Hubbry Logo
IftekharIftekharMain
Open search
Iftekhar
Community hub
Iftekhar
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Iftekhar
Iftekhar
Iftekhar
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Iftekhar Ahmed Sharif (22 February 1920 – 4 March 1995), often mononymously credited as Iftekhar or Iftikhar, was an Indian actor who mainly worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for his film roles as a police officer.[1]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Iftekhar was born in Jalandhar and was the eldest among four brothers and a sister. After completing his matriculation, Iftekhar did a diploma course in painting from Lucknow College Of Arts. Iftekhar had a passion for singing and was impressed with the famous singer Kundanlal Sehgal. In his 20s, Iftekhar travelled to Calcutta for an audition conducted by the music composer Kamal Dasgupta, who was then serving for His Master's Voice. Dasgupta was so impressed by Iftekhar's personality that he recommended his name to M. P. Productions as an actor.[2]

Iftekhar made his debut in the 1944 film Taqraar, which was made under the banner of Art Films-Kolkata.[3]

Many of Iftekhar's close relatives, including his parents and siblings, migrated to Pakistan during the partition.[2] He would have preferred to stay in Calcutta, but rioting forced him to leave Calcutta. Along with his wife and daughters, he moved to Bombay, where they struggled to make ends meet. Iftekhar had been introduced to actor Ashok Kumar during his time in Calcutta and contacted him in Bombay, gaining a role in the Bombay Talkies movie Muqaddar (1950). Iftekhar acted in over 400 films in a career that spanned from the 1940s through to the early 1990s.[2]

His brother, Imtiaz Ahmed, was a famous TV character actor of PTV (Pakistan Television), especially Afshan and Tanhaiyan. Like many of the older character actors who populated the Bollywood universe of the 1960s and 1970s, Iftekhar had been a lead actor in his youth during the "golden age" of Bollywood, in the 1940s and 1950s. His roles ranged from father, uncle, great-uncle, grandfather, police officer, police commissioner, courtroom judge and doctor. He also did negative roles in Bandini, Sawan Bhadon, Call Girl, Khel Khel Mein and Agent Vinod.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Iftekhar graduated to playing uncle, father, and what came to be his speciality: police inspector roles, doctor or senior advocate. Generally he played "sympathetic" characters but, on occasion, he played the heavy. One of his most memorable roles as a heavy was as Amitabh Bachchan's corrupt industrialist mentor in Yash Chopra's classic Deewaar (1975). Another of Iftekhar's classic roles was as the police inspector in Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer. It was a small part, but the scene where Iftekhar reprimands the near-hysteric Amitabh Bachchan for taking the law into his own hands is incredibly powerful. Another important role as a police officer was played by him in the 1978 hit film Don. Some of his major roles came in Rajesh Khanna films such as Joroo Ka Ghulam, Mehboob Ki Mehndi, The Train, Khamoshi, Safar, Raja Rani, Ittefaq, Rajput and Awam.

Besides Deewaar and Zanjeer, Iftekar had character roles in many of the classics of 1960s, 1970s, 1980s Bollywood cinema: Bimal Roy's Bandini, Raj Kapoor's Sangam, Manoj Kumar's Shaheed, Teesri Manzil, Teesri Kasam, Johny Mera Naam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Don, The Gambler (1971 film), Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978) and Sholay, to name but a few.

Apart from Hindi films, he appeared in two episodes of the American TV series Maya in 1967 as well the English language films Bombay Talkie (1970) and City of Joy (1992).

Personal life

[edit]

Iftekhar married Hannah Joseph, a Jewish lady from Calcutta, who changed her religion and name to Hina Ahmed. They had two daughters; Salma and Sayeda.[2][4] Daughter Sayeda died of cancer on 7 February 1995.[2]

