Remembering Comedian Mukri 1922-2000

Born: 5 January 1922, Alibag

Died: 4 September 2000, Mumbai

Mukri, born as Muhammad Umar Ali Mukri,  was born in 1922 in Alibagh. This comedian with his toothless smile, diminutive stature and perfect humor timing amused the audiences in more than 600 films, over six decades in Bollywood. The little comedian, Mukri made his debut with Dilip Kumar in Jairaj's Pratima produced by Bombay Talkies. He previously worked with the studio as an assistant director. Devika Rani, the then studio head liked his smile and offered him a role in the film.

In the 50 years of Mukri's acting career, he worked in over 600 films including Aan, Amar and Amar Akbar Antony to name a few of his brilliant films. Before Mukri joined the film industry, he had been a Qazi teaching the Koran in Arabic to little children. A deeply pious and God-fearing man he knew how to make people happy. He had a large family to look after. Mukri had a wonderful sense of humor and a ready wit. He had this talent for suddenly coming up with funny remarks that would send his audience into peals of laughter.

Mukri was not only a talented actor but a genuine man too. Being a happy-go-lucky fellow, he never indulged in petty politics, was devoted to his family, and used to make people laugh in real life too. Mukri was extremely religious. He was also a keen horse race enthusiast and even owned a couple. Every Sunday, Mukri would be found at the races. Since his career in films ran parallel to Dilip Kumar, both of them were more of friends than competitors. Both of them were in school together, making their debut with the Bombay Talkies film Pratima, also the directorial debut of actor Jairaj. Mukri and Dilip Kumar remained friends right until the actor expired. Mukri was also close to Subhas Ghai, Mehmood, Agah and Johny Walker.

There was hardly any side character Mukri did not play as the comic sidekick. He performed these roles with great élan. Nathulal is another character imprinted in the minds of cine buffs, which Mukri played with gusto in Sharabi. Mukri also shared his screen with other great heroes of his times in almost 600-odd films, where he worked in during a career that extended for more than 50 years. Mukri worked with Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Amithabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Nargis, Meena Kumari and Mudhubala. The other successful films Mukri include Kohinoor, Chori Chori, Aankhe, Mother India, Ram Aur Shyam, Aan and Ashique.

Mohammed Mukri, the actor who tickled many a funny bone with his unique acting style and flair for comedy, died in Mumbai on September 4, 2000. He left behind his wife Mumtaz, two daughters Naseem and Amina, and three sons Nasir, Farookh and Bilal.