![\"Late](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132580417,imgsize-81816,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/132580417.jpg\" "\\"Remembering")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIt\u2019s been more than two decades since one of Bollywood\u2019s finest, Mehmood Ali, left for a heavenly abode. Remembering the great artist on the occasion of his death anniversary, his nephew Akaar Ali said, \u201c22 years since he passed away, yet his spirit lives on. I was 10 at the time. It was a rainy afternoon when many had gathered out of respect, duty, and love for my “Bade Chacha<\/span>” Mehmood, fondly known to many and remembered as Bhaijaan.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking to us exclusively, Akaar further shared, \u201cI have vivid memories of his farewell that day at Mehboob Studio in Bandra. My father, Anwar Ali, played a dual role in his brother’s life, both as the youngest sibling and as his best friend. Both these relationships came with a lot of emotion and responsibility. I witnessed many such encounters between them, which were ironically childlike. Through observation, I could relate.\u201dAs he continued, Ali revealed one specific memory, when Mehmood came from America and brought him a special gift. \u201cIt was his wooden HEAD tennis racquet, a vintage one almost 20 years old. At the time, I was playing the competitive circuit and pursuing lawn tennis professionally. When I look back, my heart is filled with gratitude as he enabled my passion for sport then and continues to do so now with film,\u201d recalled Akaar.<\/p>\n Like millions of Mehmood fans, Akaar Ali also loves watching his uncle’s work on the screen. He said, \u201cHe was so unpredictable through his performances that you best believe you will be on the edge of your seat. It was never a dull moment with Mehmood around. His films are evergreen even today. Many of them are celebrated in family gatherings. My friends and I enjoy \u2018Bombay to Goa\u2019 the most as it takes us into a world of its own.\u201d\u201cEven today, it’s the sweetest escape. You travel through the lens and become a passenger on a bus. It’s an unforgettable journey, and that, for me, is special. Whether it’s one frame or an entire film, he made his mark. His performances always added value to the film as a whole. He displayed range and depth through his work and always kept it interesting for the audience,\u201d he continued.Highlighting his other performances, Akaar shared, \u201cRight from Ramesh in \u2018Parvarish\u2019 to Mahesh the rickshaw-wala<\/span> in \u2018Kunwara Baap,\u2019 his versatility inspires me. My personal favourites are a few too many. Even the kela wala<\/span> in my father Anwar Ali’s film \u2018Khud-Daar,\u2019 where he goes, “Kaaaayyyylaaaaaah kayyyyyylahhhh<\/span>,” has a special place in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n Our conversation ended on the note – how Akaar Ali plans to take forward the legacy of his uncle. He shared a very wholesome reply, \u201cBade Chacha’s<\/span> legacy is unmatched; it doesn’t need me.\u201d\u201cThrough my efforts, I will sculpt my own path. Bhaijaan always was, is, and will be. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience being the son of Anwar and Mona. My parents are my source of gratitude. Through the ups and downs, we have each other; through those who are here and those who live on in spirit. Bhaijaan’s legacy is a teacher for me and many others. His legacy is his\u2014for none to carry, only to celebrate. For the world, he was the King of Comedy, and for me, he is my spiritual power. I feel his presence through love, joy, and devotion,\u201d he concluded.<\/div>\nAkaar Ali shares his fondest memories of his late uncle Mehmood Ali<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Akaar Ali shares his favourite movie of his \u2018Bade Chacha<\/i>\u2019 Mehmood Ali<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Carrying forward the legacy of Mehmood Ali<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n