Veteran actor Avtar Kishan Hangal, popularly known as A.K. Hangal and best remembered for his role as Rahim Chacha in the iconic film Sholay, passed away here on Sunday morning.
“He passed away at the hospital at 9 a.m.,” his son Vijay Hangal told The Hindu. The 95-year-old actor had been hospitalised since August 16. For the last two days, his condition was critical and he had been taken off ventilator support.
Character artists of film, television and theatre paid tributes to the thespian at his funeral in Mumbai. Mr. Hangal’s body was consigned to the flames at 1.15 p.m. The Hindi movie industry, however, where Mr. Hangal worked for decades, was conspicuous by its absence.
Mr. Hangal became a household name with his performance of Rahim Chacha – a blind old man in Sholay. At acting workshops, Mr. Hangal often spoke of this role. As Rahim Chacha he delivered the memorable lines, “Itna sannata kyon hai, bhai.” (Why is there so much silence).
He used to say, ‘I often looked for my eye as a blind person would,” actor Akhilendra Mishra said. Having acted with Mr. Hangal in the movie Lagaan, he recalled the actor’s resilience in the face of physical discomfort.
“He had had a fall, but he was determined to give the shot. He came to the set on a stretcher and gave the shot. The 1,000-strong unit applauded,” Mr. Mishra said.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
Please Email the Editor