This article is written by Raja, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
Today (23rd July 2017) is the death anniversary of one of the most popular comedian artistes of yesteryear, Mehmood (29 September 1932 – 23 July 2004). On this occasion I’d like to pay a humble tribute to him.
To call Mehmood just a comedian is not to do him full justice. For, apart from doing very popular comedy roles, he was also a producer and director in his own right. And he also did playback for some songs Not just that, he even wrote for a couple of films – so, all things considered, he must be considered quite an all rounder. Of course his comedy roles are what made him a big star in the industry and these are what he is best known for.
Mehmood was the son of the famous stage and film actor-dancer of yesteryear, Mumtaz Ali . He was one of eight children – one of his sisters was Minoo Mumtaz, is well-known for her dances and character roles in the 50s and 60s. Mehmood started as a child artiste in a few films – I remember seeing him in Kismet (1943). He did several odd jobs, like selling eggs and poultry products, being a driver. He even taught Meena Kumari table tennis – as a result of this association, he ended up marrying her sister, Madhu.
In films, it took him a while to get recognition and significant roles. He can be seen in small roles in ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ (1953), in ‘CID’ (1956), and in ‘Pyaasa’ (1957). He had somewhat more significant roles in ‘Chhoti Bahen’ (1959), ‘Shriman Satyavaadi’ (1960) and ‘Miya Biwi Raazi’ (1960), suggesting that his career graph was definitely on the up. And then come 1961 and Mehmood struck gold with the Prasad Productions film ‘Sasuraal’. Not only was the film a huge hit but Mehmood got a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His comedy in the film was hilarious and much-appreciated.
‘Sasuraal’ was also a trend-setter in that it triggered the famous Mehmood-Shubha Khote pairing. And the famous Mehmood-Dhumal partnership. Film after film in the 1960s would feature them, often with success. ‘Sasuraal’ also had two popular songs picturised on Mehmood-Shubha Khote. They were “Apni Ulfat Pe Zamaane Ka Na Pehra Hota” and “Jaana Tumhaare Pyaar Mein”. Clearly with this film, if not earlier, Mehmood had made his stamp on the industry – as a comedy actor. He never looked back. The screen name Mahesh, that he had in ‘Chhoti Bahen’ (1958) and now in ‘Sasuraal’ (1961) was like a lucky charm for him. He would have that name in at least fifteen films thereafter.
The 60s was a golden decade for Mehmood. He went from strength to strength as producers realized his growing popularity. Much like Johnny Walker who would invariably have a song picturised on him, Mehmood too would get at least one song picturised on him. Often this would be sung by Manna Dey. Sometimes Mehmood, with his antics, would even overshadow the hero of the film. In ‘Gumnaam’ (1965), his screen performance of “Hum Kaale Hain To Kya Hua” stole the show. Even ‘Aulaad’ (1968) is best-remembered for his Charlie Chaplin act opposite Aruna Irani in the song “Jodi Hamari”. And that brings me to his other partnership – with Aruna Irani. This was another successful pairing for Mehmood – one that went well into the 70s.
Among Mehmood’s many films of the 60s, I would like to mention two here. ‘Pyar Kiye Jaa’ (1966) and his home production, ‘Padosan’ (1967). In both these films Mehmood scaled new heights of comedy – and firmly established himself (if any further confirmation was necessary at all) as the leading comedian of the times. By then Johnny Walker was also in decline, so Mehmood was THE most sought-after comedian.
Oh, before I forget, I must mention his partnership with IS Johar, the other well-known maverick comedian. Mehmood teamed up with him to act in a couple of films, ‘Johar Mehmood in Goa’ (1965) and ‘Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong’ (1971).
Mehmood continued to be a popular actor through the 70s. Though he did act thereafter, his career slowed down. However, any discussion on Mehmood would be incomplete without referring to his direction and production endeavors. Back in 1961, when he was still not an established actor, Mehmood chose to make a film ‘Chhote Nawab’, directed by his brother Usman Ali. This was the film which gave RD Burman his break. The film, with Mehmood in a lead role, unfortunately did not do well at the box-office.
In 1965, Mehmood would again team up with RD Burman for a home production for ‘Bhoot Bangla’. The producer was officially his brother Usman Ali, Mehmood was the director. This film, again with Mehmood in the lead role opposite Tanuja, did well – and brought RD Burman a lot of credit for its music. RD Burman himself had a small role in the film, including possibly the only song he lip synced on screen, in his own voice. This further cemented the Mehmood-RD Burman friendship. They would go on to work together in ‘Padosan’ (1968), a film that was a hit in its time and continues to be popular to this day as one of the finest comedies ever. This film brought RD Burman huge recognition, while also getting Mehmood a lot of plaudits for his acting.
