Gather around, my fellow Bollywood aficionados, for a tale that predates even the legendary villainy of Amrish Puri and Amjad Khan. Let me introduce you to the original bad guy of Hindi cinema, the one who strutted onto the silver screen way back in 1928 and stayed there, delivering sinister smiles and villainous glares for over half a century. Yes, I’m talking about the one and only Hiralal Thakur! 🎭
Who is this Hiralal Thakur, you ask?
Well, my dear readers, Hiralal was not just any actor; he was Bollywood’s first villain. Born in 1912 in the city of Lahore (back when it was part of India), he had a penchant for playing the bad guy right from his childhood. As a kid, he was more enthused by the role of Ravan in Ramleela than any heroic character. And boy, did destiny have its way! He went on to become the epitome of villainy in the world of Hindi films.
Hiralal’s Cinematic Journey
Our villain extraordinaire began his career in theatre, performing in Ramleela before making his film debut in 1928 with "Daughters of Today." Imagine this—a mere 15 years after India’s first film, "Raja Harishchandra," graced the screens, Hiralal was already crafting his legacy in cinema. He continued to play negative roles in about 20 films between 1928 and 1948, often as one-eyed bald men or sinister sages, each performance more memorable than the last.
A Villain Like No Other
Hiralal’s journey took him to Kolkata, where he joined the New Theatres. He eventually moved to Mumbai, starring as a cunning Sardar in the film "Baadal" (1951), opposite the dazzling Madhubala. Whether it was as a bandit or a murderer, he made sure no one could overshadow his villainy. There’s a reason he’s remembered as the original villain of Bollywood!
A Tragic Personal Life
In 1945, Hiralal married Darapirani, and they had five sons and a daughter. But tragedy struck when his son Inder, along with his wife and son, perished in the 1982 Air India flight disaster. Inder had charmed audiences as Omkar, Chandan’s younger brother, in the film "Nadiya Ke Paar."
A Freedom Fighter Too!
Did you know Hiralal was also a patriot? At the tender age of 14, he became an activist with the Indian National Congress, rubbing shoulders with freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai. He truly was a man of many faces—both on and off the screen. Hiralal passed away in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable villainy.
Nisha’s Nutshell
In the grand tapestry of Bollywood, Hiralal Thakur stands as a testament to the fact that sometimes, the bad guys are just as memorable as the heroes. So, dear filmmakers, remember: while the hero gets the girl, the villain gets the spotlight! 😉
