By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Born on 15 November 1956, in Mumbai, Junior Mehmood took to films as a child artist debuting with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966) & Naunihal (1967).
The maturity in his acting became his forte & helped him bag roles in Hindi films. Resultantly, as a teenager he rose to popularity as a comic player. He was the second child artist after Honey Irani who impressed cine goers for years. Jr. Mehmood won applause in “Brahmachari” starring Mumtaz & Shammi Kapoor followed by hits- “Do Raaste” (1969) “Aan Milo Sajna”(1970) & “Kati Patang” (1971) . He became popular as “Junior Mehmood” because Mehmood Senior, an established comedian, was already there. The lad worked in several films & gained considerable popularity & acceptance. He also worked in & for the betterment of Marathi films. He was also a singer & producer.
His best period was between 1968 to 1971 during which he featured in many hits viz- Vaasna (1968), Sunghursh (1968), Suhaag Raat (1968), Parivar (1968), Brahmachari (1968),Vishwas (1969), Raja Saab (1969), Pyar Hi Pyar (1969), Nateeja (1969),Chanda Aur Bijli (1969), Anjaana (1969), Do Raaste (1969), Yaadgaar (1970), Kati Patang (1970), Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970), Bachpan (1970), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971), Caravan (1971), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Chhoti Bahu (1971), Chingari (1971), Hungama (1971), Khoj, (1971), Hare Raama Hare Krishna (1971) Aap Ki Kasam (1974) & Aap To Aise Na The ( 1980).
He also worked in a Punjabi film “Teri Meri Ik Jindri” (1975) starring Veerendra, Meena Rai, Jeevan, Johny Walker & Mehar Mittal with Dharmendra in a Guest Appearance.
Survived by his wife and two children, the comedian was bestowed with the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the Marathi film “Dhoom Dhadaka” in 1995. A friend of mine Rahim Sayyed kept me abreast of his condition, from time to time, until he breathed his last.
