David- A Tribute

They also play a pivotal role in many films. rarely do they get talked about, such is the hero-worship in the world of Bollywood and its media coverage.

One of the delightful cameo artists was simply known as David (others, a few I can recall off-hand, were Durga Khote, Dina Pathak, Leela Mishra, Nazneen, AK Hangal, Om Prakash, Utpal Dutt, and many comedians along the way). He was inconspicuous, but when he came on to the scene, he radiated a charm and positive energy, making you smile. He did not seem like he was acting too- a natural.

Many a film benefited from his unique charisma (non-heroes have it too, you know)- a partial list of which is here-

• Khubsoorat (1980)
• Gol Maal (1979)
• Baton Baton Mein (1979)
• Hamare Tumhare (1979)
• Khatta Meetha
• Chupke Chupke (1975)
• Abhimaan (1973)        

The playful guy in Golmaal who tips off Amol Palekar on how to 'patao' Utpal Dutt with moustaches and a penchant for our 'pavitra sanskaar' brings tears of laughter even today. Similarly he is an easy foil to the 'khadoos' Dina Pathak in Khubsoorat. Ashok Kumar is of course, the other. 

In Abhimaan, when the egos of the husband and wife clash, he is one of the sober voices. In Chupke Chupke, he is one of the active plotters along with Dharmendra, to teach Om Prakash a thing or two about Shuddh Hindi ka prayog, leading to a lot of hasta prakshalan (hand-washing) and hand-wringing. Memorable roles all.

Lesser Mortals in Bollywood

Bollywood has had its heroes and heroines who stole the show over the years. But smaller roles were played by many with aplomb and sometimes these roles were critical to the storyline. I mean, classy villains like Pran and Ajit, or leery ones like Prem Chopra or Manmohan. Or unique ones like Gabbar Singh.

But I also mean character role players (as if the heroes were without character) or bit role players, for instance, Ashok Kumar, Om Prakash, Mukri, Keshto Mukherjee, Asrani, Mehmood, David, Deven Verma, Aruna Irani, Nazneen, Bindu, Helen.

Jagdish Raj typically played inspector, while Iftekhar was usually a higher-up such as the Commissioner, IG or DG of Police.  He probably did not play any other role so well, except in Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye, where Madan Puri also had a delightful role, and stole the thunder from the hero.

A.K. Hangal, who passed away recently, was also a good character actor. Amrish Puri, Danny Denzongpa, Abhi Bhattacharya, Durga Khote, Anupam Kher, were some other powerhouses though in smaller roles. Jagdeep played a good foil to Mithun Chakraborty in his James Bond roles. His Soorma Bhopali in Sholay was also a classic.

Ashok Kumar was a great actor in any role he got, and conveyed a variety of emotions with minimum effort. Another actor that comes to mind is Om Puri. Satish Shah was also good, so was Shafi Inamdar.