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Top 10 Best Comedy Films in Bollywood(Photo Credit –YouTube)

From slapstick humor to witty dialogues, Bollywood comedy has evolved over the years, but some films have remained timeless. Here’s a look at the all-time top 10 best comedy films in Bollywood that continue to tickle our funny bones, ranked per their IMDb ratings.

10. Dhol (2007) Streaming On: Prime Video, JioHotstar, YouTube IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Director: Priyadarshan

Plot: Priyadarshan’s Dhol is a laugh riot featuring Sharman Joshi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, and Rajpal Yadav. The film follows four friends who try to get rich quickly by finding a hidden treasure, leading to a series of hilarious events. The film’s comedic sequences...

Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan returns to movie theatres 44 years after release. There doesn’t seem to be much interest in the project. The Kotha culture which this exquisite film embraces is no more of interest to moviegoers.

1981 was the year of realistic cinema, with Smita Patil in Marathi and Hindi in Jabber Patel’s Subah, Saritha in K. Balachander’s Tamil Thaneer Thaneer and Jennifer Kendal in 36 Chowringhee Lane, pulling out all stops.

But Rekha as Umrao Jaan was extra-special. She proved she was the Chosen One. Umrao Jaan was the story of a restless woman whose wandering soul takes her through warm and robust relationships with a bashful Nawab (Farooq Shaikh), her childhood friend and admirer (Naseeruddin Shah) and a long-haired dacoit (Raj Babbar).

There’s a touch of dangerous poetry in the presentation, as though underneath all the posturings of decorum these characters are hungering for the...

The iconic Rekha spoke to Subhash K Jha about the making one of her classic films, Umrao Jaan in this fascinating feature.

Muzaffar Ali’s classic study of the Kotha culture in the Lucknow of the 1850s Umrao Jaan is all set to release on June 27. Rekha, who received the National Award for her mellow, muted meditative performance, doesn’t think much of herself in this, her most celebrated work.

There is a supreme stillness that shrouds Rekha’s character, Umrao Jaan Adaa; an inexplicable tranquillity which Rekha famously called “doing nothing”. Not too many of our actors know much about the art of doing nothing. In Indian cinema, the more you do on screen, the more your chances of being noticed. Rekha took the risk and sailed through a character which is dreamy, distant, sensuous, and impregnable. I don’t think any of the men who cross her path...

Subhash K Jha curates a special list of 8 brilliant films to watch for this festive weekend.

Silvat (2018):

Playing a Muslim darzi in Tanuja Chandra 40-minute film situated in the crowded gully of what looks like Mumbai’s Haji Ali locality, Kartik is every bit Anwar, the shy sensitive tailor who develops a secret passion for his favourite client: a lonely abandoned wife Noor (Meher Mistry) whose husband has migrated to Riyadh for a job with nary a glance back for the woman he has left behind. The focus of the passionate plot, pulsating with unspoken ardour, is Noor. But it’s Kartik’s Anwar who silently steals the show. There is no exhibition of outward passion here. And yet so much is said through Anwar’s eyes. Every stolen glance is laden with longing. The film is shot on location in a Muslim locality with streetside vendors frying parathas and malpuas,...

Shabana Azmi misses her mother the most during Eid. “It has never been the same without Mummy, who till her last days would organise the mehndi the night before a chudiwali (bangle seller) would make us wear bangles whilst those who could chheelo the pistas and badaam were put to work for sheer kurma the next day. Art director Bijon Das Gupta is the best at it.”

Father Kaifi Azmi would insist that the entire family wear new clothes during Eid. “It was the only day in the year that Abba would insist we wear new clothes. Farouque Shaikh and I had a standing competition that my house, Sheer Kurma, was better than his house ka, which neither of us ever conceded. I remember when I was shooting for Pyasi Ankhein, Waheeda Rehman gave me eidi and I was deeply touched. I will miss myself having a ball this Eid.

In another terrific installment of This Day That Year, Subhash K Jha takes another look at the smartly-written Youngistaan as it celebrates 11 years.

This is a genre that never really cracked in Hindi cinema. A political drama about a young foreign-educated Nri who is forced to take over his country’s reigns after his father’s sudden death.

Unlike Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti, Youngistaan doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is no attempt here to mythicize or demonize the politicians.

