Johnny Walker
| Johnny Walker | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Walker in Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955) | |
| Born | Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi 11 November 1926 Indore, Indore State, Central Provinces, British India (present-day Madhya Pradesh, India) |
| 💀Died | 29 July 2003 (aged 76) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India29 July 2003 (aged 76) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| 📆 Years active | 1951–1997 |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Noorjahan (m. 1955) |
| 👶 Children | Nasirr Khan |
| 👪 Relatives | Tony Walker (born, Kamaaluddin Kazi) (brother) |
Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi (11 November 1926 – 29 July 2003), better known by his stage name Johnny Walker, was an Indian actor who acted in around 300 films. He was born in Indore, British India, the son of a mill worker. His father was made redundant and the family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai). Kazi took jobs as the sole breadwinner for the family, eventually becoming a bus conductor with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).His check No in BEST was 1266.
Early life[edit]
Johnny Walker was born in 1926 to a mill-worker in Mehtgov, Sendhwa, Barwani district, Indore, British India. Born to a Muslim family, he was named Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi at birth. The mill in which his father worked closed and the family, of which Kazi was the second of ten children, moved to Bombay, Maharashtra. Kazi tried his hand at several jobs there, and eventually secured a post as a bus conductor in the B.E.S.T (Bombay Electric Supply and Transport) bus service. He became the sole breadwinner, travelling many miles and at unsocial hours at various times in order to buy and then sell ice candy, fruit, vegetables, stationery and other goods. Throughout his youth, he dreamed of being involved in films, idolising Noor Mohammed Charlie and practicing stunts that he saw on-screen.[1][2]
Career[edit]
Johnny Walker nurtured his desire to work in films and entertained passengers while working the buses with amusing routines, hoping that he would at some point be spotted by someone with connection to the movie industry. His wish came true, although the details are unclear. Actor Balraj Sahni saw him, perhaps on a bus or perhaps while Kazi was amusing the cast of Hulchul, a film for which he had obtained a bit part, with an extemporized routine as a drunk. Sahni, who sources say was either at that time writing the script for Baazi (1951) or acting in Hulchul, told Kazi to demonstrate his drunkard act to Guru Dutt. From that meeting, he gained a role in Baazi. It was Guru Dutt who gave him the name of Johnny Walker, a reference to the brand of Scotch whisky, when he was inspired by Kazi's display in the role of a drunkard.[1][3][4]
Thereafter, Walker appeared in all but one of Dutt's movies and the director encouraged him to ad lib and to draw on his varied life experiences.[1] He was primarily an actor of comedic roles but towards the end of his life became disenchanted, saying, "Earlier, comedians had a respectable position and an almost parallel role with the protagonist, now it is just to bring a touch of humour. I don't buy that." His attempts to portray heroic personae in the eponymous Johnny Walker and Mr. Qartoon were not successful but films such as Mere Mehboob, C.I.D., Pyaasa and Chori Chori made him a star. His heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s and his later career was affected by the death of Dutt, who had greatly influenced it, in 1964. He worked with directors such as Bimal Roy and Vijay Anand but his career faded in the 1980s.[3][4] He was unwilling to adopt the cruder form of comedy and changed priorities that had become the vogue, saying that
