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Remembering Mukri

Lata Khubchandani

Yesteryear comedian Mohamed Umer Mukri passed away at Bombay's Leelavati Hospital early this morning.

Born on January 5, 1922, his career in films ran parallel to Dilip Kumar. Both of them were in school together, making their debut with the Bombay Talkies film Pratima, also the directorial debut of actor Jairaj.

At the time, Devika Rani was head of Bombay Talkies. And Mukri, assistant director. She liked his smile and persona and offered him a role in their home production. Mukri and Dilip Kumar remained friends right until the actor expired.

Says an emotional Saira Banu, "We're completely shattered . I haven't slept a wink all night. Only yesterday, Yusuf sa'ab had to travel for a court meeting to Lucknow; he couldn't avoid it and left yesterday evening. Mukri-uncle passed away at 1.15 a m.

"I'd just finished my prayers when his daughter, Naseem, called with the tragic news. Yesterday was heavy -- we'd been in consultation with the doctors all day. It was really tragic because Mukri-uncle had come out of the first bout miraculously -- I'd even spoken to him then.

"We've always called him Mukri uncle -- he's known us since we were kids. We've been very close. It's strange -- I was to accompany Yusuf sa'ab to Lucknow. But I stayed back because Mukri uncle was serious. I feel rotten."

Mukri's daughter, Naseem, explains, "Abba complained of pain in the gall bladder. It was diagnosed as gangrene in the gall bladder. Just before we cut it, it led to renal failure. And just as he was gathering himself, he suffered a cardiac arrest.

"Ever since August 7, when he was admitted to Leelavati Hospital, Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu and Sunil Dutt have been with us. I'm the only one of five siblings who followed him into the film industry -- I wrote the script for Dhadkan, my first film.

"Abba is still extremely popular -- he was mobbed even by youngsters who didn't even know him in his heyday. People would call him Nathulal and Tyeb Ali.

"In fact, Prakash Mehra came to visit him in hospital and made him laugh by recounting the dialogues of Sharaabi. He was in a class of his own. All his films like Aan and Amar were extremely popular. He continued acting well into the late 1980s -- with films like Amar Akbar Anthony and Naseeb.

"Actually, Ekta Kapoor, Jitendra's daughter, wanted to cast him in a TV serial. But Abba refused, saying she'd lose money if he wasn't able to complete his work. Jitendra also called Abba, but he said, 'My health is not promising. How can I get your daughter into a difficult situation with my eyes open?' "

"Abba was extremely religious. He also was a keen horserace enthusiast, even owned a couple. Every Sunday would see him at the races."

Subhash Ghai, film-maker, remembers: "We worked together in Karz. Mukri was one of those actors with whom I always treated like a family member though we met only once or twice in the year. I'd often meet him at Yusuf sa'ab's place.

He was always full of affection and love for the industry. I never heard him complain, despite the lean period post 1970s. He was an example of positivity even in bad circumstances. We could all learn something from him. I wish him peace."

Johnny Walker, comedian, recounts, "We've worked together in at least 15 films together. Each had our individual styles. Mukri was superb in his.

"He had this great pairing with Sheikh Mukhtiar -- one was very tall and one very short -- they looked very good together and made a fine pair. They were known as Laurel and Hardy.

"Mukri was, indeed, a very fine, godfearing human being and a fine actor."

Read earlier story:
Mukri dies at 78