Celebrating Kader Khan: A timeless icon of Indian cinema on his 87th birth anniversary

Celebrating Kader Khan: A timeless icon of Indian cinema on his 87th birth anniversary

Kader Khan, 22 October, 1937 in Kabul, Afghanistan, did many things starting from acting, screenwriting, and producing films but he was recognised for his collaborations with actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Anil Kapoor, and especially Govinda. The late actor has secured a place for himself in the hearts of cinema lovers. He died in December 2018 due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia.

Between 1988-1991, Kader Khan featured as the protagonist in filmmaker Vimal Kumar's trilogy - Dariya Dil (1988), Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni (1989) and Karz Chukana Hai (1991). If his scene stealing performances in all three films would make you cry with him, his dialogues take the cake. Here's a gem:

"Ab bhi waqt hai sudhar jao, waqt ki qadar karna seekho. Jo insaan waqt ki qadar nahi karta, waqt uski qadar nahi karta. Naqadar insaan ke paas jab bhi waqt aata hai, bura waqt banke aata hai."

ACTING

Kader Khan acted in over 300 films in Hindi and Urdu. He tried his hands on comedy by working with actors like Asrani, Shakti Kapoor and Johnny Lever. He has co-starred with Amrish Puri, Prem Chopra, Amjad Khan and Anupam Kher in many films.

Being a versatile actor, he played a large part in different genres of films like comedy, action, romance, family, social and political.

Kader Khan made his debut with Daag, starring Rajesh Khanna in the main lead role, wherein Kader Khan played the supporting role of an advocate.

Not just films, he starred in his comedy television series titled Hasna Mat (literally: Don't laugh), which aired on Star Plus in 2001. He made a comeback on Indian television with a comedy series Hi! Padosi... Kaun Hai Doshi? on Sahara One.

As an actor, what made him standout was the ability to switch from one role to another and be as convincing in everything he did. Starting off with negative roles, he seamlessly transitioned first to powerful character roles and then to comedy. His dual act of a henpecked husband and his dead father talking from the photo frame in Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990) is an absolute laugh riot.

SCREENWRITER

This was Rajesh Khanna who gave him the break as dialogue writer in his film Roti and thereafter he wrote dialogues for films with Rajesh Khanna in the lead like Maha Chor, Chhailla Babu, Dharam Kanta, Fiffty Fiffty, Naya Kadam, Masterji, and Nasihat, all of which were hit films at the box office. Other successful films for which he has written or assisted in dialogues include films starring Jeetendra like Himmatwala, Jaani Dost, Sarfarosh, Justice Chaudhury, Farz Aur Kanoon, Jeeo Aur Jeene Do, Tohfa, Qaidi and Haisiyat.

Some of Amitabh Bachchan's films with popular dialogues and scripts were written by the actor. Some notable examples of these movies are Mr. Natwarlal, Khoon Pasina, Do Aur Do Paanch, Satte Pe Satta, Inquilab, Giraftaar, Hum and Agneepath. For the film Agneepath for Bachchan, had received the National Film Awards.

After getting recognised in the Bollywood industry, his demand in the south industry began and he worked with renowned production houses like Padmalaya. Major filmmakers of southern cinema such as Narayana Rao Dasari, K. Bapayya, D. Rama Naidu, and more consulted Khan for doing the script and dialogue of the Hindi remakes of their southern language films such as Himmatwala, Justice Chaudhry, Haisiyat and more.

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FRIENDSHIP WITH GOVINDA

Few pairings in Indian cinema are as successful as Govinda's and Kader Khan's. Their partnerships have produced timeless masterpieces that are equal parts dramatic, humorous, and entertaining. During the 1990s their on-screen chemistry was electric, combining Kader Khan's sharp wit and clever dialogue delivery with Govinda's energetic performances and impeccable comic timing.

Together, they created a unique blend of humor and heart, making them a favorite among audiences. Their collaborations like Coolie No. 1, Dulhe Raja, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana and more.

FAMILY

Kader Khan had three sons: Sarfaraz Khan, Shahnawaz Khan, and Quddus. It was reported that the actor took the citizenship of Canada. He lived in Mumbai but shifted to Toronto for health reasons. The actor died on 31 December, 2018 in Canada.