Mumtaz Ali's son Anwar Ali: The ruins of 'Bombay Talkies' speak the same story and attempts to revive its splendour will be invaluable - Exclusive
Mumtaz Ali's son Anwar Ali: The ruins of 'Bombay Talkies' speak the same story and attempts to revive its splendour will be invaluable - Exclusive
Bombay Talkies has clocked 90 years and Mumtaz Ali, the father of actors Mehmood and Anwar Ali, was an integral part of the studio in the pre-Independence India. Actor-producer Anwar Ali speaks about his father Mumtaz Ali who worked closely with Devika Rani and who not only acted but choreographed some of the top songs like Aana Meri Jaan Sunday Ke Sunday and Chudi Main Laya Anmol. Excerpts from the conversation:
How was Mumtaz Ali discovered ?The renowned B. G. Horniman, editor of Bombay Chronicle and independence activist who supported Gandhi ji in our country’s freedom struggle, spoke in an interview with Film India 1943, quote “Mumtaz is a great artist because his art is more to him than himself. I regard him as one of our greatest artistes both as an actor and a dancer because he gets right into the hearts of his public in such a way that they can’t help loving him.” unquote.
Few knew that as my father Mumtaz Ali’s local, loving guardian, Horniman had years ago invited Himanshu Rai, co founder of Bombay Talkies Studio, for my father’s stage performance. Rai was very impressed by the performance of a particular girl on stage and had asked to meet her. Horniman took Rai backstage and introduced the girl who was none other than my father in a wig!!!
Father was instantly offered a job by Rai as sole dance director/ choreographer of Bombay Talkies for all the films produced in house. He went on to play character roles and dance in many of their films too, his songs becoming super hits, being played incessantly at weddings and events.
Shed light on Mumtaz Ali’s association with Bombay Talkies and why it was important for him?Bombay Talkies was second home to Babaji, my father, having joined when the foundation stone of the studio was being laid. This is where he spent all his time, teaching, choreographing, acting and dancing. His entire world revolved around the studio as he was immersed in melody and poetic movement. He infused a signature style in his dances, both unique and hard to follow. Rai and Rani left no stone unturned in supporting and acknowledging Babaji’s efforts. He evolved to be their shining star, the first male dancer of Hindi cinema!
I believe Bombay Talkies went way beyond being my father’s source of well-being and livelihood. Its existence influenced his understanding and attitude towards life. Working closely with Devika Rani coupled with the socially relevant themes of their films, may have helped him embrace the thought process that despite a conservative society, he could encourage his own daughters to take up the profession of acting/ dancing. As a result his daughter, my sister Minoo Mumtaz emerged a formidable contributor to dance in cinema as well.
Your memory of Bombay Talkies Studio?My first trip to the studio was fraught with excitement. As a young boy visiting my father’s set for the very first time, as our swanky Studebaker rolled in to the compound of the majestic Bombay Talkies expanse, I hurriedly opened the door somersaulting my way out in utter disbelief!!! No other visit could quite steal the thunder thereafter!
Bombay Talkies structure is in ruins today…your thoughtsBombay Talkies harboured, nurtured and fulfilled the dreams of not one but 400 employees, their families and the millions of hearts reached out to by way of some path breaking, entertaining, engaging films. Walls falling apart, sounds ‘wuthering’ away, sights ceasing to exist, cannot diminish all that has transpired and taken audio visual form in this kingdom of pure art and music. One can change geography, one can’t change history. The ruins speak the same story, told and retold through the years. Of course, all attempts to revive its splendour will be invaluable.
Mention some of the songs Mumtaz Ali choreographed for Bombay Talkies filmsSome of the foot tapping classics were Aana Meri Jaan Meri Jaan Sunday ke Sunday, Main to Dilli Se Dulhan Laya Re, Chooriyan Laya Anmol Re, Jawani ki Rail Chali Jaaye Re ….and after directing and enacting foot tapping numbers such as these, father would retire each day listening to but one song from Yusuf Bhai’s ( Dilip Kumar’s) film “Jugnu”… Noor Jehan’s “ Yahan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Ke Siva Kya Hai”….….perhaps a sign of the times…at the Talkies…
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