FILM STAR MUKRI

Name : Muhammad Umar Ali Mukri
Period : 1922 - 2000
Biographical detail : Bollywood actor.

Mukri with his toothless smile, diminutive stature and perfect timing entertained audiences in over 600 films, over six decades, in Bollywood, India’s film capital Bombay.
The pint-sized Mukri was born in Alibagh and died in Bombay.

A man for all seasons

http://movies.indiainfo.com/tales/0509_mukri.html
by: Roshmila Bhattacharya
The little comedian made his debut with Dilip Kumar in Jairaj's Pratima produced by Bombay Talkies. He had been working with the studio as an assistant director. Devika Rani who was the studio head then liked his smile and offered him a role in the film. In the 50 years Mohamed Umer Mukri has worked in over 600 films including Aan, Amar and Amar Akbar Antony to name a few. His last film was Vivek Vaswani's Sar Aankhon Par. He had been ailing for a while following a gall bladder infection. On August 8 he was admitted to Mumbai's Leelavati Hospital with kidney failure. He was beginning to recover when on Monday, September 4, at 1.10 a.m.,he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. He was 78 and is survived by his wife Mumtaz, daughters Naseem and Amina and sons Nasir, Faarokh and Bilal. His friends remember the man who could always make them smile.
Nadira: I couldn't go for his funeral but I said a little prayer for him
I have known Mukri since the time I started shooting for my first film, Mehboob Khan's Aan opposite Dilip Kumar. He and Dilip sahab were good friends and he was in every film Dilip sahab starred in. I remember for one scene in Aan Mehboob sahab wanted a donkey. Everyone searched high and low but couldn't come across one. Mehboob sahab turned to his production controller and signed despairingly, "For all the animals in the world I don't have a donkey." Pat came the reply: "Hai na, Mukri hai."
Before he joined the film industry Mukri had been a qazi teaching the Koran in Arabic to little children. A deeply religious and god-fearing man he knew how to make people happy. He may have had his faults but on reflection one realized that it was circumstances that forced him to behave as he did sometimes. He had a large family to look after.
I was very sorry to hear that Mukri is gone. I couldn't even attend his funeral. Versova is too far to travel for an ailing woman. I even missed seeing his last journey on television. But I did say a little prayer for him. I prayed that God would let his soul rest in peace.
Shyama: We used to stay at the same hotel and go to the same parties
What can I say about Mukri? Jitna boloon kam hai. He was a very nice person. My association with him goes back by more than three decades. I first met him on the sets of Sazaa. I played a gopi's (cowherd) daughter in the film and Mukri was the caretaker. After that we often bumped into each other especially when I was in Chennai for a shoot. We used to stay at the same hotel and go to the same parties. One such party was thrown by Yusuf bhai during the shooting of Ram Aur Shyam.
Recently I caught up with him at Shakila's party. He was sitting quietly in a corner wrapped up in a shawl. I went up to him and asked him, "Kya Mukku kya haal hai?" "Not too good," he replied. He had recently undergone an operation on his hand and had not recovered yet. We had a quiet chat, recalling old memories. Little did I know then that this would be our last meeting.
I was terribly sad to hear about his sudden demise. I couldn't even attend his funeral because even I haven't been keeping too well. I will always remember him as a man who could always make me smile. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a ready wit. He had this talent for suddenly coming up with funny remarks that would send us into peals of laughter. I'll miss him.
Shammi: I still remember how once he had asked for irrigated water
I have known Mukri for almost half a century. This is my 51st year in the film industry now and I met Mukri on the sets of my first film, Ustad Pedro. The film also starred Sheikh Mukhtar, NE Ansari and Begum Para. While Begum Para was paired with Sheikh Mukhtar I had been paired opposite NE Ansari. In those days Sheikh Mukhtar and Mukri used to be a hit pair. The tall Mukhtar and the short Mukri were a perfect foil for each other.
I grew very fond of this little man. He became like a family member and would often drop in at our place with his wife during the shooting of Heera and Ganga Ki Saugandh which my husband Sultan Ahmed had produced. Mukri was not only a good actor but a good man too. A happy-go-lucky fellow who never indulged in petty politics and backbiting. He was devoted to his family and used to make people laugh in real life too. Not being very well educated he would often speak English funnily. Sometimes he just used words out of context and sometimes he would deliberately make a mistake to make us laugh.
I remember once when we were shooting for Baaghi, produced by Dilip Kumar's elder brother, in Ghodbunder with Ranjan and Naseem Bano, someone told us not to drink the water because it was contaminated. Mukri took it upon himself to ask the producer for soda. He walked up to him and announced importantly, "Sir, can you get us some irrigated water please?" We never let him forget that mistake. He was a real sport and never got angry when one of us would turn to him and ask innocently, "Mukri did you get your irrigated water?"
Another time Sunil Dutt sahab threw a party at Ajanta Arts. The guest of honour was an Arabian ambassador. When toasting the ambassador Dutt sahab requested Mukri to say a few words. Mukri got up and said, "Sir, I hope you have enjoyed it all as we have enjoyed you!" The whole party including the ambassador burst out laughing.

