Nazir Hussain, often seen as Bollywood’s quintessential onscreen father, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. From the 1950s to the 70s, he portrayed countless father figures, winning over audiences with his authentic and emotional performances. His characters—whether they were fathers, uncles, or grandfathers—resonated deeply, even if his name didn’t often make the headlines. Though he worked alongside Bollywood icons like Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, and Dilip Kumar, Nazir Hussain’s talent was often overlooked, making him one of Bollywood’s unsung heroes.
His Journey from a Government Job to Bollywood Stardom
Nazir’s journey into acting wasn’t conventional. Before movies, he held a government job, far removed from the film industry. His big break came when he met legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy, who offered him a chance as an assistant. Roy later gave him acting opportunities, which led Nazir to the silver screen. In 1950, he debuted in Pehla Aadmi and captivated audiences right from his first appearance. His career only grew, and soon, he was a common face in Bollywood.
Paving the Way for Bhojpuri Cinema
While Bollywood knew him as the go-to actor for strong family roles, Nazir’s contribution extended beyond Hindi cinema. Recognizing the cultural gap in regional representation, Nazir took a bold step to introduce Bhojpuri cinema. Often called the “grandfather of Bhojpuri cinema,” he laid the foundation of this regional industry, which continues to thrive today. He directed and produced Bhojpuri films, bringing regional stories and talent to the big screen and fostering pride among Bhojpuri-speaking audiences.
The Unforgettable Roles: Bollywood’s Onscreen Father and Father-in-Law
Nazir Hussain shared the screen with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, playing fatherly roles that brought warmth and gravity to films. He starred alongside actresses like Meena Kumari, Hema Malini, Madhubala, and Wahida Rehman, embodying a gentle, sometimes heartbroken, father who stood by his family.
One of his iconic roles was in Aap Ki Parchhai, where he played Dharmendra’s father-in-law, and he took on similar roles in films like Parineeta (1953) with Ashok Kumar and Prem Nagar (1974) with Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini. Audiences connected deeply with these portrayals, as his character often mirrored the Indian father’s resilience, compassion, and sacrifice.
An Essential Supporting Actor in Dev Anand’s Films
Nazir Hussain formed a unique bond with Bollywood superstar Dev Anand. He became a regular in Dev Anand’s films, playing key supporting roles that contributed to the richness of those movies. Films like Do Bigha Zameen, Naya Daur, Devdas, Ganga Jamuna, and Kashmir Ki Kali showcased Nazir’s versatility and depth as an actor. Though he was never the lead, his presence was pivotal to the stories, and his characters left a lasting impact on viewers.
A Legacy That Outlives Stardom
Nazir Hussain’s work lives on through the movies that shaped Indian cinema and the foundations he built in Bhojpuri film. Though he acted in over 500 films and worked with a range of legendary actors, stardom eluded him. Nazir’s legacy lies not in fame but in the characters he created, the empathy he brought to each role, and his pioneering role in regional cinema.
His story serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who may not always steal the spotlight but are crucial to the heartbeat of the film industry. Nazir Hussain may not have been a superstar, but he remains unforgettable, both in Bollywood and Bhojpuri cinema.
