It’s been more than two decades since one of Bollywood’s finest, Mehmood Ali, left for a heavenly abode. Remembering the great artist on the occasion of his death anniversary, his nephew Akaar Ali said, “22 years since he passed away, yet his spirit lives on. I was 10 at the time. It was a rainy afternoon when many had gathered out of respect, duty, and love for my “Bade Chacha” Mehmood, fondly known to many and remembered as Bhaijaan.”
Akaar Ali shares his fondest memories of his late uncle Mehmood Ali
Speaking to us exclusively, Akaar further shared, “I have vivid memories of his farewell that day at Mehboob Studio in Bandra. My father, Anwar Ali, played a dual role in his brother’s life, both as the youngest sibling and as his best friend. Both these relationships came with a lot of emotion and responsibility. I witnessed many such encounters between them, which were ironically childlike. Through observation, I could relate.”As he continued, Ali revealed one specific memory, when Mehmood came from America and brought him a special gift. “It was his wooden HEAD tennis racquet, a vintage one almost 20 years old. At the time, I was playing the competitive circuit and pursuing lawn tennis professionally. When I look back, my heart is filled with gratitude as he enabled my passion for sport then and continues to do so now with film,” recalled Akaar.
Akaar Ali shares his favourite movie of his ‘Bade Chacha’ Mehmood Ali
Like millions of Mehmood fans, Akaar Ali also loves watching his uncle’s work on the screen. He said, “He was so unpredictable through his performances that you best believe you will be on the edge of your seat. It was never a dull moment with Mehmood around. His films are evergreen even today. Many of them are celebrated in family gatherings. My friends and I enjoy ‘Bombay to Goa’ the most as it takes us into a world of its own.”“Even today, it’s the sweetest escape. You travel through the lens and become a passenger on a bus. It’s an unforgettable journey, and that, for me, is special. Whether it’s one frame or an entire film, he made his mark. His performances always added value to the film as a whole. He displayed range and depth through his work and always kept it interesting for the audience,” he continued.Highlighting his other performances, Akaar shared, “Right from Ramesh in ‘Parvarish’ to Mahesh the rickshaw-wala in ‘Kunwara Baap,’ his versatility inspires me. My personal favourites are a few too many. Even the kela wala in my father Anwar Ali’s film ‘Khud-Daar,’ where he goes, “Kaaaayyyylaaaaaah kayyyyyylahhhh,” has a special place in my heart.”
Carrying forward the legacy of Mehmood Ali
Our conversation ended on the note – how Akaar Ali plans to take forward the legacy of his uncle. He shared a very wholesome reply, “Bade Chacha’s legacy is unmatched; it doesn’t need me.”“Through my efforts, I will sculpt my own path. Bhaijaan always was, is, and will be. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience being the son of Anwar and Mona. My parents are my source of gratitude. Through the ups and downs, we have each other; through those who are here and those who live on in spirit. Bhaijaan’s legacy is a teacher for me and many others. His legacy is his—for none to carry, only to celebrate. For the world, he was the King of Comedy, and for me, he is my spiritual power. I feel his presence through love, joy, and devotion,” he concluded.