Remembering Mukri
Lata Khubchandani
Yesteryear comedian Mohamed Umer Mukri passed away at Bombay's Leelavati Hospital early this morning.
Born on January 5, 1922, his career in films ran parallel to Dilip Kumar. Both of them were in school together, making their debut with the Bombay Talkies film Pratima, also the directorial debut of actor Jairaj.
At the time, Devika Rani was head of Bombay Talkies. And Mukri, assistant director. She liked his smile and persona and offered him a role in their home production. Mukri and Dilip Kumar remained friends right until the actor expired.
Says an emotional Saira Banu, "We're completely shattered . I haven't slept a wink all night. Only yesterday, Yusuf sa'ab had to travel for a court meeting to Lucknow; he couldn't avoid it and left yesterday evening. Mukri-uncle passed away at 1.15 a m.
"I'd just finished my prayers when his daughter, Naseem, called with the tragic news. Yesterday was heavy -- we'd been in consultation with the doctors all day. It was really tragic because Mukri-uncle had come out of the first bout miraculously -- I'd even spoken to him then.
"We've always called him Mukri uncle -- he's known us since we were kids. We've been very close. It's strange -- I was to accompany Yusuf sa'ab to Lucknow. But I stayed back because Mukri uncle was serious. I feel rotten."
Mukri's daughter, Naseem, explains, "Abba complained of pain in the gall bladder. It was diagnosed as gangrene in the gall bladder. Just before we cut it, it led to renal failure. And just as he was gathering himself, he suffered a cardiac arrest.
"Ever since August 7, when he was admitted to Leelavati Hospital, Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu and Sunil Dutt have been with us. I'm the only one of five siblings who followed him into the film industry -- I wrote the script for Dhadkan, my first film.
"Abba is still extremely popular -- he was mobbed even by youngsters who didn't even know him in his heyday. People would call him Nathulal and Tyeb Ali.
"In fact, Prakash Mehra came to visit him in hospital and made him laugh by recounting the dialogues of Sharaabi. He was in a class of his own. All his films like Aan and Amar were extremely popular. He continued acting well into the late 1980s -- with films like Amar Akbar Anthony and Naseeb.
"Actually, Ekta Kapoor, Jitendra's daughter, wanted to cast him in a TV serial. But Abba refused, saying she'd lose money if he wasn't able to complete his work. Jitendra also called Abba, but he said, 'My health is not promising. How can I get your daughter into a difficult situation with my eyes open?' "
"Abba was extremely religious. He also was a keen horserace enthusiast, even owned a couple. Every Sunday would see him at the races."
Subhash Ghai, film-maker, remembers: "We worked together in Karz. Mukri was one of those actors with whom I always treated like a family member though we met only once or twice in the year. I'd often meet him at Yusuf sa'ab's place.
He was always full of affection and love for the industry. I never heard him complain, despite the lean period post 1970s. He was an example of positivity even in bad circumstances. We could all learn something from him. I wish him peace."
Johnny Walker, comedian, recounts, "We've worked together in at least 15 films together. Each had our individual styles. Mukri was superb in his.
"He had this great pairing with Sheikh Mukhtiar -- one was very tall and one very short -- they looked very good together and made a fine pair. They were known as Laurel and Hardy.
"Mukri was, indeed, a very fine, godfearing human being and a fine actor."

