Whenever there is talk of comedy in Hindi cinema, a name that comes immediately in mind is Mahmood Ali, whom people know by the name of Mahmood. Born on September 29, 1932, this versatile artist played such a magic on the silver screen with his unique comic timing, flirtatious style and heart touching simplicity that even after decades his films are liked by the audience.

Actor, producer, director Mahmood not only lived every character, but made him immortal. In his career from 1950 to 1980s, Mahmood acted in about 300 films, but his unique talent to do comedy was his real identity.

Mahmood used to live in every character

Bhola’s role in ‘Padosan’, Khanna’s careless style in ‘Bombay to Goa’, or Rickshawale’s emotional story in ‘Kunwara Bap’, Mahmud killed every role.

His laughter not only entertained, but also brought the truths of society in a light way. Mahmood was not just an actor, he was a storyteller who took the life of the common man on screen through his characters. There was such a mixture of humor and sensitivity in his films that the audience used to get emotional laughing. Mahmud used to be in every character.

Mahmud was called the king of comedy, his humor was not limited to films, but he was present in every moment of his life. His unmatched attendance and comedy saved him from difficult situations many times.

When Mahmood laughed the custom officers and exempted the investigation

His biography ‘Mahmud a Man of Manny Moods’ records a similar funny anecdote, which tells how a father mimicked his angry son, made a serious atmosphere pleasant and exempted the investigation of the custom office.

This story is from when Mahmood was returning from an international visit with his son Lucky Ali. Custom officials at Mumbai Airport stopped him thinking that he had brought more goods from abroad. The process of investigating the officials was quite complex and boring. Mahmud’s son Lucky Ali got angry with repeated questions.

Lucky Ali got angry and said to the officer, “You know whom you are talking to? This is my father Mahmood!”

Mahmood was starting to mim his own son

This was a natural response to an actor’s son, but it immediately became a chance of comedy for Mahmood. While the officials were serious, Mahmood immediately started copying his son’s anger and a loud voice of his voice. He the same line, “You know whom you are talking to?” He made a face in a film style and repeated many times.

His comedy was so funny that not every person at the airport could live without laughing. Custom officers also could not stop laughing. Mahmud immediately lightened the stress and serious atmosphere of that moment with his spontaneous comedy. It was only after this act that the officer recognized Mahmood and his investigation was eliminated lightly.

This anecdote proves that Mahmud’s comedy was not just an art, but an integral part of his personality. He always admitted that even in the most serious situations of life, one opportunity for laughter is hidden, and this result makes him a great artist in the history of Indian cinema.