"In those days we used to do clean comedy. We were aware that the person who had come to the cinema had come with his wife and children ... the story was the most important thing. Only after selecting a story would Abrar Alvi and Guru Dutt find suitable actors! Now it's all upside down ... they line up a big hero and find a story to fit in. The comedian has ceased to be a character, he's become something to fit in between scenes. ... I opted out because comedy had become hostage to vulgarity. I acted in 300 films and the Censor Board never cut even one line."[1]
Johnny Walker was particularly satisfied with his work in B. R. Chopra's Naya Daur (1957), Chetan Anand's Taxi Driver (1954) and Bimal Roy's Madhumati (1958).[1] His final film came after an absence of 14 years when he took a role in a remake of Mrs. Doubtfire titled Chachi 420 (1997).[3][4] During the intervening period, he had a successful business dealing with precious and semi-precious stones.[1]
Some songs were written especially for him. His drawing power at the box office was such that distributors would insist on him having a song and would pay extra to ensure it. He is the only actor to have a film in his name, Johnny Walker. He was the first actor to keep a secretary / manager. He was the first actor to stop working on Sundays. He was the first actor to bring Colloquialism to cinema Taxi Driver. Mohd Rafi has sung most songs for Johnny Walker than any other actor. He also produced and directed the 1985 film Pahunche Huwey Log.[1][3]
Family life[edit]
Johnny Walker married Noor (short for Noorjahan), a sister of Shakila, despite the opposition of her family.[4] They had three daughters and three sons, of whom one is actor Nasir Khan.[4] Regretting that he had been forced to leave school at 6th class, he sent his sons to the US for schooling.[1] Despite often playing the roles of a drunkard, Johnny Walker was a teetotaller and never drank alcohol in his life.[1]
Awards[edit]
- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in Madhumati
- Filmfare Best Comedian Award for his role in Shikar
Filmography[edit]
Johnny Walker acted in around 300 films,[3] including:
1950-1959[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950's | |||
| 1951 | Baazi[5][6] | Debut | |
| 1952 | Jaal[7] | ||
| Aandhiyan | Mastram | ||
| 1953 | Baaz | The Court Astrologer | |
| Aag Ka Dariya | |||
| Humsafar | |||
| Thokar | |||
| 1954 | Lal Pari | ||
| Barati | |||
| Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh | |||
| Munna | |||
| Aar Paar[5] | Rustam | ||
| Taxi Driver[5][7] | Mastana | ||
| 1955 | Bahu | ||
| Chhora Chhori | |||
| Marine Drive | |||
| Char Paise | |||
| Albeli | |||
| Devdas[7] | |||
| Jashan | |||
| Jawab | |||
| Joru ka Bhai | |||
| Mr. & Mrs. '55[7] | Johny | ||
| Milap | Kalu | ||
| Mast Qalandar | |||
| Miss Coca Cola | |||
| Musafirkhana | |||
| Shahi Mehmaan | |||
| Railway Platform | Naseeb Chand | ||
| Shahzada | |||
| Society | |||
| 1956 | Awara Shehzadi | ||
| Bharti | |||
| Anjaan | |||
| C.I.D.[7] | Master | ||
| Chhoo Mantar | Baijunath'Baiju' | ||
| Chori Chori[7] | Shayar | ||
| Chanrakanta | |||
| Ghulam Begum Badshah | |||
| Insaaf Justice | |||
| Naya Andaz | |||
| Shrimati 420 | |||
| Somewhere in Delhi | |||
| 26 January | |||
| Samundari Daku | |||
| Rajdhani | |||
| 1957 | Changez Khan | ||
| Do Roti | Anokhelal | ||
| Johnny Walker | |||
| Pyaasa[5] | Abdul Sattar | ||
| Mr. X | |||
| Naya Daur[5][7] | Journalist | ||
| Duniya Rang Rangili | |||
| Mai Baap | Parker | ||
| Gateway of India | |||
| Ek Saal | J. B. Pinto | ||
| Qaidi | |||
| 1958 | Sitaron Se Aage | ||
| Naya Paisa | |||
| Mujrim | |||
| Mr. Cartoon M.A. | |||
| Madhumati[7] | Charandas | ||
| Light House | |||
| Kala Pani | |||
| Zindagi ya Toofan[5][7] | |||
| Khota Paisa | |||
| Ghar Sansar | Banke | ||
| Do Mastane | |||
| Chandan | |||
| Detective | |||
| Aji Bas Shukriya | |||
| Aakhri Dao[5] | |||
| Amar Deep | Ustad | ||
| 12 O'Clock | Motilal Sharma 'Moti' | ||
| 1959 | Bhai Bahen[5] | ||
| Pehli Raat | |||
| Satta Bazaar | |||
| Jawani Ki Hawa[5] | |||
| Kaagaz Ke Phool | Rocky | ||
| Paigham[5] | Nandu | ||
| Mr. John | |||
| Zara Bachke | |||
| Black Cat | |||
1960-1969[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960's | |||
| 1960 | Chaudhvin Ka Chand[5][7] | Mirza Masaraddik Shaiza | |
| Ghar Ki Laaj | |||
| Kaala Aadmi | |||
| Ek Phool Chaar Kaante | |||