Hindi film comedian Mukri dies at 78
Mohammed Umer Mukri, yesteryear's popular Hindi film comedian, died early on Monday at the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, northwest Bombay, following cardiac arrest.
Mukri was 78 years old and is survived by his wife Mumtaz, two daughters Naseem and Amina, and three sons Nasir, Farookh and Bilal.
Mukri was active in Indian cinema for more than 50 years and acted in more than 600 films.
According to hospital sources, Mukri's condition became very critical on Sunday in the intensive care unit where he had been admitted on August 8. His kidneys also failed.
The end came at 0110 IST on Monday. Thespian Dilip Kumar, his wife Saira Bano and family members of Mukri were present by his deathbed.
Mukri's eldest daughter Naseem said the funeral would take place at the Yari Road Masjid and will be buried at Yari road gaveyard in Andheri (West) at 1700 IST on Monday evening.

Mohammed Mukri, the actor who tickled many a funny bone with his inimitable acting style and flair for comedy, died in Mumbai on September 4 following cardiac arrest. He was 78.
At a time when comedy was the king, Mohammed Mukri walked tall with the likes of Mehmood, Johnny Walker and Agah.
There was hardly any side character he didn't play-from a friend of the hero to the comic sidekick of the villain and from the father of the bride to the bride herself (himself), Mukri performed these roles with great elan. Even a song was dedicated to the character of Taiyab Ali he played in Amar,Akbar,Anthony.
Nathulal is another character etched in the minds of cine buffs, which Mukri played with gusto in Sharabi. Amitabh Bachchan's dialogue-Moonche ho to nathulal jaisi ho, varna na ho-lent it immortality. Mukri also brushed shoulders with other great heroes of his times in the 600-odd films he worked in during a career spanning more than 50 years - be it Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar or Nargis, Meena Kumari and Mudhubala.
Whatever the film, directors found it difficult to leave Mukri out of them.
Padosan, arguably the best comedy film ever made that boasted of Greats like Kishore Kumar and Mehmood, could not do without Mukri. The other successful films Mukri acted in included Kohinoor, Chori Chori, Aankhe, Mother India, Ram Aur Shyam, Aan and Ashique.
Pratima was his first film, which launched him as a comedian in 1946.