Selected filmography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Iftekhar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Iftekhar (22 February 1920 – 4 March 1995) was an Indian actor who primarily appeared in Hindi-language films, earning acclaim for his portrayals of authoritative figures such as upright police officers and stern patriarchs across more than 300 movies spanning five decades. Born Sayyadana Iftekhar Ahmed Shareef in , , British , he transitioned from aspirations in and to a prolific acting career that began in the . His debut came with the Taqrar (1944) in Calcutta before he established himself in Bombay cinema, often embodying moral authority and emotional depth in supporting roles. Iftekhar's screen presence was marked by a calm demeanor and commanding voice, making him a staple in landmark films of the 1970s, including Zanjeer (1973) as Superintendent of Police Singh, Deewar (1975) as the corrupt smuggler Mulk Raj Daavar, Sholay (1975) as Radha's father, and Don (1978) as DSP D'Silva. He played police roles in over 75 films, contributing to the archetype of the ethical law enforcer in Bollywood, while also taking on diverse characters like doctors, judges, and even antagonists. Beyond acting, Iftekhar was a skilled painter whose artwork appeared in film credits, such as Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964), and he tutored peers like Ashok Kumar in the craft; he was also an accomplished singer trained under Kamal Dasgupta and a proficient chess player fluent in French. Married to Hannah Joseph (also known as Rehana Ahmed), a Jewish woman from Calcutta, Iftekhar had two daughters, Salma and Saida, and chose to remain in after Partition. His legacy endures as a versatile who elevated ensemble casts in classics like Ittefaq (), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), and Daag: A Poem of (1973), influencing generations with his dignified portrayals until his death from natural causes in at age 75.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Iftekhar, born Sayyadana Iftekhar Ahmed Shareef on 22 February 1920 in Jalandhar, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, India), was raised in a Muslim family amid the socio-political tensions of colonial rule. As the eldest of four brothers and one sister, he grew up in a household shaped by his father's prominent role as a high-ranking professional in a private company based in Kanpur, which provided a degree of stability in pre-Partition India. The in 1947 profoundly influenced Iftekhar's family dynamics and personal trajectory, as his parents and all siblings migrated to the newly formed , severing close familial ties amid widespread and displacement. Choosing to remain in despite the upheaval, Iftekhar relocated from Calcutta to Bombay in 1948, driven by the city's emerging opportunities in the arts and the precarious conditions in post-Partition Calcutta, including riots that threatened his young family. This decision marked a pivotal divergence from his family's path, underscoring the Partition's role in reshaping individual lives through migration and separation.

Education and early interests

He completed his matriculation in before pursuing further studies in . Drawn to creative pursuits from an early age, he enrolled in a diploma course in painting at the College of Arts, which later became part of University. This formal training honed his artistic skills and laid the foundation for his lifelong engagement with . Parallel to his interest in painting, Iftekhar developed a strong passion for singing, inspired by the legendary , whose emotive style influenced his amateur performances and aspirations in music during his youth. His proficiency in painting extended beyond personal hobby, finding professional application later when he created the artwork for the title credits of the 1964 film . Additionally, Iftekhar shared his expertise by teaching the art of to veteran actor , who regarded him as a mentor in the field.

Career

Film debut and early roles

Iftekhar made his screen debut in the 1944 Hindi film Taqraar, directed by Hemen under the banner of Art Films-Calcutta, where he portrayed a minor role alongside actress Jamuna. This marked his entry into the film industry during the pre-Partition era, when he was primarily based in Calcutta and took on initial acting opportunities after being spotted for his singing talent by composer . In the 1940s and 1950s, Iftekhar appeared in several supporting roles across early films, including Rajlaxmi (1945), where he shared screen space with and marked singer Talat Mahmood's debut, and Muqaddar (1950), produced by with in the lead. These roles were typically minor, reflecting his gradual involvement in the industry while he pursued alongside a background in , for which he held a diploma from College of Arts. Other notable early appearances included Ghar (1945) and Patanga (1949), where he played a , showcasing his versatility in small parts during this formative phase. His role as a police inspector in (1955) foreshadowed the authoritative characters he would later embody. The in profoundly impacted Iftekhar's , prompting his relocation from riot-torn Calcutta to Bombay around 1948, while his parents and siblings migrated to ; he moved with his wife and daughters. In Bombay, he faced acute financial struggles, living modestly at Hotel Evergreen in Khar and taking whatever small roles were available to support his family, amid the challenges of transitioning from the Calcutta film scene to the competitive hub. This period of obscurity persisted through the 1950s, with appearances in films like Sagai (1951), (1955), and (1955), yet he remained largely unrecognized until later breakthroughs; over his lifetime, he contributed to more than 300 films, but his pre-1960s work exemplified the hardships of rebuilding a post-Partition.

