Amitabh remembers “gentle” Mac Mohan

"He will be missed and remembered for many reasons, but perhaps the most for his reference in the film ‘Sholay’ as Samba, the dreaded character he played of Gabbar Singh’s, gang," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

Bollywood actor Mac Mohan. File photo: Satish H.

Amitabh Bachchan remembered his ’Sholay’ co-star Mac Mohan as a “soft hearted gentle soul”, whose onscreen persona belied his “kind nature“.

Mac Mohan, who immortalised the role of Gabbar Singh’s sidekick Sambha in Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster, died on Monday. The actor was suffering from cancer.

“There is sadness in declaring that this evening actor Mac Mohan passed away. He was a soft hearted gentle soul. His frail body defeated the strength of his character and his kind nature. A person of great care and concern for all,” Bachchan, wrote on his blog.

Mac Mohan starred alongside the 67-year-old actor in films like ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Don’, ‘Shaan’ and ‘Satte Pe Satta’.

“I worked with him in several films, films that can be identified as being some of the most memorable in my repertoire. Some of the roles he did were evil in nature, quite the opposite of his own personal demeanour. His laughter was full throated and free; a symbol of the free spirit he always depicted,” Bachchan said.

“He will be missed and remembered for many reasons, but perhaps the most for his reference in the film ‘Sholay’ as Samba, Amjad’s, and the dreaded character he played of Gabbar Singh’s, gang,” Bachchan added.

Born as Mohan Makhijaney, Mac Mohan died at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

He was the maternal uncle of actress Raveena Tandon and also late Sunil Dutt’s classmate in Lucknow from where he hailed.