Prior to becoming Mehmood the comedian, he had seen the best and the worst of both worlds namely riches and poverty respectively and fortunately or unfortunately in that order. So his was a riches to rags story until he rose like a phoenix from the ashes to reclaim crown and kingdom…
Like father Mumtaz Ali who being raised by a famous British journalist preferred suits tailored to perfection, Mehmood had an affiliation for the finer things in life.
Being the poster boy for show biz seemed to justify it all the more. From owning a wardrobe, colours of which would dictate the colour of the car he was going to drive to that awards function, yes he would have his car painted by his in house mechanic, at his own garage at a staggering cost of a lakh and twenty five thousand rupees each time to match his formal attire, till his garage boasted of twenty four cars, the very best imported from different countries, he went on to own many a home, amongst other things.
Then there were the horses, all racehorses, some Derby winners from the US. Bred in Bangalore where Mehmood set up base on a farm land that spread over two hundred acres. These horses, ridden by only the best, won races in Bangalore, Poona, Bombay. Many such conquests followed.
Viral Video: ‘Unwell’ Shah Rukh Khan’s heartwarming interaction with specially-abled fan is winning hearts on internet
One may have surmised that following very many hardships, Mehmood could have developed an ethnocentric, stingy attitude. However that was not the case. Perhaps it was father’s compassion for the less privileged, father had once given away the very sherwani he was wearing to a shivering beggar on the street, that kindled acts of philanthropy and kindness in Mehmood. This seemed to be the other side of the coin. Mehmood would secretly turn up on the sets to shoot for producers who could not pay up on time, far from the prying eyes of his business manager brother who was extremely particular about timely payments. There were two constant queues outside his mansion, one of those to meet him and another of those who needed help and charity. Mehmood would personally hand out new hundred rupee notes in memory of his loving mother, a ritual he followed through the years.
On return from an international holiday, Mehmood’s luggage had to be carted in a tempo truck as he had arrived bearing gifts for friends, relatives and staff including the dedicated postman who was now proud owner of a shining gold watch as a result!
Mehmood revered all faiths hence donated to all places of worship from funds to build pilgrim shelters at Shevapur, donation of land at Kamshet for the Sai Baba foundation to Mother Teresa’s home etc. He was a true believer of humanity something that reflected in the lyrics of his songs and the characters he played.
Sharing came naturally to Mehmood. Whether it was wealth, privileges, opportunity or laughter, Mehmood gave us his all.