Legendary comedian Mehmood remains one of the most loved entertainers in Indian cinema, but according to veteran author Hanif Zaveri, the actor faced major turmoil in his personal life, especially when it came to his children.Speaking on the Meri Saheli Podcast, Zaveri reflected on Mehmood’s relationship with his family and made several claims about the actor’s close bond with his son. Lucky Ali in his youth
“Lucky Ali hurt Mehmood a lot”
Recalling the challenges Mehmood faced as a father, Zaveri said Lucky Ali went through a difficult phase before he became successful as a singer and actor.“Lucky Ali later became successful, but when it came to family matters, it hurt Mehmood a lot,” said Zaveri.According to him, the singer and some of his siblings were very dependent on their father and often caused problems at home.“These children were completely dependent on Mehmood. If he brought something home, it would be sold. Someone would run away from home, someone else would create another problem. There was constant commotion,” he said.Zaveri further alleged that Mehmood was sometimes so frustrated that he would discipline Lucky Ali severely.“Mehmood even beat him at times. Selling household items and other such incidents happened before Lucky became successful,” he said.
“I’m very worried about this boy”
The veteran journalist said he had heard many stories about the father-son relationship from people close to the family.“I have heard many stories about Lucky Ali. Mehmood would often say, ‘Yaar, I am very worried about this boy’. The children would repeatedly leave the house and cause trouble,” Zaveri said.He also said that Mehmood had given money to his children for their security, but much of it was wasted.“Mehmood gave a thousand rupees to his children for their future and security. Some of them spent it all. The money disappeared,” he alleged.
Why Mehmood blamed the family circumstances
While discussing family tensions, Zaveri also suggested that many of the problems stemmed from the environment in which the children grew up.“Mother and father separated, the children went to boarding schools and Mehmood was busy with films. Such situations often occur in broken families,” he said.According to him, the children did not have consistent guidance from their parents.“They didn’t get the guidance they needed. Some got into bad habits, others mixed with alcohol, and the family gradually drifted apart. Parents play a big role in the upbringing of children, and unfortunately that support was missing,” he added.Zaveri also commented on Lucky Ali’s personal life, saying, “Lucky Ali was married several times and divorced several times. Relationships must be promoted and maintained.”
“Mehmood was not happy with all his children”
The author further said that Mehmood was disappointed by the choices made by some of his children later in life.“Mehmood was not happy with all his children. He especially loved Makdoom Ali and Masoom Ali. He felt others caused him a lot of worry,” Zaveri said.At the same time, he recognized that each family has its own journey and challenges.“Everyone has their own life story. Some children managed things well and others didn’t. This happens in all families,” he said.
The pain behind the laughter
Despite his difficulties at home, Mehmood continued to entertain audiences with timeless performances in films like Padosan, Bombay to Goa, Gumnaam and Kunwara Baap.For Zaveri, it is this ability to hide personal pain behind comedy that made Mehmood extraordinary.“He suffered tremendously in his personal life, but when the cameras rolled, he made people laugh. Very few people can do that. That’s why Mehmood’s legacy remains unique,” he said.
