Mumbai Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar, who worked with A.K. Hangal in the 2001 film “Lagaan”, says that he will always be remembered for his “unmatched performance” and that is an example for those who want to perform “naturally”.
Hangal passed away here Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 97.
“It is indeed very sad news. Not only for the world of films but also for the stage. I will always remember Hangal saab’s characters’ as ‘pious, kind-hearted and humble’! His gift for giving a natural performance is unmatched,” Gowarikar said in a statement.
“His performances in ‘Deewar’, ‘Sholay’ and countless films of the 1970’s will make me think of him with reverence – a ‘great’ actor,” he further added.
Hangal played Shambu Kaka in “Lagaan”.
Recalling the experience of working with him, Gowarikar said that he was “amazed to discover that Hangal saab was very close to the characters he played – upright, honest, dedicated and humble.”
“On the sets of ‘Lagaan’, I bonded with him exceptionally well. I saluted him then. I salute him today! And in years to come, he will always be reference point for me when I tell my actors – to perform naturally like the great actor A.K. Hangal,” he added.
Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS)Â “It will be difficult to find a kinder face than Hangal’s in the film industry,” Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said Sunday in a tribute to the legendary actor who died here this morning.
The governor said that Hangal’s smiling, gentle face – both on and off-screen – always assured the people that he was a man with values who would stand by truth come what may.
“He was a great human being who received the love and affection of the entire film industry,” Sankaranarayanan said in a tribute.
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan described Hangal as a person who came across as “an ideal and honest father figure” through his roles in Bollywood movies.
“Few may be aware that Hangal was a freedom fighter with a secular outlook who championed the cause of the working classes, and a renowned stage artiste who worked for and through the forum of Indian Peoples Theatre Association and (Mumbai’s) Prithvi Theatre (named after the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor)”.
“Though he was part of the film industry, Hangal always fought against obscenity and other ills in films,” Chavan said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in his tribute, said Hangal was “an actor with rare finesse” who left an indelible mark with any role he portrayed in his long career in film industry.
Pawar recalled his memorable roles in movies like ‘Shaukeen,’ ‘Aandhi,’ ‘Tapasya’ and the portrayal of a blind Imam Sahab (Muslim priest) in ‘Sholay’ with the unforgettable lines: “Itna sannata kyun hai, bhai?”