Haidar Ali began his career aged 10, way back in 1960, in the film Jungle King, with actresss Sheela Ramani.
His first adult film was Bhoot Bangla (1965), where he had a small role. He was only 16.
The role was first offered to his brother Akbar, who refused the part as he was only interested in lead roles. Haidar Ali, who did not study after Class 7, promptly grabbed the role.
"It is like I was married to the film industry since childhood," he says. "I always wanted to be in my parents's profession."
He assisted director Roop K Shourie and did films like Akalmand and Ek Thi Rita.
He tried his hand at direction with Mazaak (1975). However, the film starring Mehmood, Moushmi Chatterjee and Vinod Mehra, bombed.
He tried editing films next, but did not make a mark there either.
He went back to acting, and is still remembered for his role of Raja in Nukkad.
Image: Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan play the Rajput princess and the Mughal emperor.
Also see: Ash on the Jodhaa experience
Advertisement
