I was struggling, Mehmoodsaab would tell me one day, I’ll make it

I was like a family member to him. He was a very kind-hearted and giving soul. His brothers and sisters, and their children, all used to all stay in one house. Mehmoodsaab looked after all their needs and was the sole breadwinner.

As an actor, I admired his naturalness. He was a very powerful performer and I’ve been greatly inspired by him. He revolutionalised comedy in Indian cinema. He portrayed all kinds of characters and was the heart and soul of a film. Films like Main Sunder Hoon were especially written for him. A comedy track would be specially added just for him. Film posters would be designed around him.

Mehmoodsaab was a multi-talented performer. He was a wonderful director too, who made sensitive films like Kunwara Baap, which always had a message. He had an exceptional ear for music and an eye for talent. He was the one who gave R D Burman a break.

It’s always a pre-conceived notion about comedians that in real life they are very serious. I don’t agree, for the simple fact that every person has his moods. Mehmoodsaab instilled a great amount of joy and happiness. The only time I’ve seen him angry was when some injustice was meted to somebody. I remember how so many needy people would queue up outside his home. Mehmoodsaab would gladly give money and food to them. He was such a giver.

Since the last few years, he was living at his farm in Bangalore and one didn’t get to see him that often. My last meeting with him was a couple of years ago, at an award function where he got the lifetime achievement award. I wish I could’ve met him before he passed away. It’s a personal loss.

(As told to Harneet Singh)