Think Rajiv Gandhi. Think Rahul… Jackky Bhagnani plays an amalgamation of many political dreams. Never mind if some of them turn into nightmares in real life (think Kejriwal). Cinema is about hope and redemption. In a nation hurling towards damnation, the thought of some political wisdom, clarity, and far-sightedness in this season of the elections is eminently welcomed. Young Bhagnani brings a temperance and sensitivity to his character. This...

In this installment of Subhash K Jha’s This Day That Year series, he revisits Sanjay Puran Singh’s sports drama Lahore, which released in 2010.

Debutant director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan dares to visit the forbidden territory. Lahore is about sports and politics and characters from both India and Pakistan getting embroiled in a terrible fight to finish.

The script accommodates a great deal of the sporting spirit, as seen in the perspective of Indo-Pak politics. Within that ambitious framework, Chauhan weaves in the human relationships that leap for warmth and then stay stuck in semi-sterility. The film has too much to say on sports, politics, and human nature. It isn’t able to say all of it in lucid language.

Chauhan has chosen a unique sport like kickboxing to spotlight the process of cultural assimilation that underscores all the perverse politicking that goes on at the surface level between the two countries.

Ace filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani’s son Vir is set to make his acting debut with the play ‘Letters from Suresh’, an updated version of the iconic ‘Tumhari Amrita’, which had featured the late Farooq Sheikh and Shabana Azmi.

‘Letters from Suresh’, as in the case of the original, is being directed by theatre veteran Feroze Abbas Khan.

Vir Hirani is a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, better known as Rada, in London. He has been making short films since his teens.

The epistolary production ‘Tumhari Amrita’ was an adaptation of A.R. Gurney’s American play ‘Love Letters’. The Hindi/Urdu version was written in 1992 by playwright Javed Siddiqui after Feroze Abbas Khan approached him following a meeting with Gurney.

The play premiered at the Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai on February 27, 1992, during the Jennifer Kapoor Festival as a tribute to the late actress on her birth anniversary.

His portrayals of the idiosyncratic, moustache-fanatic, and rule-imposing Bhawani Shankar or the stern Acp Dhurandhar Bhatawadekar in a brace of breezy Bollywood comedies are undeniably unforgettable, but he played a more realistic role in ‘Guddi’ – that gentle deconstruction of the glittering yet hollow edifice of filmdom.

Utpal Dutt, as Prof Gupta in the 1971 film, knows neither scolding nor advice will change the filmstar-struck teenager (then Jaya Bhaduri in her first Hindi film), and the only way out is to let her indulge in fascination with films and learn first-hand the artificiality, heartbreaks, and struggle that lies behind them.

Portraying a teacher, with innovative ideas, was not difficult for Dutt, who was born on this day (March 29) in Bengal’s Barisal (now in Bangladesh) in 1929. He had been an English teacher in (then) Calcutta’s South Point School in the 1950s and earned his students’ admiration for his insights into literature,...

After a tough competition among the six finalists, 14-year-old Mohammad Faiz from Jodhpur turned out to be the winner of ‘Superstar Singer 2’ and lifted the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.

His soulful rendition of romantic tracks such as ‘Pehla Nasha’, ‘Kesariya’ and ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ not only impressed the judges but also the special guests, including Bollywood actresses of the yesteryear such as Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon.

Mani and Sayisha were declared first and second runner-up, respectively. The show, which premiered on April 23, was judged by Alka Yagnik, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali. It provided a platform to 15 contestants aged seven to 15 years to show their talent.

The young talents were mentored by Salman Ali (‘Indian Idol 10’ winner), Pawandeep Rajan (‘Indian Idol 12’ winner), Arunita Kanjilal (‘Indian Idol 12’ first runner-up) and Sayli Kamble (‘Indian Idol 12’ second runner-up) and Mohammad Danish (‘Indian Idol 12’ third runner-up).

Music maestro Anand...

Mumbai, March 22 (Ians) Eminent writer-filmmaker Sagar Sarhadi, who breathed life into emotional roller coasters of Bollywood in the late 70s and the 80s, is no more. He breathed his last at his residence in the the city following age-related ailments. He was 88.

Poet, lyricist, scriptwriter Javed Akhtar tweeted: "Sagar Sarhadi a veteran theater and film writer who wrote films like Kabhi Kabhi, Noori and directed Baazaar has passed away. My heart felt condolences to the late bachelor's nephew Ramesh Talwar."

