Bollywood remembers the late thespian and freedom fighter Avtar Kishan Hangal on his first death anniversary. The man who played the immortal Rahim Chacha in Sholay gave life to many characters across genres that won him a place in the heart of bollywood fans; an incredible achievement for a man who started out his film career at the age of 50.
A K Hangal started his film career with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam and went on to act in films like Aandhi, Kora Kagaz, Bawarchi, Guddi among many others. The roles in Namak Haraam, Sholay, Manzil and Ainaa shot him to the cult status but he is best remembered for the dialogue from the movie Sholay- the movie that set the benchmark for the whole bollywood. The dialogue “Itna sanaata kyun hai bhai” caught on like wild fire so much so that it found its way to the common parlance.
For a man of his status, Hangal met with a sad ending. Hangal, who had more than 200 films to his credit in a career that spread across five decades, suffered from geriatric disorders and found it difficult to foot his medical bills.
Hangal was admitted to the hospital after he slipped in the bathroom and had to undergo a surgery. The legendary actor couldn't make it alive out of the hospital.
The actor had last shot for Amol Palekar's film, Paheli in 2005.
On his death the veteran actress Shabana Azmi tweeted: "An era comes to an end. Theatre and film were enriched by him."