| Mughal-E-Azam[7] | |||
| Rickshawala | |||
| Basant | |||
| 1961 | Chhote Nawab | ||
| Modern Girl | |||
| Opera House | |||
| Suhag Sindoor | |||
| Wanted | |||
| 1962 | Girls Hostel | ||
| Aashiq | |||
| Neeli Aankhen | |||
| Sachche Moti | |||
| Baat Ek Raat Ki | C.I. Dholakia / 'C.I.D.' | ||
| 1963 | Ghar Basake Dekho | Jaikishen Ram Agnihotri, alias "Jackson" | |
| Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye | |||
| Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya | |||
| Mere Mehboob[5] [7] | Anwar's friend, Bindadeen Rastogi | ||
| Mulzim | |||
| Phool Bane Angaare | |||
| Pyar ka Bandhan | |||
| Ustado ke Ustad [5] | |||
| 1964 | Door Ki Awaaz | Motilal 'Moti' D. Rai | |
| Shehnai | |||
| 1965 | Bombay Race Course | ||
| Zindagi Aur Maut | |||
| 1966 | Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi | ||
| Dil Diya Dard liya | Murlidhar | ||
| Preet na Jane Reet | |||
| Dillagi | |||
| Insaaf | |||
| Pati Patni | |||
| Sagaai | |||
| Suraj | |||
| 1967 | Jaal | ||
| Bahu Begum[5][7] | Achchan | ||
| Milan Ki Raat | |||
| Dulhan Ek Raat Ki | |||
| Nawab Sirazuddaula | |||
| Night in London | |||
| Noorjehan | |||
| Palki[5] | |||
| Taqdeer | |||
| Rajoo | |||
| Wahan ke Log | |||
| Shrimant Mehuna Pahije | Marathi | ||
| 1968 | Baazi | ||
| Dil Aur Mohabbat | |||
| Kahin Din Kahin Raat | |||
| Duniya | |||
| Haseena Maan Jayegi | Ghasitaram Aashiq | ||
| Mere Huzoor | |||
| Shikar | |||
| 1969 | Aadmi Aur Insaan | ||
| Do Raaste | |||
| Pyar Ka Sapna | |||
| Nannha Farishta | |||
| Sachaai | |||
| Wilait Pass | Ajeet | Punjabi | |
1970-1979[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970's | |||
| 1970 | Gopi | Ramu | |
| 1971 | Anand | Issa Bhai Suratwala | |
| Hungama | |||
| Memsaab | Ramkhilavan | ||
| Sanjog | Mansukh | ||
| Dushman | Palmist | (Special Appearance) | |
| 1972 | Ek Bechara | ||
| Ek Hasina Do Deewane | |||
| Raaste Ka Patthar | |||
| Raja Jani | |||
| Yeh Gulistan Hamara | |||
| 1973 | Pyaar Ka Rishta | Lachho | |
| 1974 | Aarop | ||
| Badla | |||
| Dawat | |||
| Imaan | |||
| Jurm Aur Sazaa | |||
| Madhosh | |||
| 1975 | Dhoti Lota Chowpaty | ||
| Kaagaz Ki Nau | |||
| Sewak | |||
| Vandana | |||
| Pratiggya | Birju Thekedaar | ||
| Zakhmee | |||
| 1976 | Bundal Baaz | ||
| Santan | |||
| Udanchoo | |||
| 1977 | Farishta Ya Qatil | ||
| Khel Khilari Ka | |||
| Mera Vachan Geeta Ki Kasam | |||
| 1978 | Nawab Sahib | ||
| Miya Fuski 007 | Marathi | ||
1981-2000[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980's | |||
| 1980 | Jaayen Toh Jaayen Kahan | ||
| Shaan | Renu's Uncle | ||
| 1981 | Madine ki Galiyan[7] | ||
| 1983 | Mazdoor | Madho | |
| Rishta Kagaz Ka | |||
| 1984 | Bindiya Chamkegi | ||
| Meraa Dost Meraa Dushman | Mulayam Singh | ||
| 1985 | Hum Dono[7] | ||
| 1987 | Mera Karam Mera Dharam | Taraknath | |
| 1988 | The Perfect Murder | Jain | English |
| 1990's | |||
| 1997 | Chachi 420[6] | Joseph | |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Ghose, Sagarika (11 June 1997). "Return Of The Wit". Outlook (magazine). Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- ↑ Johnny Walker - Memories on Cineplot.com website Published 6 June 2011, Retrieved 10 January 2020
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Gentleman comedian passes away". The Tribune (newspaper). 29 July 2003. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Johnny Walker... signing off on a high". The Hindu (newspaper). 1 August 2003. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2020. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 Johnny Walker's filmography on Complete Index To World Film (CITWF) website Retrieved 9 January 2020
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Profile of Johnny Walker on Cineplot.com website Published 6 June 2011, Retrieved 10 January 2020
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 Filmography of Johnny Walker on Cineplot.com website Published 6 June 2011, Retrieved 10 January 2020
External links[edit]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johnny Walker (actor). |
- Johnny Walker on IMDb
- Dilip Kumar on Johnny Walker at Outlook magazine