Sarhadi passed away late Sunday night after several days in ICU, media reports said.

"Saddened to hear about the demise of Veteran Writer and Director Sagar Sarhadi. My thoughts and prayers with the family. Heartfelt Condolences," tweeted Supriya Sule, Ncp MP.

Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff confirmed the death sharing a monochrome picture on social media, which he captioned: "Will Miss You...... R.I.P."

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta too paid his tribute on Twitter.

During this time of social distancing, everything is under lockdown and people are being forced to stay at home. Here are some of the films that are sure to lift up your mood.

Rishina Kandhari:?Andaaz Apna Apna and Satte pe Satta are two of my favourite comedy films. I saw these recently and they are hilarious. Comedy films perk up your mood and are great to watch, especially during this time.

Parull Chaudhry:?I love?Hera Pheri and Jaane Bhi do Yaaro, I have watched both of them so many times. They crack me up and have some amazing performances. They are an absolute watch in times of quarantine

Kunal Thakur:?I would like to recommend Hera Pheri, Rohit Shetty?s Golmaal is amazing too, Chup Chup Ke in which Shahid Kapoor is there?it is a crazy movie and everyone's comic time is very good in...

He turned a frock-clad school going teen Sharmila Tagore into Aparna - Apu?s wife. The clich? concept of all-evil in silver screen villains bored him. Javed Akhtar once said, ?While Hindi films have ferocious villains who only evoked hatred, you actually felt sad for Ray?s negative character. Such was the sensitivity of the man?. He gave Bengali cinemas? most real and grounded hero ? Soumitra Chatterjee who turned into his blue-eyed boy. He used real comedians in humour, he transformed his characters into all time legends ? Apu (Soumitra Chatterjee), Aparna (Sharmila Tagore) Charulata (Madhabi Mukherjee), Nayak (Uttam Kumar), had a unique eye for creating child characters, the man who created the iconic Feluda.

One of Indian cinema?s most influential filmmaker it won?t be an exaggeration if I say Asian cinema or world cinema in that matter ? Satyajit Ray if by any reasons or circumstances couldn?t make it as a filmmaker,...

The 1982 film had music by Khayyam and lyrics by Shahryr who together created iconic melodies like Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti. Umrao Jaan was directed by Muzaffar Ali and started Rekha, Farooq Shaikh and Naseeruddin Shah...

Swara Bhaskar is one actor who never minces her words. Like her Anarkali character, she is fearless, feisty and ready to fight for what is rightfully hers. She is someone who takes her acting profession very seriously and believes in giving her best shot every time she faces the camera. After impressing everyone with her performance in Nil Battey Sannata, Swara is all geared up to give us another hard-hitting performance in her upcoming film Anarkarli of Aarah, which is releasing on March 24. Wearing her unbeatable confidence, the actress got in conversation with Filmipop.com to share her learning experience with her co-actors, her views on freedom of expression and a strong and powerful message for the Censor Board which demanded several cuts in the film. Excerpts from the interview: You have worked with senior actors like Sanjay Mishra and Pankaj Tripathi in the film. What was your takeaway? I...

The New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff) announced the full lineup last night for their 16th year of celebrating independent, art house, alternate, and diaspora films from/about/connected to the Indian subcontinent (May 7 – May 14). Dedicated to bringing these films to a New York audience, the festival will feature 40 screenings (35 narrative, 5 documentary) –all seen for the first time in New York City. In addition, the festival will also feature five programs of short films.

The festival highlights various cinemas of India’s different regions. All the films are subtitled in English and some of the languages this year include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telegu, Assamese, Haryanavi and Urdu. This year’s festival will feature a couple of sidebars –Nfdc restored first films of filmmakers and a three-generations sidebar, films of Bimal Roy, Basu Bhattacharya and Aditya Bhattacharya.

The festival’s film lineup includes 2016 National Award winners A Far Afternoon,...

Stylist Pernia Qureshi, who received much recognition for designing Sonam Kapoor’s look in Aisha, will be seen in Muzaffar Ali’s upcoming period drama Jaanisar, which bears a striking resemblance to his previous movie Umrao Jaan. She is to play a courtesan in the 1870’s pre-Independence drama.

