Veteran Actor A.K. Hangal: A Life Dedicated to Art and Activism

Mumbai — Avtar Kishan Hangal, popularly known as A.K. Hangal, was a celebrated character actor in Hindi cinema whose career spanned over five decades. Born on February 1, 1914, in Sialkot (now in Pakistan), Hangal's life was a tapestry of artistry, activism, and perseverance.

Early Life and Struggles

Hangal hailed from a Kashmiri Pandit family that had settled in Peshawar. His mother passed away when he was just four or five years old, and he was raised by his two elder sisters. Despite societal pressure, his father chose not to remarry. Hangal received his primary education in Peshawar, where he developed a passion for music and sketching, learning to play the flute and practicing drawing.

Academically, he was not particularly inclined and completed his matriculation with a third division. Rejecting his father's wish for him to secure a government job under British rule, Hangal pursued tailoring—a profession he learned in Delhi with his sister's support. Returning to Peshawar, he established his own tailoring shop.

Married in his adolescence, Hangal rekindled his interest in music and theater. He began formal training in music under Ustad Khuda Baksh and learned tabla from Maharaj Vishnu Das. Joining the local Shri Sangeet Priya Mandal, he started acting in plays. In 1938-39, he portrayed Narad Muni in the play "Julm-e-Kans," earning acclaim for his singing and acting skills.

Activism and Incarceration

With the outbreak of communal tensions and the Partition of India, Hangal moved to Karachi with his father after the death of his unmarried sister. In Karachi, he worked as a master cutter at Isardas and Sons, the city's largest textile firm, earning a substantial salary of ₹450 per month—a significant amount at the time.

Hangal's commitment to workers' rights led him to form a union at his workplace, resulting in his dismissal. He became an active member of the Communist Party and participated in the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). During this period, he wrote and acted in several plays, aligning his art with his political beliefs.

Following the Partition in 1947, Hangal attended the IPTA's annual conference in Ahmedabad, where he met stalwarts like Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, Balraj Sahni, and Dina Pathak. Returning to a riot-stricken Karachi, he was arrested by the Pakistani government due to his political activities and imprisoned in Karachi Central Jail. After enduring harsh conditions, he was released in November 1949 as part of a prisoner exchange and moved to Mumbai with his wife Manorama and nine-year-old son Vijay.

Struggling in a New Land

In Mumbai, Hangal faced significant challenges as a refugee from Pakistan. Housing was hard to find, and the family frequently had to move. Eventually, they settled in Nirmal Niwas chawl in Parel, where they lived for about 15 years. Hangal resumed his tailoring profession, working at a prominent clothing store on Marine Drive, while also immersing himself in theater through IPTA.

Late Entry into Films and Acclaimed Roles

Hangal's film career began relatively late. In 1966, at the age of 52, he made his debut with a small role in Basu Bhattacharya's "Teesri Kasam." His first released film, however, was "Shagird" (1967), where he played the role of Saira Banu's father. Over time, he became a respected character actor, known for his authentic portrayals of elderly and principled figures.

He acted in over 200 films, balancing both commercial and art-house cinema. Some of his most notable works include:

- "Guddi" (1971) and "Bawarchi" (1972) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
- "Namak Haraam" (1973) and "Abhimaan" (1973) showcasing his versatility.
- "Sholay" (1975) directed by Ramesh Sippy, where his line "Itna sannata kyun hai bhai?" became iconic.
- "Aandhi" (1975) and "Kinara" (1977) directed by Gulzar.
- "Garm Hava" (1973) directed by M.S. Sathyu, a film about the plight of North Indian Muslims post-Partition.
- "Lagaan" (2001) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, where he played an elder villager.

Hangal also made significant contributions to television, acting in acclaimed series like "Tamas" and "Neem Ka Ped."

Dedication to Theater and Social Causes

Despite his success in films, Hangal never abandoned theater. He remained deeply involved with IPTA, eventually serving as its national president. His commitment to social justice and activism remained unwavering throughout his life.

Personal Life and Legacy

Known for his humility and principled stand on various issues, Hangal faced financial difficulties in his later years. The film fraternity and the public rallied to support him, highlighting the respect he commanded in the industry.

Hangal passed away on August 26, 2012, at the age of 98, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances that continue to inspire actors and audiences alike.

An Unforgettable Anecdote

An interesting facet of Hangal's life was his birthday celebration. Unaware of his exact birth date, he began celebrating his birthday on August 15—India's Independence Day—after a journalist suggested it. Later, it was discovered that he was born on February 1, 1914, in Sialkot. Nevertheless, he chose to continue celebrating on August 15, associating his personal milestone with the nation's freedom—a testament to his patriotic spirit.

A.K. Hangal's life was a remarkable journey of resilience, artistry, and dedication to societal causes. His contributions to Indian cinema and theater are invaluable, and his performances remain etched in the hearts of millions. As we remember Hangal, we celebrate not just an actor but a true gentleman whose life exemplified commitment to art and humanity.