#GoldenFrames: Johnny Walker, the legendary comedian of Indian Cinema

"Aye dil hai mushkil jeena yahan...," the iconic song from Guru Dutt’s 'CID' not only captures the spirit of the city of dreams but also the pertinency of actor Johnny Walker— Bollywood's favourite "drunk" comedian who was a teetotaller. Walker, who has acted in no less than 300 movies in his career, was known for his unconventional facial features, unique diction that made him the perfect fit for a drunk character. The actor played a drunkard in movies all his life without even touching a drop of alcohol in real life. In fact, many didn't even know his real name. Walker was given a new name after a popular whiskey brand. He is one of the few actors that never made loud or vulgar jokes or resorted to slapstick. Johnny's impeccable career proved that it was possible to be funny without being coarse. His memories will continue to be alive through his movies and songs. The actor is known for classics like 'Aar-Paar' (1954), 'Taxi Driver' (1954), 'Mr & Mrs 55' (1955), 'CID' (1956), 'Pyaasa' (1957), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960) and 'Anand' (1971).

In This Pic : johnny walker, goldenframes

Born on 11 November 1926 as Badruddin Kazi, he came from a humble beginning. Walker was the third of ten children. The actor with magical comic timing had a story worthy of his own film. When his father lost his job in a mill, the family moved to Mumbai. After trying several jobs in hand, Walker secured a post as a bus conductor with Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).

In This Pic : johnny walker, goldenframes

Being the sole breadwinner of the family, he did odd jobs—from buying and selling ice candy, fruit, vegetables, stationery and other goods to make ends meet. As a bus conductor, Walker would entertain his passengers with his comical way of calling out bus stops, his hilarious tricks and impressions. It was Balraj Sahni who noticed Walker's antics, body language and peculiar mannerisms. His goofy antics impressed the actor. Soon, Walker got introduced to Guru Dutt, and the rest is history.

In This Pic : johnny walker, goldenframes

'Baazi' and 'Jaal' (1952) marked the beginning of a long association between Guru Dutt and the comedian. He played the lead in several comedies. His best-remembered roles were with Dutt in movies such as 'Aar Paar' (1954), 'Mr. & Mrs. ’55' (1955) and 'Kaagaz ke Phool' (1959). In fact, Dutt was the one who named him Johnny Walker, because the actor's slurry performances reminded him of his favourite whiskey. It is interesting to point out here that Walker had never touched alcohol in his life. Ironic much?

(Photo: Guru Dutt and Johnny Walker on the sets of 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam')

In This Pic : johnny walker, Guru Dutt, goldenframes

Until Guru Dutt's death in October 1964, Johnny Walker was close to the ace filmmaker. In fact, when Guru Dutt passed away, Johnny Walker and Waheeda Rehman (Guru Dutt's protégé) rushed from a movie shoot in Chennai to attend the last rites of the filmmaker.

(Photo: Guru Dutt, Shakila and Johnny Walker in a still from the movie ‘Aar Paar’)

In This Pic : shakila, johnny walker, guru dutt, goldenframes