Rise to prominence and signature characters

Iftekhar established himself as a leading in the , particularly through his commanding portrayals of authoritative figures that lent gravitas to Bollywood's evolving narratives. His breakthrough came with the role of the stern police inspector in Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer (1973), where he played the superior officer to Amitabh Bachchan's vigilante protagonist, Vijay, embodying the disciplined law enforcer who anchors the film's moral framework amid rising . This performance, though supporting, solidified his image as the epitome of upright authority in an era of social unrest depicted on screen. Demonstrating versatility beyond , Iftekhar portrayed the suave yet corrupt industrialist Mulk Raj Daavar in Yash Chopra's (1975), serving as a mentor to Bachchan's anti-hero and highlighting the temptations of power in the film's exploration of class divide. He frequently embodied stern fathers, doctors, and even villains across more than 300 films from the to the 1990s, but his authoritative presence often provided narrative balance, especially in stories of rebellion and redemption. Iftekhar's contributions were pivotal to the "angry young man" popularized by Bachchan, as his characters frequently represented institutional morality contrasting the protagonists' rage against systemic failures. Typecast as cinema's quintessential cop due to his dignified demeanor and resonant voice, he became a staple in Yash Chopra's productions, appearing in several to reinforce themes of and .

Major collaborations and later works

Iftekhar frequently collaborated with director across several landmark films, including Ittefaq (1969), where he played a supporting role alongside and Nanda, Daag (1973), (1975) as the corrupt industrialist Davar, and (1976) as Mr. Malhotra. These partnerships showcased his versatility in authority figures, contributing to the emotional depth of Chopra's romantic and dramatic narratives. Similarly, Iftekhar shared a prolific on-screen rapport with actor , often portraying the latter's father in multiple films such as (1970), Ittefaq (1969), Khamoshi (1970), Raja Rani (1973), and (1982), where his dignified presence amplified family dynamics and paternal conflicts. His contributions extended to iconic blockbusters, including (1975), where he portrayed Narmalaji, the father of Hema Malini's character , adding gravitas to the village's familial backdrop amid the film's action sequences. In Don (1978), Iftekhar embodied the determined police officer DSP D'Silva, pursuing the titular criminal in a role that exemplified his signature authoritative police persona. These performances in high-impact films underscored his reliability in ensemble casts, blending seamlessly with stars like and . In the 1980s and early , Iftekhar's career shifted toward steady supporting roles in family dramas and action films, with diminished spotlight but consistent presence; notable examples include Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980) as the presiding judge in a thriller, Mahaan (1983) in a multi-generational , and (1983) as a paternal figure in a labor-themed drama. He appeared in over 300 films across five decades, from his debut in the with Taqraar (1944) to his final works in the early , demonstrating remarkable longevity in .

Personal life

Marriage and family

Iftekhar married Hannah Joseph, a Jewish from Calcutta, in the mid-1940s despite opposition from her orthodox family. She converted to and adopted the name Rehana Ahmed following the marriage, marking an interfaith union that his modern-thinking father supported. The couple settled in after the Partition in 1948, relocating with their young daughters amid the ensuing riots and family separations. They had two daughters: Salma, born in 1946, and Saeeda, born in 1947. Salma worked for 14 years as a to N.C. Sippy, maintaining ties to the industry without pursuing an on-screen career herself. The family navigated early financial hardships in , with Salma later recalling periods of food scarcity during their childhood, yet Iftekhar balanced his demanding acting schedule with home responsibilities to provide stability. Neither daughter sought the spotlight in films, allowing the family to remain private amid his public persona. Saeeda passed away from cancer on 7 February 1995.

Death

Iftekhar died on 4 March 1995 in at the age of 75 from a paralytic , which occurred on 23 February, shortly after his 75th birthday on 22 February. The stroke followed a period of declining health exacerbated by profound grief over the recent loss of his daughter Saeeda, who succumbed to cancer on 7 February 1995 after a five-year battle with the disease. Iftekhar had been hospitalized on 13 February, and though he briefly recovered enough to celebrate his birthday, the emotional toll contributed significantly to his final decline. His passing marked the end of a career spanning over five decades in Hindi cinema, where he appeared in more than 300 films. Although Iftekhar did not receive any major awards during his lifetime, his death elicited widespread mourning from industry peers, who paid tribute to his dignified presence and versatility as a . Colleagues remembered him as a "gentleman on and off screen," reflecting his respected status in Bollywood. In the years following his death, Iftekhar has been posthumously recognized as a cinema icon, particularly for his iconic portrayals of authority figures that defined an era of films. Tributes on anniversaries of his passing continue to highlight his enduring legacy as Bollywood's quintessential upright .

