Remembering Farooq Sheikh, The quiet, handsome gentleman of Hindi cinema

Remembering Farooq Sheikh (25 March 1948 − 28 December 2013) an actor par excellence, on his birth anniversary. The quiet, handsome gentleman, was one of Hindi cinema’s widely adored personalities.

Indian actor, philanthropist and television presenter. He was best known for his work in Hindi films from 1973 to 1993 and for his work in television between 1988 and 2002. He returned to acting in films in 2008 and continued to do so until his death on 28 Dec 2013. His major contribution was in Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema. He worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, Sai Paranjpye, Muzaffar Ali, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Ketan Mehta

His first major film role was in the 1973 film Garam Hawa, where Farooque had a supporting role and the leading man was Balraj Sahni.
His salary for his debut film was only Rupees 750.

He went on to act in several notable films such as Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi (Chess Players) (1977), Noorie (1979), Chashme Buddoor (1981), Umrao Jaan (1981), Bazaar (1982), Saath Saath (1982), Rang Birangi (1983), Kissi Se Na Kehna (1983), Ek Baar Chale Aao (1983), Katha (1983), Ab Ayega Mazaa (1984), Salma (1985), Faasle (1985), Peechha Karo (1986), Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), and Maya Memsaab (1993) . He formed a successful pair with Deepti Naval. He also did a slightly negative role in Katha.

He was paired opposite Shabana Azmi in Sagar Sarhadi’s Lorie, Kalpana Lajmi’s Ek Pal and Muzaffar Ali’s Anjuman (1986) and then in the play Tumhari Amrita.

His chemistry with Deepti Naval led to them being cast opposite each other in nine films, namely Chashme Buddoor, Katha, Saath Saath, Kissi se Na Kehna, Rang Birangi, Ek Baar Chale Aao, Tell Me Oh Khuda, Faasle and Listen… Amaya. They also appeared as the lead pair in an episode on Hasrat Mohani in the TV serial Kahkashan.

Actor.He appeared as Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor)’s father in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). His last film as the leading man was Club 60 (2013) which was also his last release before his death.