#GoldenFrames: Keshto Mukherjee, one of the most talented comedians of Indian Cinema

Keshto Mukherjee was one of the few character artists who have left a permanent mark in Indian cinema. The actor had specialised in comic drunkard roles in Hindi movies, whereas he was a teetotaller in real life. Mukherjee had a 30-year-long career wherein he acted in over 90 movies. No matter what was the length of the role, his exemplary performance was impossible to ignore. Keshto Mukherjee was nominated for 'Best Performance in a Comic Role' by Filmfare Awards in 1976, 1978 and 1979. Finally, in 1981, the actor won the 'Best Performance in a Comic Role' at the Filmfare Awards.

Born on August 7, 1925, in Kolkata, West Bengal—Keshto Mukherjee began acting in the 1950s. His first role was in Ritwik Ghatak's Bengali movie ‘Nagarik’ (1952), who later took him in ‘Bari Theke Paliye’ (1959), ‘Ajantrik’ (1957) and ‘Jukti Takko Aar Gappo’ (1974). Sadly, neither Ritwik nor Keshto was destined to see the movie 'Nagarik’ (1952). It was released after their deaths. In 'Bari Theke Paliye' (1959), Keshto played the role of a street monkey player.

The actor was introduced in ‘Musafir’ (1957) by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Since then, Keshto has appeared in short and steady roles in ‘Parakh’ (1960), ‘Aarti’ (1962), ‘Asli Naqli’ (1962) and ‘Padosan’ (1968). However, it was Asit Sen's ‘Maa Aur Mamta’ (1970) where Keshto played the role of a drunkard. The actor continued to play the role of an alcoholic in ‘Mere Apne’ (1971), ‘Guddi’ (1971), ‘Parichay’ (1972), ‘Zanjeer’ (1973), ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ (1974), ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) and ‘Sholay’ (1975). In ‘Chacha Bhatija’ (1977), actor Dharmendra suggested a song on Keshto Mukherjee in the movie which was called 'Keshto chala'.

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Musafir')

Keshto Mukherjee has done several movies with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. In ‘Zanjeer’ (1973), Keshto played the role of Gangu. As the movie is widely regarded as one of the most important movies in the history of Hindi cinema, it also bagged various awards and accolades, including actors' performances, songs and others.

(Photo: Amitabh Bachchan and Keshto Mukherjee in a still from the movie 'Zanjeer')

Hrishikesh Mukherjee's ‘Chupke Chupke’ (1975) starred Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, Asrani, Lily Chakravarty, Usha Kiran, and David Abraham Chelukar in key roles. However, Keshto's role as driver James D'Costa was certainly memorable.

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Chupke Chupke')