Johnny Walker, whose real name was Badruddin Kazi, was born in Indore in 1925 and worked as a conductor before entering the movie industry.

His friend, philosopher, and guide Guru Datt christened him after the famous whisky brand.

He once told a magazine that had it not been for Guru Dutt, he would have continued to be a conductor, entertaining passengers.

Unlike the artificial and slapstick comedy that is so much in vogue nowadays, Johnny Walker endeared himself to the public with genuine wit.

He was a trendsetter, whose performances made him indispensable for the success of a film.