Born on February 1, 1914, A.K.Hangal's love towards theater started during his childhood days in Peshawar, now in Pakistan. He grew up to be a tailor, but quenched his thirst for acting through theatre. Post partition, he is said to have moved to Mumbai in 1949 and stepped into the Hindi film industry in 1966-67. His initial films included "Teesri Kasam" and "Shagird". People called him 'Humble saab' not Hangal saab. (All photos/mid-day archives, AFP)
Hangal stepped into the Hindi film industry in 1966-67 and worked in nearly 225 films. Known as a character artist, he is remembered for playing Rahim Chacha in Sholay.
In his youth: A rare picture of AK Hangal from MiD DAY archives
Some of his other memorable movies include Namak Haraam, Bawarchi, Chupa Rustam, Abhimaan and Guddi. He was also seen in Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan (2001) and Shah Rukh Khan's Paheli (2006).
In picture: Why so serious? Hangal with Shashi Kapoor during a film shoot
Hangal's love towards theatre started during his childhood days in Peshawar, now in Pakistan. He grew up to be a tailor but quenched his thirst for acting through theatre.
In picture: Meeting of the Titans: Hangal met then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while filming the TV series, Masterpiece Theatre: Lord Mountbatten The Last Viceroy (1986)
Post partition, he is said to have moved to Mumbai in 1949 and stepped into the Hindi film industry in 1966-67. His initial films included Teesri Kasam and Shagird.
In picture: Bollywood legend: Hangal (second from right) poses with the cast of Sholay - (L to R) Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, director Ramesh Sippy, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, AK Hangal and Amjad Khan.
Hangal saab was of the belief that art should be used for social change. He was a freedom fighter and did many meaningful plays for free.
Fighting fit: Hangal, a former freedom fighter, did not let his advancing age stop him from protesting against the Gujarat carnage. Here, with fellow crusader Shabana Azmi. Pic/Suresh KK
Hangal was one of the founders of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). The history of IPTA begins with him. He has seen seven to eight generations of actors, writers and directors. He was always known to ask too many questions to the director, even if he had to say just a few lines. So it became a running joke in IPTA; whenever anyone asked too many questions, the prompt response would be: 'Hangla gaye ho kya?'
In picture: A young Sikh boy sits in front of veteran freedom fighter and A.K.Hangal at a ceremony for freedom fighters who fought against British colonial rule on the eve of Independence Day in New Delhi, 14 August 2001. Veteran freedom fighters from across the country gathered for the event.
Along with the late theatre personality RM Singh, he accelerated the IPTA movement through the country, including the backward areas. He was committed to the IPTA movement since Quit India days. For him, theatre was work.
In picture: A.K. Hangal attends a fashion event in Mumbai on February 7, 2011.
He was known for his punctuality. Another interesting fact about Hangal saab was that he was a very natty dresser. He was always smartly dressed. Not many know that he was a tailor himself and would stitch his own suits.
In picture: No screen too small: The veteran actor starred in the hit television serial Hotel Kingston in 2005. His last TV appearance was a cameo in Madhubala - Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon in 2012.
A.K. Hangal passed away on August 26, 2012, after a prolonged illness. He was 97. Hangal is survived by his son Vijay.
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