'We learnt so much just by watching Mehmood'

Legendary Hindi film comedian Mehmood inspired many actors, some much younger than him, through his work. Rajpal Yadav was one such actor. Yadav never met Mehmood, but he pays a tribute to the comic genius who died on July 23.

Mehmood was a great actor and he will always be remembered through his films. Even after 100 years, he will be remembered!

He was an institution for us actors, who have learnt so much just by watching his films. I have been very unfortunate as I have never met him. But I did get to see him at an awards function a few years back.

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I think he is the one who started making [important] characters in films. Today, we see so many films based on characters playing important parts. He had started that in films like Main Sundar Hoon, Kunwara Baap, Pyaar Kiye Jaa, and Sadhu Aur Shaitaan. He was bigger than the heroes in these films.

In spite of not knowing him personally, it is a personal loss for me. Being a comedian, I know the contribution he has made to people like us.

May his soul rest in peace. His loss will never be filled in our hearts.