BollyDiva

Macmohan, the character actor, who shot to fame as the gun-toting Sambha in Ramesh Sippys classic Sholay (1975) passed away on 10th may 2010 in Andheri after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71.

Macmohan, whose real name is Mohan Makhijani, is survived by his wife Mini, daughters Manjari and Vinati and son Vikrant. He had been suffering for a long time with a tumour in his right lung.

The famed character artiste had come to Mumbai to make it as a cricketer, but chanced upon theatre, thus moving on to Bollywood. With the silver screen, there was no looking back.

With a background in theatre, and filmy thespian training from the Filmalaya School of Acting, he became the staple for the dishum-dishum era of Hindi films. He was also the maternal uncle of actress Raveena Tandon.

Macmohan, who started his career with the film Haqeeqat in 1964, acted in over 190 films in a career spanning 46 years. Some of his films included Don, Sholay, Karz, Satte Pe Satta, Zanjeer, Rafoo Chakkar, Shaan and Khoon Pasina. His last film was Journey Bombay To Goa: Laughter Unlimited.

Majboor (1974) was the film closest to his heart, where he played a villain opposite Amitabh Bachchan. He had a complete a makeover, changed his look, voice and dialogue delivery.

He was shooting for Ashwini Dheers Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge? in November when he was admitted to a suburban hospital in Andheri after his health took a turn for the worse.

Apart from playing the proverbial baddie, the actor had an impressive innings with regional languages. He had delivered dialogue in almost all Indian languages except Oriya. He had also done Russian and Spanish films.

Hema Malini, who had worked with him in Sholay, said, His demise is very sad. I worked with him in Sholay and have very fond memories.

He was a very nice and a respectful person. Hamesha bechare ko aise hi role milte the.

Macmohans greatest moment came in this 1975 blockbuster, when Amjad Khans character asked him, Arre o, Sambha, kitna inaam rakhe hain sarkar hum par? And he answered,Poore pachaas hazaar. Rest in peace, Macmohan.