By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Anant Balwant Dhumal made inroad into Hindi films via Marathi theatre. Like many others he did odd jobs to earn a livelihood. His perseverance paved way for his success and eventual recognition as a comedian.
Though he worked in several films & I also watched many of his films, I remember him (plays Banke) for his role and a particlar dialogue “Woh ladki katghare me kaya keh rahi thi” in 1966 film Mera Saaya, a nail biting suspense drama starring Sunil Dutt and Sadhana in the lead. Mukri accompanied him in the film. Madan Mohan composed music while songs were penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.
Dhumal also worked in several hit movies like ‘Gumnaam’, Anita, ‘Arzoo’, ‘Love in Tokyo’, ‘Do Badan’, ‘Ankhen’ & ‘Brahmachari’ released in 1960. ‘Phagun’, ‘Ujala’, ‘Bombai Ka Babu’, ‘Sasural’ were some of his films released in 1950s. ‘Jagriti’ (1954) was one of his earliest Hindi films .
