He's widely considered as the grand old man of Hindi cinema. While he started out in Teesri Kasam, his first break came with Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi and Sholay followed four years later.
A K Hangal
His latest foray on the big screen was his role in Paheli. Nonagenarian actor A K Hangal, in a free-wheeling chat with HiTLIST at his Santacruz residence, reveals what keeps him ticking:
What made you do the Reliance ad at this age?
(Laughs) What's wrong with me? I am hale and hearty. To tell you the truth, I was quite kicked by the idea of doing the mobile commercial. The director personally came to me, asking if I could make it to Ujjain for the shoot.
I was flown down, given 5-star accommodation and got paid in time. What more could I ask for? I had only one condition that I will not be able to jump around. Can I tell you something?
Sure...
I have not yet seen the ad on TV. I don't know when and where it comes.
Why?
Subah se shaam tak, I can't sit in front of TV holding a remote. Usme hum maar kha jaate hain.
Do you use a mobile phone?
(Laughs) No. Zaroorat hi nahin padti. Plus, I am not mobile savvy.
You stay alone?
Technically, yes. My son stays in the adjacent flat. He lost his wife ten years back, somewhere around the time that I lost mine. I have maids and servants who keep the house clean.
How you do spend your time?
I keep myself busy. I read a lot. The morning begins with a set of newspapers. I sleep early. I am a morning man. I believe in 'Early to bed, early to rise, keeps a man healthy, wealthy and wise.' I do a little bit of exercise. I don't eat too much. I drink whiskey about three times in a week but in very moderate limits, not more than two pegs. That is the mantra of my fitness.
Please continue...
I cannot do too much work, though I wouldn't mind doing assignments, which involve two or three days' work. Like I did Paheli when Shah Rukh and Amol Palekar insisted. I am the Chairman of Indian People's Theatre Association. I listen to music, especially ghazals. I also see a lot of news. I am aware of all the happenings in the country. But yes, sometimes, I do feel lonely.
You don't have friends in the industry?
I don't have friends in the industry. I don't call anyone to ask them about their life, so why would anyone call me? But I must say that I am very much respected. When I did Paheli, SRK was respectful towards me.
Any films in the pipeline?
I haven't signed them, but there are talks on two projects. I am still hungry for work. I still get fan mail. In January, I received the Padmabhushan for Art from the President in January. I am very happy.
Your opinion on today's cinema?
Most films have no soul. Most filmmakers today, are not politically and socially conscious and hence they were progressive, unlike the makers in yesteryears. Aaj paise ka khel hai.
The man with money plans a project and then calls the shots. Will you believe me if I tell you that I have acted in 250 films and seen not more than 50 of those?
Do you go the theatres?
I saw Black and Swades in the theatre and liked both.
Are you fond of any games?
I love cricket. Our cricketers are performing very badly in West Indies. Somehow, I don't blame Greg Chappell. The coach is not playing in the middle.
Fan Fictions
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
