Mukri

Biography

Mohammed Umar Mukri (5 January 1922 – 4 September 2000), popularly known as Mukri, was an Indian actor, who worked as a comedian in Hindi films.

Born as Muhammad Umar Mukri in Uran, in Kokani Muslim Family. He started his film career with the film Pratima along with noted film actor Dilip Kumar in 1945. They were schoolmates together in the past. Subsequently, in a career spanning 50 years, he acted in over 600 films.

Mukri, with his toothless smile, diminutive stature, and perfect comic timing amused the audiences in more than 600 films, in over six decades in Indian cinema.

His notable films are Mother India (1957), Sharabi (1984), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Laawaris (1981), Bombay to Goa (1972), Gopi (1970), Kohinoor (1960), and many more.

His career in films ran parallel to that of Dilip Kumar, who was his schoolmate. They made their debut with the Bombay Talkies film Pratima, also the directorial debut of actor P. Jairaj. Before joining the film industry, Mukri worked as a Qazi.

Mukri died in Mumbai on 4 September 2000 at the age of 78, at Lilavati Hospital due to a heart attack and kidney failure. His lifelong friend and schoolmate actor Dilip Kumar and his wife Saira Banu were present at his deathbed. Actor Sunil Dutt had also been occasionally visiting Mukri in the hospital. Mukri's oldest daughter Naseem Mukri was also there and made arrangements for her father's funeral.

Johnny Walker who worked with Mukri in at least 15 films, recalled, “He had this great pairing with Sheikh Mukhtar – one was very tall and one very short – they looked very good together and made a fine pair. They were known as Laurel and Hardy.”

Mukri and his wife Mumtaz had 5 children; 2 daughters Naseem and Amina and three sons Nasir, Farooque, and Bilal. One of his daughters is Naseem Mukri, who wrote dialogue for the movies Dhadkan and Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. 

She wrote the screenplay of Dhadkan and acted in it too. His daughter, Naseem Mukri, had reportedly told the news media, "Abba was extremely religious. He also was a keen horserace enthusiast, even owning a couple. Every Sunday would see him at the races."