Kadar Khan is a very versatile actor who has starred in over 350 films. He is among the very few actors who have shared space with actors across generations. From, Feroz Khan, to Jeetendra to Jhonny Lever, he has worked with many. He initially started his career with negative roles but later shifted to more positive and funny comedy roles.
However, even though having appeared in so many films, people are forgetting about him. He is not seen anywhere. Khan is staying away from the limelight and the reason is unknown to many.
Here is a throwback of his journey :
1. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Khan had three brothers all of whom dies at the age of eight. Clueless, his parents left Kabul and came to India. They started living at a slum in Mumbai known as Kamatipura.
2. Khan started going to a municipal school there. His life was torn apart when his parents decided to separate. Khan’s mother had to remarry because nobody thought it was safe for a single mother to stay alone with a child in a slum. Khan remained with his mother. His biological father used to teach at a masjid nearby. He would go there and study.
3. Nevertheless, It didn’t improve their financial condition. He even set out to find a job. His father found out and said, “If you become a daily labourer today, your 3 rupees/day will remain 3 rupees forever. But remember, if you want to get rid of this poverty, you must educate yourself. You must trust the pen in your hand. It changed Khan’s mind and he devoted all his time and energy to studies. He obtained his masters in Civil Engineering. In the early 70s, he thought as a teacher of civil engineering in Byculla.
4. While performing in a play at the annual function of the college, he was noted by Actor Dilip Kumar who signed him up for his next film.
His first introduction to fame was when Narendra Bedi signed him as a writer for ‘Jawani Deewani’. He has written many memorable dialogues for films starring Amitabh Bachchan like Mr Natwarlal, Khoon Pasina, Do Aur Do Paanch, Satte Pe Satta, Inquilab, Giraftaar, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hum and Agneepath which were huge hits at the box office.
5. Khan was paid Rs. 1500 for writing ‘Jawani Deewani’. His next offer soon came to him, and this time he was paid Rs. 10,000 assigning amount! Producer Habib Nadiadwala took Khan to Desai and introduced him as a writer. “I have tried many newcomers. Where did you find this one now? If I don’t like what he writes, I will tear his script apart”, Desai frowned. To which Kader replied, “I am okay with you tearing my script. But what if you happen to like it?”. “Main the sar pe bithake nachunga,” Desai giggled! That is how Khan and Desai’s association began.
6. Although, his shift to comedy was rather interesting. Khan revealed how his children would come back from his school, beaten up by schoolmates. Surprised, he asked them what went wrong. The poor kids were beaten by their friends. They would say, “Your dad shows so much of bravery on the screen; he is always fighting. And look at you? You’re being beaten here”. This affected the father. He did not want his children to pay for his on-screen image. He decided to change his genre.
7. Khan has 13 Filmfare Awards for films that he has written and acted in. In 2013, he was honoured with the Sahitya Shiromani Award. Khan has important contributions in empowering Muslims of India. He was recognised by American Federation of Muslims from India for the same. His elder son Sarfaraz Khan formed ‘Kal Ke Kalakar International Theatre Company’ which he was involved in as well.
8. However, legends often have tragic ends. The man, who has appeared in over 300 films, suffers from memory loss now. He has also lost most of his voice. Nothing pains an artiste more when his creative abilities find no expression and die inside. Khan had plans to open an educative organization where both art and religion would be discussed. That only remained a dream. Let us celebrate the glorious journey he has lived. We wish his coming days are blessed with peace and good health.
Image Source – Google