Pernia says that her film will have a lot in common with the 1981 Rekha-Farooque Shaikh starrer, Umrao Jaan, but the intention is not to make a remake or a sequel. “It’s a new film set in a similar milieu,” she adds, “The film is a historic drama revolving around our freedom struggle.” She further elaborates saying that while Rekha’s character in Umrao Jaan Amiran had a quiet and mysterious demeanor, her enchanting character Noor is outspoken and progressive which is quite the opposite of the classic role.

“I am not copying Rekha or Aish,” says Pernia, writing off...

Stylist Pernia Qureshi, who received much recognition for designing Sonam Kapoor's look in Aisha, will be seen in Muzaffar Ali's upcoming period drama Jaanisar, which bears a striking resemblance to his previous movie Umrao Jaan. She will play a courtesan in the 1870's pre-Independence drama. Pernia says that her film will have a lot in common with the 1981 Rekha - Farooque Shaikh starrer, Umrao Jaan, but the intention is not to make a remake or a sequel. "It's a new film set in a similar milieu," she says, adding that "The film is a historic drama revolving around our freedom struggle." She further elaborates saying that while Rekha's character in Umrao Jaan, Amiran had a quiet and mysterious demeanor, her enchanting character Noor is outspoken and progressive which is quite the opposite to the classic role. "I am not copying Rekha or Ash" says Pernia, writing off...

After having won acclaims galore from almost everyone alike for his stellar performance in the film Ship Of Theseus, Sohum Shah will now be seen in the character role of a flirtatious guy next door in director Khalid Mohammad's remake of the yesteryear's cult film Katha. Sohum will be playing the role of Bashudev, which was played by the legendary actor Farooque Shaikh in the original. Speaking about the same, Sohum said that Khalid had met him with another subject earlier, which did not work out. After getting the rights of the Katha remake, when Khalid offered him the role, he instantly agreed. When asked about the but-obvious comparison with the late Farooque Shaikh, Sohum said that Farooque sahib had his distinctive style and that he will be interpreting the character as per today's times. He added that it was indeed a delight to bring back this beautiful story...

New Delhi/Dhaka, May 12: The much talked-about Indian film "Children of War: Nine Months to Freedom", will have its trans-border release in Bangladesh and India on May 16.

Starring Indian actors Raima Sen, Indraneil Sengupta, Victor Banerjee, Pawan Malhotra, Tilottama Shome, and newcomers Rucha and Shatrunjay, besides the late Farooque Sheikh, the film, which has been directed by Mrityunjay Devvrat, reveals the pains and pangs of people, particularly women, revolving around the war between India and Pakistan that eventually led to the creation of the new nation of Bangladesh in 1971-72.

The film shows how Pakistani soldiers.

Film: "Youngistaan"; Cast: Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, late Farooque Sheikh; Director: Syed Ahmed Afzal; Rating: ****

You have to hand it to this film for making an effort to be 'headline-ish' without toppling over with the temperament of topicality. This is a genre never really cracked in Hindi cinema. A political drama about a young foreign-educated Nri who is forced to take over his country's reigns after his father's sudden death.

Unlike Prakash Jha's "Raajneeti", "Youngistaan" doesn't take itself too seriously. There is no attempt here to mythicize or demonize the politicians.

Think Rajiv Gandhi. Think Rahul...Jackky Bhagnani plays an amalgamation of many political dreams. Never mind if some of them turn into.

Mumbai, March 24: "Club 60", late Farooque Sheikh's last movie, has completed a run of over 100 days in theatres. Its team got together for a celebration party, says director Sanjay Tripathy.

The party was held here Sunday evening.

"The film is still running in PVR Cinemas and Cinemax. We had a small celebration last evening with the star cast of the film. It was a nostalgic evening as we all missed Farooque sir," Tripathy told Ians.

"He had a major contribution towards this film. We spoke to his wife and she gave us her blessings, but she couldn't come for some reason," he added.

Made on a budget of.

Youngistaan follows the life of Abhimanyu (Jackky Bhagnani of F.A.L.T.U fame) who unexpectedly finds himself in the political spotlight after the sudden death of his father, the Prime Minister of India (Boman Irani – 3 Idiots). The film has been in the media of late due to Bhagnani’s styling in the film being a dead ringer for Rahul Gandhi’s wardrobe, as well as being the last film featuring the late Farooque Shaikh. Moreover, Youngistaan also marks another notch in Bhagnani’s continuous attempts to carve a niche for himself in the industry.

