some land, we can use it as Hangal saab has suggested to build an old age home for artistes. Mumbai, which is the birthplace of Bollywood, is not paying any heed to us."

Then Ranjan Thakur, the personal secretary to I&B minister Ambika Soni said, "The minister has spoken to Ramesh Sippy and the Film Federation and has asked them to keep us updated on the funds collected for A K Hangal. We are looking at the possibility of a long-term health insurance program for retired actors. Now as per the reports of Times of India dated 24 Jan 2011, he has been offered some help from some from Bollywood fraternity for his medical expenses. On 4 March 2011, it was reported that Amitabh promised to take care of his medical expenses and Aamir Khan promised in one of the press conferences, that now, when he has known about it he would go see him and would help him in every way.

The actor had last shot for Amol Palekar's film, Paheli in 2005. In fact, he had not gone out of his house for the last eight months. "We were surprised to see him get out of home. He would have done it only for acting," said his son Vijay and added, "My father had remained at home for the past few months. The show producer Saurabh Tiwari and senior executives from the channel came to our place to offer him the role. Several filmmakers had approached him in the last few years. But father did not take those up due to health issues."

A K Hangal returned to face the studio lights after seven long years. Having reached the sets of a TV Series Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on a wheelchair, the then 97-year-old actor wasn't sure he would be able to handle it physically. But once the cameras started rolling, there was no stopping the actor within.

Freedom fighter[edit]

Hangal participated in the Indian freedom movement when as a student, he joined protests in the North West Frontier Province against the massacre at Jallianwala BaghHe was 5years old ?.[20] He later moved to Karachi, where he spent three years in prison for protesting against British rule.[21]

Political disputes[edit]

Hangal, a lifetime member of the Communist Party of India, was critical of what he called the role played by political parties such as Shiv Sena, particularly during the Bombay riots.[22]

Death[edit]

Hangal was admitted to the Asha Parekh Hospital in Santa Cruz, Mumbai on 16 August 2012,[23][24][25] three days after he fractured his thigh bone from a fall in his bathroom. His son said that he went to the hospital as he had "suffered a back injury and had to undergo a surgery. But that could not take place as later it was found that he has chest and breathing problems." On 26 August, he was put on life support. Dr Vinod Khanna, an orthopaedic surgeon at the hospital said: "He is on life support system. One of his lungs is not functioning. He is also having respiratory problems." His cremation was due to be held the same afternoon at Pavan Hans crematorium.

In reaction to his death, Shabana Azmi wrote on Twitter: "An era comes to an end. Theatre and film were enriched by him."[26] The Communist Party of India described Hangal as a committed social and political activist who withstood the Shiv Sena onslaught.[27] The BJP's L. K. Advani and Nitin Gadkari also condoled his death.[28]

Selected filmography[edit]

Films[edit]

Year       Film        Character/Role

2008

Humsey Hai Jahaan

2005

Sab Kuch Hai Kuch Bhi Nahin

Narayan Prasad

2005

Paheli

Jeevraj

2005

Mr Prime Minister

2004

Hari Om

Old Man

2004

Dil Maange More

Himself

2003

Kahan Ho Tum

Ghanshyamji, Jai's grandfather

2002

Shararat

Gajanan Desai

2001

The Adopted

2001

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

Shambu kaka

1999

Thakshak

Homeless teacher

1998

Zor: Never Underestimate the Force

1998

Yeh Aashiqui Meri

Mr. Joshi

1998

Main Solah Baras Ki

1996

Tere Mere Sapne

Dattabhau

1996

Sautela Bhai

Bindiya's maternal grandfather

1995

Live Today

1995

Kismat

Nanaji

1994

Dilwale

Inmate

1993

Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja

1993

Khalnayak

Shaukat Bhai

1993

Jaagruti

Raghunath

1992

Meera Ka Mohan

1992

Laat Saab

Dinanath/D'Mello

1992

Apradhi

Vishembar Nath

1991

Farishtay

Abdul

1991

Dushman Devta

Suraj's Father

1990

Police Public

Ram Swarup

1989

Ilaaka

School master, Vidya's father

1989

Abhimanyu

Shyam Lal

1988

Khoon Bhari Maang

Ramu kaka

1988

Aakhri Adaalat

Retired Judge Kapoor

1987

Satyamev Jayate

Mr. Shastri

1987

Mera Yaar Mera Dushman

1987

Jalwa

Jojo's father

1987

Jaago Hua Savera

1987

Jaan Hatheli Pe

1987

Dacait

Bighu chacha

1986

New Delhi Times

Vikas' father

1986

Ek Chadar Maili Si

Hazur Singh, Trilok's father

1985

Surkhiyaan (The Headlines)

Shera's father

1985

Saaheb

Doctor

1985

Saagar

Baba (in the lighthouse)

