Dec 28, 2013 08:13 PM
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(Updated Dec 28, 2013 08:23 PM)
Farooq Sheikh – Common Mans Hero
Death, it is generally believed, is an inevitable end for all creatures. This year Bollywood has literally been hit at different times by the deaths of some notable celebrities. It was shocking to know that Veteran Bollywood actor Farooq Sheikh passed away following a heart attack in Dubai, at the age of 65.
Today I received a message from my dear friend Mr Jitendra Mathur(@jmathur) He asked me to write a blog or poll on Farooq Sheikh. As we all know that Polls are left to die on MS, so I had no option left other than writing a review on Farooq Sheikh. No second opinion that Farooq Sheikh is one of the hugely talented but underrated actors of Bollywood. He is one of the few actors in Bollywood who despite having immense potential and in spite of having proved himself again and again hasn’t really got his due share of recognition or prominence in the Hindi Cinema industry.
The veteran actor Farooq Sheikh joined the league of actors in their 60's. Recently he acted in the movie titled Club 60 where the actor was shown celebrating that age, which is often associated with retirement. Unfortunately Club 60 was his last movie & he retired from acting permanently.
Farooq Sheik was born on 25 March 1948 is best known for his roles in parallel cinema. He also made a tremendous contribution in theatre and TV as well. He started his career in Bollywood in 1973 with Garm Hava and is best remembered for his performances in films like Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Umrao Jaan, Bazaar, Chashme Buddoor, Kissi Se Na Kehna, Noorie, Katha etc. These films brought a new kind of hero to Hindi cinema & meanwhile he continued work on stage something that was equally exciting and challenging.
As an actor, Farooq Sheikh changed the impression that film heroes have to be larger than life. He made the hero look so real and vulnerable that anyone could easily identify with his roles. He was lucky to work with legendary directors Satyajit Ray, Muzaffar Ali, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Ketan Mehta among others. He was awarded the 2010 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Lahore(2010).
Farooq Sheikh was never near the top of my favorite actors list. He never really fit into the frame of the regular Bollywood hero, but he chose the right roles for his career and acting style. He had the good looks and overall did brilliant acting in most of his movies. Like legendary actor Sanjeev Kumar, he needed no designer clothes, catchy songs and dance sequences to prove his acting abilities.
At a time when actors were branded as a romantic hero or action hero Farooq Sheikh was one actor who was difficult to typecast. Even from latest lot of Bollywood stars, nobody can match his charm and acting finesse. He never said no to any kind of role, as long as it challenged his creativity. He was willing to play any character even if it was not the lead role. The last thing any friends, family, or fans of Farooq Sheikh can do the best is to carry his memory on by watching his films.