The soundtrack features 4 songs, composed by Jeet Ganguly (Aashqui 2), Shiraz Uppal, Sneha Khanwalkar (Gangs of Wasseypur), Shree D and Ishq Bector (Besharam). Lyrics have been penned by Ahmad Afzal, Shakeel Sohail, Kausar Munir and Jackky Bhagnani.

Suno Na Sangemarmar hit audiences around Valentines Day and quickly became a crowd pleaser. Arjit Singh croons this...

Mumbai, Feb 24: Actor Jackky Bhagnani is playing a politician in "Youngistaan", but his role is not modeled on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.

"I am interested in politics and I have always kept a tab on it. You may find the similarity in the looks, but I am not portraying Rahul Gandhi in the film," Jackky told Ians.

Directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal, the film also featuring late actor Farooque Sheikh and Neha Sharma will hit the screens March 28.

Recalling his shooting experience with Farooque, who will be seen in a prominent role in "Youngistaan", Jackky said: "Farooque Sheikhji is playing my kind of father..

Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Film’s and Msm (Multimedia Screen Media), the producers of Jackky Bhagnani and Neha Sharma starrer Youngistaan face a tussle with a soft drink company over the title.

The soft drink company states that they have copyright over this title and several of their campaigns have been based on the very same title featuring celebrities such as Shah Rukh khan and Ranbir kapoor. However a source close to the production house state that the title has been acquired in a legal manner and their legal team is now assessing the situation and discussing the next steps involved.

The film is all set for a release on 28th March, 2014 and it will be interesting to see the extent to which this matter would go on and the solution if any can be reached between the soft drink company and the producers.

Youngistaan is a love story set...

Jackky Bhagnani’s next Youngistaan is all set to release on 28th March. This was Farooque Shaikh’s last film, where he plays a Pa to the Prime Minister Boman Irani and then to Jackky, his son, after Boman’s character dies. In the film Boman Irani gifts a pen to his Pa Farooque which he then passes on to Jackky as a gesture of becoming a man from boy, which was Farooque saab’s idea.

Farooque saab was shooting with Jackky till 23rd December in Indore, and before he left for Dubai he gave Jackky a gift on his birthday which was on 25th December. Jackky kept the gift in his room and went back to his shooting till he heard few days later that Farooque saab had died.

Jackky recollects, “I opened the gift and it was uncanny, but it was a pen. I then got a call from his wife,...

We have the gorgeous ‘Suno Na Sangemarmar’ from YOungistaan. Touted to be the ‘Valentine song of the year’, the song is sung by Arijit and and composed by Jeet Ganguly. The song was shot in front of Taj Mahal, the epitome of real love. Star Jackky Bhagnani states “Youngistaan is a complete entertainer that caters to the fervent and enthusiastic youth of our nation. It centres around the lives of today’s youth, who want to be heard and want to make a difference. The movie also traces a beautiful love –relationship between two individuals, whose love has to face the test of time in adverse conditions.”

Check out the gorgeous song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSN8M0eXVNI

‘Youngistaan’, starring Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, late Farooq Shaikh, Boman Irani is set to release on March 28th

‘Youngistaan’ is a story that stands for the youth of the country.

Msm Motion Pictures along with Pooja Entertainment & Films Ltd, unveiled the first look of their upcoming movie Youngistaan, starring Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, late Farooq Shaikh, Boman Irani etc.

Youngistaan is a story that stands for the youth of the country. A beautiful depiction of emotions and adoration between a modern couple set against the Indian political scenario. A young man, Abhimanyu Kaul played by Jackky Bhagnani after sudden turn of events is expected to fill his father’s shoes as the ‘Prime Minister’ of India. This successful young gamer settled in Japan is summoned to come to India to be with his father. This sweet relationship of Abhimanyu Kaul and Anwita then stands the test of time when Abhimanyu is torn apart between his calling for the nation and his love interest.

The trailer launch was led by a special shradhanjali (tribute) by the lead protagonist Jackky Bhagnani along...