1985

Ram Teri Ganga Maili

Brij Kishore

1985

Pighalta Aasman

Masterji, Anuradha's father

1985

Meri Jung

Advocate Gupta

1985

Bewafai

Harihar Nath

1985

Arjun

Mr. Malvankar

1984

Sharaabi

Meena's Blind Father

1984

Kamla

Kakasaab, Sarita's uncle

1984

Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar

Tripathi

1983

Naukar Biwi Ka

Sharma, Sheela's father

1983

Avtaar

Rashid Ahmed

1982

Swami Dada

1982

Star

Mr. Verma

1982

Shriman Shrimati

Vishwanath Gupta

1982

Shaukeen

Inder Sen/Anderson

1982

Saath Saath

Professor Chaudhary

1982

Khud-Daar

Rahim Chacha

1982

Dil... Akhir Dil Hai

Ashok Mehta

1982

Bemisal

Dr. Ramnarayan Goyal, Guest Appearance

1981

Naram Garam

Vishnuprasad/Masterji

1981

Kudrat

Billi Ram

1981

Krodhi

Masterji, Kumar's father

1981

Kal Hamara Hai

1981

Kalyug

Bhisham Chand

1981

Bhaaya

1981

Baseraa

Sharda's father

1980

Thodisi Bewafaii

Arvind Kumar Choudhary

1980

Phir Wohi Raat

Vishwanath

1980

Neeyat

1980

Kali Ghata

Deewaan

1980

Judaai

Narayan Singh, Gauri's father

1980

Hum Paanch

Pandit

1980

Humkadam

Raghunath Gupta

1979

Ratnadeep

1979

Prem Bandhan

1979

Meera

Saint Raidas

1979

Manzil

Anokhelal

1979

Ladke Baap Se Badke

Principal, St. Andrew's High School

1979

Khandaan

Masterji, Usha's father

1979

Jurmana

Pandit Prabhakar Chaturvedi,

Nandlal's Mamaji

1979

Amar Deep

Ramu kaka

1978

Tumhare Liye

Bhavani

1978

Swarg Narak

Geeta's Father

1978

Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime

Bansi, Rupa's uncle

1978

Naukri

Ranjit's Father

1978

Des Pardes

Pujari

1978

Besharam

Ramchandra

1978

Badalte Rishtey

Professor

1977

Paheli

Masterji

1977

Mukti

Colonel

1977

Kalabaaz

Poojary

1977

Immaan Dharam

Masterji, Shyamlee's Father

1977

Alaap

Pandit Jamuna Prasad, Guest Appearance

1977

Aaina

Ram Shastri

1977

Aafat

1976

Zindagi

Doctor

1976

Zid

1976

Tapasya

Chandranath Sinha

1976

Raees

1976

Jeevan Jyoti

Raja Kamlakar

1976

Chitchor

Pitamber Choudhry

1976

Balika Badhu

Masterji

1976

Aaj Ka Ye Ghar

Dinanath

1975

Sholay

Imaam Saheb/Rahim Chacha

1975

Salaakhen

Ram Lal, Seema's father

1975

Deewaar

Chander's Father

1975

Anokha

Hridaynath

1975

Aandhi

Brinda kaka

1974

Us-Paar

Mohan's father

1974

Trimurti

Jagannath

1974

Kora Kagaz

Principal Gupta

1974

Ishq Ishq Ishq

Guruji

1974

Do Nambar Ke Amir

1974

Doosri Sita

1974

Bidaai

Ramsharan

1974

Aap Ki Kasam

Kamal's Father

1973

Namak Haraam

Bipinlal Pandey

1973

Joshila

Lala Gulzarilal

1973

Heera Panna

Diwan Karan Singh

1973

Garm Hava

Ajmani Sahab, A Sindhi trader

1973

Daag: A Poem of Love

Prosecuting Attorney/Judge

1973

Chhupa Rustam

Professor Harbanslal

1973

Anamika

Shiv Prasad

1973

Abhimaan

Sadanand

1972

Parichay

Ravi's maternal uncle

1972

Jawani Diwani

College Principal

1972

Bawarchi

Ramnath Sharma (Munna)

1951

Nadaan

Seema's father

1971

Mere Apne

College Principal

1971

Guddi

Guddi's father

1971

Anubhav

Hari

1970

Heer Raanjha

Court Maulvi

1969

Sara Akash

Mr. Thakur

1969

Saat Hindustani

Doctor

1969

Dharti Kahe Pukarke

1967

Bambai Raat Ki Bahon Mein [29]

1967

Shagird

Kedarnath Badri Narayan

1966

Teesri Kasam

TV series[edit]

Year       Series    Character/Role Notes

1997       Bombay Blue

Saraswami Giri  TV mini-series, Episode #1.3 (1997) as Saraswami Giri

1988       Jeevan Rekha

                TV series

1986       Masterpiece Theatre: Lord Mountbatten – The Last Viceroy        Vallabhbhai Patel

TV mini-series

1986       Darkness

                TV mini-series

1996       Chandrakanta

Parichand            An old man role

2004–2005           Hotel Kingston-star one

Cameo in two episodes First comes for an overnight stay in the hotel and then helped hotel kingston financially from being bankrupt

1993–1994           Zabaan Sambhalke

Cameo in one episode  

2012       Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon

A.K Hangal (Special appearance)              

Works

•             Life and Times of A.K. Hangal (1999) (autobiography)