Throughout his career, Mehmood acted in a number of films for South Indian producers. And many of these films did well at the box-office, thanks in no small measure to Mehmood himself. Or he would do a remake of a South Indian film, using a South Indian director. Unlike many other actors, he had no qualms or airs about working with anyone. Some prominent films come to mind – ‘Sadhu Aur Shaitan’ (1968), ‘Lakhon Mein Ek’ (1971), ‘Main Sundar Hoon’ (1971), ‘Bombay to Goa’ (1972), ‘Do Phool’ (1973).
In 1974, Mehmood directed a landmark film of his career ‘Kunwara Baap’. It was a sensitive film, serious in its message – something we were not used to seeing from Mehmood. This gave us a glimpse into another side of his personality. Then in 1976, Mehmood made two films that were noticed. One was ‘Sabse Bada Rupaiya’, which although it didn’t do well at the box-office, was known for its popular songs. And the other was ‘Ginny Aur Johnny’, which fared better, and starred Mehmood’s own daughter, Ginny.
After this, Mehmood began fading away from the scene. By then he had already become a living legend in his own right and didn’t need any industry validation. He would still appear in the odd film but he wasn’t a selling point for a film anymore.
Much later, in the 90s, he made a film, another serious film, called ‘Dushman Duniya Ka’ (1996) starring his own son, Manzoor Ali. This was a hard-hitting film about drugs – I remember seeing it.
That is my last memory of a Mehmood film.
So, quite a career! And much of it during my childhood years. This is probably why I have so many memories of his films. And although I must admit that sometimes his part could be distracting from the story line (like in ‘Tumse Achha Kaun Hai’ (1969), or even ‘Ziddi’ (1964), both directed by Pramod Chakravarty), it was more a director’s issue than Mehmood’s acting fault. For example, I feel Hrishikesh Mukherjee did a fantastic job with him in Do Dil (1965).
Anyway moving on to the song for today. This is from the 1976 film, ‘Sabse Bada Rupaiya’. It is the title song – sung by Mehmood himself. It was quite popular in its time. I remember I was in high school then – and everyone around me would be saying “The whole thing is that…”. Even today, you can still hear sometimes “the whole thing is that, ki bhaiya, sabse bada rupaiya”. The phrase has made its place in the popular jargon of this country.
As I usually do, I watched the film again recently in order to refresh my memory of it. I’d watched it in the 70s itself, but forgotten the details. It was nice to watch it again. I like the film a lot, it has lovely songs – it’s a pity it didn’t do well at the box-office. The story is about Vinod Mehra, a very big-hearted, generous businessman and his friend, Mehmood, who works for him, but is much more business-minded and careful with money. Mehmood disapproves of the way Vinod Mehra gives away his money to charity. It’s an interesting plot, different from the usual stuff at that time.
Vinod Mehra and Moushumi Chatterji are supposed to get married to each other. But since Vinod Mehra has played a prank on Moushumi, she decides to return the favour in this song. All for fun. Mehmood, of course, is still trying to convince Vinod Mehra about the importance of money.
So here is the title song, “na biwi na bacha”. The music is by the duo of Basu-Manohari, earlier assistants for SD Burman, then later for RD Burman. Here they get a chance to branch out on their own. And I think they did a pretty good job of it too.
Hope you enjoy the song.
ED” With this song, which is the fourth and final song from the movie in the blog, “Sabse Bada Rupaiyya”(1976) now get YIPPEED in the blog.