On Thursday evening, Indian Films & TV Directors Association organized a tribute to late Farooque Shaikh in Mumbai where some of India's finest directors assembled to recall the experience of working with the remarkable actor. One such filmmaker was Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan who recalled how after winning a National Award for his debut film Lahore, Farooque was all the more excited to collaborate with the director again on a film titled Pandit Gali Ka Ali.Says Sanjay, Farooq...

A for Aam Aadmi Pictures – Shahid, Lunchbox, Gippi, Akaash Vani, biopics and stories on common person ruled.

B for Babaji Ka Thullu – What by and large audiences believed they got after walking out at the end of most releases this year

C for Curious case of Comedies – Matru.., YPD2, Besharam, Sooper se Ooper.. Humor was lost on the audience, as was the smile of the producers after the release of these films.

D for Dhating “Naach” and all those bizarre choreography dance movies, Babli’s chest-gun shots, Ranveer’s dandruff-riddance move, ‘Tamanche pe Disco’ and then there was ‘Tooh’.

E for Ek, Do, Teen… the crore counting club that’s adding zero’s on the go.

F for Femme Fatale Konkana Sen Sharma, Nimrat Kaur, Shilpa Shukla, Supriya Pathak, Padmini Kolhapure.

G for Going Global. Big B’s appearance in The Great Gatsby, Vidya and Nandita Das’s presence on...

Mumbai, Jan 4: The shooting of Farooque Sheikh's last film "Youngistaan" wrapped up with five kg of Indian sweet jalebi from the late actor's favourite sweet shop in Indore.

Producer Vashu Bhagnani ordered jalebi for the entire unit when the film was wrapped up Dec 28.

Vashu said: "In October, Farooque saab had personally got us jalebis from this particular shop and force fed all of us. I am not a jalebi guy. But I enjoyed Farooque saab's insistent warmth.

"On the last day of shooting, we celebrated his positive spirit by ordering his favourite jalebis in Indore."

"Youngistaan" features Jackky Bhagnani.

Farooque,.

Agra, Jan 1: A busy road crossing on the Mahatma Gandhi Road in Agra is to be named after Mirza Ghalib, the doyen of Urdu poetry who was born here in 1797.

District Magistrate Zuher Bin Sagir announced that the "Naal Band Chauraha" on the Mahatma Gandhi Road here would be named after the famous poet. Procedural formalities have been initiated and the municipal corporation chief Indra Vikram Singh has been told to complete the process speedily.

Lovers of Urdu poetry, late actor Farooque Sheikh and many activists had demanded that a proper memorial dedicated to the poet should be built and a road or a crossing should be named after.

Mumbai, Dec 30: Bollywood celebrities were in tears as they bade farewell to veteran actor Farooque Sheikh, who was laid to rest at the Andheri graveyard here Monday evening.

The body of the 65-year-old actor was earlier in the day brought to Mumbai from Dubai, where he died after a cardiac arrest Friday.

Farooque's close friends and family members were inconsolable and shared their memories about him.

"I will never meet a person like him. His friendship matters a lot to me. I was lucky to find a co-star like him. He never did any film for money but only if he liked the script," Deepti Naval told reporters.

Sonali.

Mumbai, Dec 30: The inimitable Sai Paranjpye, who now lives a secluded life, remembers her "Chashme Buddoor" actor Farooque Sheikh as a sweet wonderful person who wouldn't even mind flirting with her.

"Farooque was an angel. He was god's child. One always says nice things about the departed. But honestly, even if Farooque were alive, I wouldn't have a single bad thing to say about him," said the 75-year-old.

"I'd say, 'Farooque, kuch toh sharam kijiye. You are flirting with me and you're flirting with my daughter, just because your mother is not here to see what you are up to.' He was so sweet, so wonderful."

Farooque.

Mumbai, Dec 29: Multi-faceted actor Farooque Sheikh, who died following cardiac arrest in Dubai, will be buried Monday evening, says actor and a close friend Satish Shah.

Farooque died Friday evening at the age of 65.

"His body will reach Mumbai airport at around 4.00 p.m. tomorrow (Monday), and the burial will take place around 7.00 in the evening," Satish told Ians.

The late actor, who was known for his roles in movies like "Umrao Jaan", "Chashme Buddoor" and "Saath Saath", is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Ians...

Mumbai, Dec 29: Veteran actress Deepti Naval says the late Farooque Sheikh -- the two were a popular pair in films -- was a constant part of her professional and personal lives.