FILMS OF MUKRI

Betaaj Badshah (1994) .... Principal
Farishtay (1991)
Trinetra (1991)
Izzatdaar (1990) ... aka Honourable
Jaadugar (1989) .... Nathulal
Daata (1989) .... Pandit Ram Prasad
Mohabbat Ka Paigham (1989)
Ram Lakhan (1989) .... Dhondu Nai
Agnee (1988)
Ganga Tere Desh Mein (1988) .... Inmate
Bhatakti Jawani (1988)
'Kaash' (1987) .... Guest Appearance ... aka Alas
Hawalaat (1987) .... Director (guest appearance)
Karma (1986) .... Chhote Khan
Amrit (1986) .... Vegetables Seller (guest appearance)
Babu (1985) .... Constable
Hum Dono (1985) .... Shop assistant ... aka We Two (International: English title)
Naya Bakra (1985) .... Boy
Mera Dost Mera Dushman (1984)
Rakta Bandhan (1984) .... Dharamdas
Sharaabi (1984) .... Natthulal
Coolie (1983/I) .... Mr. Iyengar
Daulat Ke Dushman (1983) .... Soni
Mahaan (1983) .... Guru's foster father
Sun Sajna (1982)
Dharam Kanta (1982) .... Shiva's guardian
Anokha Bandan (1982) .... Kalu Mali (Gardener)
Vidhaata (1982)
Khoon Ka Rishta (1981)
Khoon Aur Paani (1981)
Naseeb (1981) .... Mehboob Bhai ... aka Destiny
Katilon Ke Kaatil (1981)
Laawaris (1981) .... Gaffoor Bhai
Karz (1980) .... College Principal
The Burning Train (1980) .... Kanhaiya
Phir Wohi Raat (1980)
Takkar (1980) ... aka The Confrontation
Yari Dushmani (1980) .... Hotel manager
Sawan Ko Aane Do (1979)
Sunayana (1979) .... Circus owner
Ganga Ki Saugand (1978) .... Guest appearance
Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan (1978)
Amaanat (1977) ... aka In Custody
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) .... Taiyyab Ali
Ankh Ka Tara (1977) .... Govind
Chandi Sona (1977)
Tyaag (1977) .... Mangal Dada
Fakira (1976)
Arjun Pandit (1976)
Bandalbaaz (1976)
Sabse Bada Rupaiya (1976)
Aa Jaa Sanam (1975)
Andhera (1975)
Zorro (1975/II)
Kunwara Baap (1974) .... Hawaldar (Constable)
Duniya Ka Mela (1974)
Naya Din Nai Raat (1974) .... Stage prompter ... aka New Day, New Night
Loafer (1973)
Do Phool (1973)
Heera (1973)
Honeymoon (1973) .... Ramsingh
Mehmaan (1973) .... Bellboy
Suraj Aur Chanda (1973)
Piya Ka Ghar (1972) ... aka The Beloved's Home ... aka The Husband's House
Anokha Daan (1972)
Apradh (1972)
Bombay to Goa (1972) .... South Indian
Gomti Ke Kinare (1972)
Zindagi Zindagi (1972) .... Dr. Sunil's servant
Pyar Ki Kahani (1971) .... Member of Banke's party
Upaasna (1971)
Ek Naari Ek Brahmchari (1971)
Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971) .... James
Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Main Sundar Hoon (1971) .... Dattaram
Paras (1971) .... Manager
Bhai Bhai (1970)
Darpan (1970)
Devi (1970) .... Sunder Das
Gopi (1970) .... Ramlal
Mastana (1970) .... Dhanraj's car driver
Mera Naam Joker (1970) .... Guest Appearance ... aka My Name Is Joker (USA)
Prem Pujari (1970) .... Indian Muslim ... aka The Worshipper of Love
Bhai Bahen (1969) .... Manghu ... aka Brother and Sister
Chirag (1969) .... Tingu
Do Raaste (1969) .... Special Guest ... aka Two Roads (International: English title)
Meri Bhabhi (1969)
Yakeen (1969)
... aka Confirmation
Aabroo (1968)
Anokhi Raat (1968)
Izzat (1968)
Padosan (1968) .... Banarasi
Raja Aur Runk (1968) .... Sunder
Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968) .... Krishnamurthy
... aka The Sage and the Devil
Vaasna (1968)
Anita (1967)
Chandan Ka Palna (1967) .... Munshi
Farz (1967) .... Raju ... aka Duty
Milan (1967) ... aka Reunion
Ram Aur Shyam (1967) .... Murlidhar
Mera Saaya (1966) .... Munshiji (Banke's Friend)
Smuggler (1966) .... Banarsi "Batlitodh"
Suraj (1966)
Himalay Ki Godh Mein (1965) .... Budhimaan ... aka In the Lap of the Himalayas
Nishan (1965) ... aka The Flag
Char Dervesh (1964) .... Masha Allah
Phoolon Ki Sej (1964) .... Jacket
Pooja Ke Phool (1964) .... Kisaan ... aka Flowers for Worship
Bahurani (1963) ... aka Daughter-in-Law (International: English title)
Phool Bane Angarey (1963)
Aashiq (1962)
Asli-Naqli (1962) .... Nandu
Manmauji (1962)
Sangeet Samrat Tansen (1962)
Son of India (1962)
Bada Aadmi (1961)
Anuradha (1960) .... Atmaram ... aka Love of Anuradha (International: English title)
Bewaqoof (1960) .... Sherdil (Marina's dad)
Kohinoor (1960)
Anari (1959) .... Kamdhar (Raj Kapoor's co-worker)
Barkha (1959) .... Shambu
Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959)
Qaidi No. 911 (1959) ... aka Convict Number 911
Aji Bas Shukriya (1958)
Kalapani (1958) .... Madhosh Miyan ... aka Black Water
Malik (1958)
Sohni Mahiwal (1958)
Mother India (1957) (as Muqri) .... Shambu ... aka Bharat Mata (India: Hindi title)
Suvarna Sundari (1957/II)
Awaaz (1956)
Chori Chori (1956) (as Muqri) .... Madarilal
Paisa Hi Paisa (1956)
Char Paise (1955)
Amar (1954)
Daku Ki Ladki (1954)
Mangu (1954)
Mastana (1954)
Mirza Ghalib (1954)
Baghi (1953)
Shahenshah (1953) ... aka Emperor
Aan (1952) .... Chandan ... aka Savage Princess (USA)
Sazaa (1951) .... Batwa
Jan Pahchan (1950)
Pardes (1950)
Anokha Pyar (1948)
Mera Geet (1946)