Act II

One of the little known facts about veteran Punjabi comedian Mehar Mittal,is that he began his career as a kindergarten teacher.

At 77,comedian Mehar Mittal talks about his first love… teaching

One of the little known facts about veteran Punjabi comedian Mehar Mittal,is that he began his career as a kindergarten teacher. The year was 1955. I had given my class X exams and took up the job in a school at Budhlada,in Punjab,for a year, recalled Mittal,at the Dev Samaj College of Education,Sector 36,where he addressed students at the annual career guidance and education expo on the Importance of Ones Life.

In his witty style,he added,Its like returning to a long-lost love. With a muted gold brooch with a Hari Om inscription adorning the left of his shirt and a pen and paper in hand,Mittal opened his heart to the students. I have always been a teacher at heart,whether its giving lessons in comic sense,honesty or law, said Mittal,who practiced income and sales tax for six years.

Dont indulge or participate in any activities of corruption. Be honest and abide by the law… Look around with open eyes and follow your dreams, said the idealistic Mittal,who even hosted plays as a student and then got a chance to follow his dream of being an actor.

After the success of my play Little Clay Cart,I got an offer from Mumbai to act in the movie Teri Meri Ek Jindri ,with which I began my career. I have gone on to doing 175 serials and movies, said Mittal. Talking about the change in the Punjabi film industry from the 70s to now,Mittal tracked the journey from lull to boom,of days of terrorism and peace.

Subjects were limited and so were the actors. Now,both have increased many times over. The budget too has shot up from Rs 50,000 per movie to Rs 2 crore, said Mittal.

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