Nazir Hussain
- Born: 15 May 1922 (Usia Dildarnagar, Uttar Pradesh)
- Died: 25 January, 2014 (Bombay)
- Primary Cinema: Hindi
- Parents: Shahabzad Khan
When one remembers the actor Nazir Hussain, an affectionate, emotional avuncular man doing his best for his family comes to mind immediately. Known for his legendary ability to cry on command, Nazir Hussain was even called “aansuon ka kanastar” (a canister of tears) in the industry.
Nazir Hussain was born in Usia in Uttar Pradesh in 1922. His father was a guard in the Railways and subsequently, the young Nazir Hussain grew up in Lucknow joining the Railways and also the British Army during the World War II. While posted in Malaysia and Singapore as part of the British Army, he came under the influence of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and joined his Indian National Army.
Following independence, Nazir Hussain started working in plays. He came in contact with Bimal Roy, who was planning to make a movie on Bose and the INA. Impressed by Hussain’s personality and voice, Bimal Roy wanted to cast him in Pehla Aadmi (1950). Though Hussain himself was not especially keen on this, he relented after some persuasion. The movie proved to be very successful, paving the path for Nazir Hussain’s future career.
Becoming a permanent fixture in all Bimal Roy films, Nazir Hussain soon made a place for himself as a character actor. Between the 1950s and 1980s, he starred in several successful movies such as Devdas (1955), New Delhi (1956), Naya Daur (1957), Anuradha (1960), Parakh (1960), Gunga Jamuna (1961), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) and Leader (1964), to just name a few. Though often typecast as the helpless man, he would go on to perform a variety of roles in over 500 films.
Unknown to most, Nazir Hussain played an important role in the establishment of Bhojpuri cinema. A meeting with then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, led to his interest in the regional cinema when Prasad encouraged him to make movies in Bhojpuri. Taking his advice seriously, he made the first Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1963), for which he wrote the story and screenplay apart from acting. He remained actively involved the fledgling Bhojpuri industry and produced and directed many movies till the late 1970s. His movie Balam Pardesia (1979) is still considered a landmark in Bhojpuri cinema. Considered the father of Bhojpuri cinema, Nazir Hussain chose to make films focusing on societal problems like farmers’ woes and dowry.
Nazir Hussain died in Bombay on 25 January 2014 at the age of 92.
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Filmography (182)
SortRole
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Mazdoor 1983
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Pyaara Dost 1982
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Meharbaani 1982
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Ek Aur Sangraam 1982
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Do Posti 1981
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Pyaara Dushman 1980
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The Burning Train 1980
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Abdullah 1980
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Badla Aur Balidan 1980
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Garam Khoon 1980
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Mera Salaam 1980
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