Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Birth Anniversary
“Kachchi Kali Te Nazuk Dil Mera Koi Sungh Ke Aiyven Marod Gaya, Jeonda Rahe Ve Tu Jee Sadke ,Ve Jehra Laake Mohabattan Tod Gaya”
Mehar Mittal, one of the most talked about Punjabi actors, earlier an Advocate, ruled the Punjabi cinema post Independence in early 1970s.Commonly called the King of Punjabi films, Mittal was an ardent Hanuman devotee. He was a teetotaller off- screen ,but on- screen he appeared as a drunkard in most films. He was most popular among the rural masses and drew inspiration from them. His popularity in the Punjabi films can be gauged by the fact that distributors refused to buy films if Mittal was not there as an actor. He was an instance source of laughter for his fans who adored him like anything.
Mittal who started his film career in 1972,did many films with Dharmendra like- “Pratigya (1975), “Gopichand Jasoos” (1982), “Putt Jattan De” (1983) also starring Shatrughan Sinha “Jeene Nahi Dunga (1984), & Sohni Mahiwal (1985). He is the only Punjabi actor who produced “Walayati Babu” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Reena Roy in a Punjabi film. Interestingly, “Walayati Babu”(1981) is the first and only Punjabi film that Amitabh Bachchan has featured in. And also Amitabh’s only film with Mehar Mittal & actress Reena Roy.
Mittal’s notable Punjabi films include the likes of- “Tere Rang Nyare” (1973), “Teri Meri Ik Jindri” (1975), “Daaj” (1976),”Mamla Garbar Hai” (1984), “Jeeja Sali” (1985), “Long Da Lishkara” (1986,) “Jatt Te Zameen” (1987), “Sheran De Putt Sher”, (1990) “Kachehri” (1994), “Lambardaar” (1995), “Mar Jawan Gur Khake” (2010)” & “Maa Da Laadla” his debut film , directed by Subhash Bhakri starring Meena Rai, Tanuja & Vijay Tandon, another noted player of Punjabi films & Mittal’s long time close associate.
I met Mittal many time during film parties at Chandigarh .Also visited his residences at Chandigarh, Panchkula & Four Bungalows in Mumbai. We wrote a series about him in ‘Screen’, published from Bombay, to prove his edge over other regional comedians, and so successfully, too. I also took him out for a photo session in mid 1980s. I found him a God fearing, confident individual. Best Wishes to Him Where He Presently Resides.
