 He had been the regular elderly figure, popularly seen in several classic movies like ‘Sholay’, ‘Shaukeen’, ‘Bawarchi’, ‘Namak Haram’ and recent one ‘Lagaan’. Having worked in nearly 200 films, the 95-year veteran has even the ‘Padma Bhushan’ award added to his name. But sadly now A.K. Hangal has been reduced to a very poor plight – he is battling with financial crisis and failing health. And more disheartening is that none of the people from the industry are by his side. Hangal, a professional tailor-turned-actor, lives a life of penury in his modest ground floor flat in Saraswati Apartments, Santacruz East. He is under the care of his son Vijay (74), a former Bollywood still photographer, who himself is suffering from severe back ailment, due to which he left his job. According to sources, the father-son together have a medical bill of over Rs.15, 000 per month and now have to practically choose between spending on food and medication. As silver lining, of late help has been coming to them… Recently Amey Khopkar (President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena film cell), visited the family and offered to look after Hangal’s medical expenses henceforth. Incidentally, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan reported to had given him Rs 51,000 last year while the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) had contributed financial assistance of Rs 50,000 during the same period. Veteran actress Asha Parekh and director Vipul Shah have also extended monetary aid to Hangal. Perfectionist Aamir Khan also showed concerned towards the ailing actor and said that he will immediately reach out to him and do the needful. Amitabh Bachchan, who has acted with Hangal in several movies, was too shocked and hurt over the actor’s condition and has decided to help him right away. Big B wrote in his blog, “Life's stories have been overloaded with vivid descriptions of unfortunate circumstances. Circumstances that have brought the greats down to their knees. It is shocking and most undesirable to comment on it, but a quiet yet considered action for their good, is what I would want to get involved in. And I do. My prayers and wishes for Hangal Saheb." |
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