Filmography

Selected Hindi films

Iftekhar appeared in over 300 films across five decades, often portraying authoritative figures such as police officers and patriarchs, with selections here highlighting culturally significant works organized by era.

1940s-1950s (Early supporting roles)

  • Taqraar (1944): Debut lead role in this early drama produced by Art Films-Kolkata.
  • Ghar (1945): Supporting role in a family-oriented .
  • (1955): Minor supporting part in Raj Kapoor's classic social satire on urban aspirations.

1960s-1970s (Peak roles, including signature cop archetype)

  • Ittefaq (1969): Police inspector investigating a murder mystery.
  • Zanjeer (1973): Senior mentoring the protagonist's transformation into the "angry young man."
  • Deewaar (1975): Mulk Raj Daavar, the smuggler who influences the anti-hero son.
  • Sholay (1975): Narmalaji, Radha's father, providing emotional depth to the village elder dynamic.
  • Don (1978): DSP D'Silva, the resolute leading the crusade against the underworld don.

1980s-1990s (Mature character roles)

  • Karz (1980): Supporting authority figure in the thriller.
  • Rajput (1982): Patriarchal role in the family -action film.
  • Awam (1987): Key supporting character in the socio-political .
  • Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980): The overseeing the high-profile .
  • Dostana (1980): Prosecuting in the .
  • Bekhudi (1992): Mature supporting role in the romantic .
  • Shiva (1989): Principal, embodying educational and moral guidance.

Television and international appearances

Iftekhar ventured into television with guest appearances as Inspector Wahl in two episodes of the American adventure series Maya, which aired from 1967 to 1968 and was filmed on location in , contributing to the show's depiction of Indian locales and culture. In film, Iftekhar appeared in the English-language production (1970), directed by , where he played the character Vizarat Khan, a supporting role in this Merchant Ivory exploration of the Indian film industry. Later, in 1992, he took on the role of Hasari's father in , a Hollywood adaptation of Dominique Lapierre's novel directed by , starring and featuring a multinational cast set amid Kolkata's slums. These international forays were infrequent amid Iftekhar's extensive of over 300 films spanning five decades, underscoring his versatility in adapting to Western productions while maintaining a strong presence in Indian cinema. No additional credited international cameos from the 1970s to 1990s are documented in major film databases.

References

  1. https://www.cinemaazi.com/public/people/iftekhar
  2. https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1053253
  3. https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/iftekhar-bollywoods-favourite-cop-was-also-an-exceptional-painter/374965/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0407002/
  5. https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/this-week-that-year-an-officer-and-a-gentleman/articleshow/74481227.html
  6. https://cinemaazi.com/people/iftekhar
  7. https://www.bollywoodirect.com/powerful-actor-superfine-painter-iftekhar/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216266/
  9. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/iftekhar
  10. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/zanjeer-drama-continues-to-unfold-/articleshow/12895840.cms
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/a-k-hangal-achala-sachdev-and-iftekarremembering-the-legends-of-bollywood-we-rarely-celebrate/photostory/123760237.cms
  12. https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/kaamyaab-bollywood-character-actors-jagdish-raj-leela-mishra-roopesh-kumar
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074730/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073707/characters/nm0407002/
  15. https://www.bollywoodmdb.com/celebrities/filmography/iftekhar/6458
  16. https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/actor/iftekhar
  17. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0407002/trivia/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0407002/bio/
  19. https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/this-week-that-year-an-officer-and-a-gentleman/articleshow/74481227.cms
  20. https://cinemaazi.com/film/taqraar
  21. https://cinemaazi.com/film/ittefaq
  22. https://cinemaazi.com/film/zanjeer-1973
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072860/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073707/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077451/
  26. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/110096-iftekhar
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0248428/fullcredits/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061278/fullcredits/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065484/fullcredits/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.