On Saturday Deepti woke up to the news that Farooque was no more. He died of cardiac arrest in Dubai late Friday.

"He was not just a constant part of my career but also of my life. Oh God! It's so hard to believe he's gone," said Deepti, who last interacted with Farooque two months ago at the Sharjah Book Fair.

"We worked together for the first time in 'Chashme Buddoor', and we did 7-8 films together after that. Of these my favourite films.

New Delhi, Dec 29: It was on "intuition" that M.S. Sathyu gave a big screen break to a young, innocent-looking Farooque Sheikh 40 years back in "Garam Hawa". His talent, says the filmmaker, was "fantastic". However, he rues that the late actor didn't get as much work as he truly deserved.

Farooque's sudden death in Dubai Friday evening following a cardiac arrest has left Sathyu wondering if it was the actor's love for biryani, kebabs and, more importantly, food that took his life away. But the 83-year-old agreed to go down the memory lane and shared his bank of fond memories of Farooque who he cast on "guess work".

"I saw Farooque during some drama. I was looking out for actors from the theatre world. I had cast names like.

Mumbai, Dec 29: Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who worked with late actor Farooque Sheikh in three movies, knew him since their days in the aviation industry and they both had a mutual passion for cinema since then.

"I knew Farooque from the time when we worked for Air India. He was a flight purser and I was part of the ground staff. We shared a mutual passion for cinema which at that time we never knew we would be able to put into practice," said Ali, who was shocked to see the actor's life come to an abrupt end Friday night in Dubai following a cardiac arrest.

The two worked together in three of films - "Gaman" (1978), "Umrao.

Stars and filmmakers have paid tribute to legendary actor Farooq Sheikh who has sadly passed away at the age of 65 following a heart attack in Dubai. Born on 25 March 1948, Sheikh starred in hit films such as Garm Hawa, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Noorie and Chashme Buddoor. Sheikh is considered to be a key actor in parallel cinema and received praise over the years for his approach to acting. His most recent performance was in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, where he played Ranbir Kapoor’s father. After hearing the news, members of the Bollywood fraternity were quick to pay their respects to Farooq Sheikh. Here is what some of them had to say.

N P Singh (Msm Motion Pictures) & Vashu Bhagnani (Pooja Entertainment): “We all are devastated by the news of Farooq ji’s demise as we had formed a great bond with him while shooting Youngistan. Apart from being a great actor,...

New Delhi (AP) — Indian actor Farooq Shaikh, the plump, unlikely hero of scores of Bollywood films, has died. He was 65. Press Trust of India reported that Shaikh suffered a heart attack Friday in Dubai, where he was visiting with his family. Shaikh's film career began on a high note with the 1973 new wave film Garm Hawa, about the 1947 partition of the subcontinent at the end of British rule. His performance earned him a key role in director Satyajit Ray's The Chess Players, about the decadence of India's feudal classes. Shaikh's cherubic looks struck a chord with

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Mumbai, Dec 28: Sanjay Tripathy, who directed late actor Farooque Sheikh's last Bollywood release "Club 60", remembers him as a "warm person", who was a foodie and even spread cheer on the sets by bringing scrumptious biryani.

"Club 60", released Dec 6, received critical acclaim.

Tripathy, a first-time director, says he had a comfortable time working with Farooque, who passed away in Dubai following a cardiac arrest late Friday evening. He was 65.

"He was absolutely healthy. He never had any health issues even while shooting. The news of his death was a shock," Tripathy told Ians.

"Despite being a veteran actor, he never made me feel that I am a newcomer," he added.

Recalling some fun times shared.

New Delhi, Dec 28: Mourning the death of veteran Bollywood actor Farooque Sheikh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari Saturday described him as a "jewel", whose performances were sterling and scintillating.

"Farooque Sheikh was a versatile actor whose performances were sterling and scintillating. In his untimely death we have lost yet another jewel," Tewari posted on his official Twitter page.

The actor died following a cardiac arrest while he was on a vacation in Dubai Friday night. Farooque regaled film buffs for four decades, starring in films like "Garam Hawa", "Saath Saath", "Bazaar", "Umrao Jaan",.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Multi-faceted actor Farooque Sheikh's life came to an abrupt end late Friday night in Dubai following a cardiac arrest. He was 65.

