Anwar Ali (actor)

Anwar Ali (actor) Biography

Anwar Ali is an actor and producer of Bollywood yesterdays. Popularly known as the younger brother of Bollywood’s ace comedian Mehmood Ali, he co-produced the super-hit 'Kunwaara Baap' which starred Mehmood playing the male protagonist. A close friend of actor Amitabh Bachchan, he acted in Amitabh’s debut flick Saat Hindustani, followed by Bombay to Goa, both in pivot roles. He has also produced the super hit movie of Amitabh Bachchan, 'Khud-daar'. As a film actor he is best known for playing the supporting role of driver Rajesh, where the lead roles were played by Big B and Mehmood. This cult classic comedy was the first hit of Amitabh Bachchan, where Aruna Irani got opportunity to become his first heroine!

He was born into Mehmood Ali film family in Mumbai. His father Mumtaz Ali was a dancer and character actor in Hindi cinema from the 1940s to 1970s. He has 7 siblings of whom Mehmood Ali became a top comedian of Bollywood in the era of 1960s and 1970s. His sister Minoo Mumtaz has also player character roles and appeared as a dancer in several Hindi films of 1950s and 1960s. Anwar Ali was the youngest of 8 siblings. Famous musician and singer Lucky Ali is his nephew. He is married to Mona Mathur Ali and the couple has one son. "Amitabh And I Memoirs: Anwar Ali" is a memoir which tells the friendship between Anwar and Amitabh, published by his wife.

He was first seen in a brief role in 1968 film - 'Sadhu Aur Shaitaan'. Saat Hindustani in 1969 was his first major role. He played the role of driver in the iconic film, Bombay to Goa in 1970. With 1970s he turned a film producer, apart from doing a few character roles such as 'Albela', 'Caravan', 'Wafaa', 'Parwana', 'Bansi Birju', 'Manzil', 'Sabse Bada Rupaiya' etc.

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Updated: May 29, 2016