Song – Na Biwi Na Bachcha, Na Baap Bada Na Maiyya (Sabse Bada Rupaiya) (1976) Singer – Mehmood, Lyrics – Majrooh Sultanpuri, MD – Basu Manohari Chorus
Lyrics
hooo na biwi na bacha na baap bada na maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya
na biwi na bacha na baap bada na maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya
bin rupaiya to mister teri mummy ka pyaar jo paida karta tujhe to kabhi na kar sakta mere yaar doctor laut jaata fee na milti agar tu maa ke pote ke andar padaa hi reh jaata har baar to kiya jisne paida wo ishwar hai na maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya
ooo haath khaali agar tu mar gaya meri jaan na agni tujhko chhuegi na dharti hi degi maan hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahahahahaha hadd ye hai mere bhai ye khudao ka ghar teri daulat ne banaaya to hue khush allah bhagwaan tu us duniya ke khaatir jodey ja aana paiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya
sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya haah
ek leader ko dekho he is looking so very grand udaata firta dinner hai in the hotel sun n sand uske ladke ki shaadi dekhe ja ye na pooch kahaan se aaya ye haathi from where this english band aaj kaahe ka nation kaahe ki dharti maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya
na biwi na bacha na baap bada na maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya once more na biwi na bacha na baap bada na maiya the whole thing is that ki bhaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya very good sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya hooo sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya sabse bada rupaiya
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“Paighaam”(1943) was directed by Surendra Desai for Amar Pictures, Bombay. This social movie had Sadhana Bose, Surendra, Anand Prasad, Anil Kumar, Pratima Devi, Ansari, Sulochana Chatterji, Bhola, Hadi, Khanjar, Preeti Kumar etc in it. Read more on this topic…
This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
“Naadaan” (1971) was directed by Deven Verma for Navratan Films. Bombay. The movie had Asha Parekh and Navin Nischol in lead roles. The movie also had Nirupa Roy, Helen, Jairaj, Karan Dewan, Sulochana Chatterjee, Madan Puri, Sunder, Brahm Bhardwaj, Asit Sen, Rashid Khan, Bela Bose, Praveen Pal, Master Chikoo, AK Hangal, Yash, Ravikant, Kuljeet, Subrato, Nazir Kashmiri, Deven Verma etc in it. Read more on this topic…
This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
“Madaari”(1959) was produced by Ratan Kumar and directed by Babubhai Mistry for Ratan Pictures, Bombay. This movie had Ranjan, Chitra, Manhar Desai, Sundar, Kavita, Sheila Vaz, Kanchan, Jayshree Gadkar, Dalpat, Pal Sharma, Uma Dutt, Raj Adeeb, Shree Bhagwan, Sinha, R S Dubey, Murari, Vasantrao Pahalwan, Korega, Julian, Yadav, Vitthal, Indira Bansal, Nilu, Geeta, Paro, Rehana etc in it. Read more on this topic…
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This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
“Night in London”(1967) was directed by Brij for Kapoor Films, Bombay. the movie had Mala Sinha, Biswajeet, Johny Walker, Helen, Anwar, Shetty, Madhumati, Robert, Supariwala, Jagdeesh Bhalla etc in it. Read more on this topic…
This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
“Shrimaanji”(1968) was directed by Ramdayal for Mukul Enterprises, Bombay. The movie had Kishore Kumar, I S Johar, Shahida, Meena Roy, Jeewan, Asha Nadkarni, Asit Sen, Wasti, Suraj, Ram Kamlani, Ram Avtar, Murad, Hiralal, Neelam, Shefali, Mohan, Roma, Wazir Mohammad Khan, Raja, raju, Ahmad Bhai, Veena, Madhumati, Sushma, Shareefa, Fatima etc in it. Read more on this topic…
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“Mukhdaa”(1951) was produced and directed by Roop K Shorey for Shorey Art Productions, Bombay. This movie had Kuldeep < Satish Batra, Majnoo, Neeta, Cuckkoo, Kamla, Zahoor Shah, Ghulam Qadir, Iqbal Sheikh, Nazar, Haideri, Siddiqui etc in it. Read more on this topic…
This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
“Jawaani Ki Hawa” (1959) was produced by P N Arora and directed by M Sadiq for All India Pictures, Bombay. The movie had Vyjyanti Mala, Pradeep Kumar, Purnima, Raj Mehra, Shammi, Anwar, Badri Prasad, Helen, Amar, Anil Kumar, S Bannerji, Kesho, Parshuram, Johny Walker, Tiger (Dog) etc. in it. Read more on this topic…
This article is written by Arunkumar Deshmukh, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
Today (24 february 2017) is the biggest Shiv festival of India-MAHASHIVRATRI. I, on this occasion, wish all our readers a very pious, happy and fulfilling day of Bhakti and celebration. Read more on this topic…
This blog discusses Bollywood songs of yesteryears. Every song has a brief description, followed by a video link, and complete lyrics of the song.
This is a labour of love, where “new” songs are added every day, and that has been the case for more than nine years. This blog has over 13400 song posts by now.
This blog is active and online for over 3200 days since its beginning on 19 july 2008.
Total number of songs posts discussed
13466
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Movies with all their songs covered =1014
Total Number of movies covered =3696
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