The talent, who delivered impeccable performances in films like "Umrao Jaan" and "Chashme Buddoor", as well as in TV shows and on stage, will be remembered by his colleagues and confidantes for his innocent charm, uninterrupted honesty to his craft and his unmatched humility, colleagues and friends in the industry said.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, with whom he was on a vacation in Dubai.

His body will be brought to Mumbai for the last rites.

New Delhi, Dec 28: Actress Swara Bhaskar, who shared screen space with Farooque Sheikh in "Listen Amaya", is devastated on hearing about the sudden demise of the veteran actor and says he was a lesson to watch and seeing him act was like a class.

"The demise of the gracious, charming, iconic and much loved Farooque Sheikh is the saddest news. Gentleman, and gem-of-a-person. Farooque Sheikh was an actor par-excellence and a lesson to watch," Swara said in a statement.

"Listen Amaya" has been directed by Avinash Kumar and casts the veteran actor, who breathed his last following a heart attack while he was in Dubai late.

New Delhi, Dec.28: Tributes poured in for late actor and theatre personality Farooq Shaikh on Saturday, hours after it was reported that he had died of a heart attack in Dubai.

Senior Bjp leader Balbir Punj said: "I remember Farooq Shaikh's smiling face. I believe Hindi cinema has experienced a great loss with his demise."

Congress leader Meem Afzal said: " I am very sad, as he was an old friend. I find very few people as talented, knowledgeable and as socially active as him. He was always concerned about social issues. His only condition for extending any kind of help was that his name should not come out."

"This.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Actress Shabana Azmi, Farooque Sheikh's co-star for 21 years in the popular play "Tumari Amrita" who had also worked with the actor in several films, is devastated with the news of his sudden death.

One of Indian cinema's finest actors, Farooque was on a holiday with his wife and two daughters in Dubai when he suddenly died of a massive heart attack.

Devastated by the suddenness of the tragedy, Shabana said: "I can't believe he's gone so suddenly and so cruelly! Farooque was in Dubai with his wife and daughters when he suddenly suffered a massive heart attack. He just collapsed! Just like that. Is that.

Mumbai, Dec 28: He played a common man as convincingly as he played a nawab. Such was Farooque Sheikh's versatility on the big screen, small screen and on the stage in his over four decades of association with showbiz.

The veteran actor died following a cardiac arrest while he was in Dubai late Friday night.

He made his debut with 1973 film "Garam Hawa" and was known for his roles in films like "Umrao Jaan", "Chashme Buddoor", "Saath Saath". On TV, he starred in shows like "Chamatkar" and "Ji Mantriji", while his play "Tumhari Amrita" was a crowdpuller.

Here's a look at some of his memorable films.

-1973.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Actor Boman Irani was due to shoot with Farooque Sheikh for an upcoming film in Indore Saturday. But the news of the latter's sudden death left Boman "shocked, numbed and saddened".

Farooque was in Dubai for a family vacation when a cardiac arrest took his life late Friday night.

He was working with Boman for the film "Youngistan".

"Shot with him last month. Had the warmest conversation and were to meet here in Indore today. Was to join us from Dubai. Alvida Farooque saab (Goodbye Farooque Sheikh)," Boman tweeted Saturday.

"Shocked, numbed and saddened. Was supposed to be shooting with him.

Veteran actor Farooque Shaikh, 65, died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai on Friday night. The actor was well known for his contribution to parallel or alternative cinema, having worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, M.S. Sathyu and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

His most notable performances include M.S. Sathyu’s Garam Hawa, Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Sai Paranjpye’s Chashme Buddoor and Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan. He was successfully paired with actress Deepti Naval in memorable films like Chashme Buddoor, Saath Saath, Katha and Faasle.

He recently appeared in Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai, Ayan Mukherjee’s Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Avinash Kumar Singh’s Listen…Amaya.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Humble gentleman, soft spoken, sophisticated and nuanced - the Bollywood fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt, looked back at the late Farooque Sheikh's life and career with immense appreciation following the "Umrao Jaan" star's sudden demise.

Several actors and filmmakers took to microblogging site Twitter to express shock upon hearing the news of the veteran actor's death, which came after a heart attack in Dubai Friday night. He was 65.

Having starred in eclectic roles throughout his four-decade career, Farooque has left behind a wonderful body.