The silent angel: When Farooque Sheikh paid for an injured lightman’s treatment

There are many versatile performers who have immensely contributed to the rich history of Indian cinema. Late veteran actor Farooque Sheikh’s name is definitely one among them. It’s been more than three years since this talented actor has left us and many of his loved ones bereaved. But, there are some very beautiful memories that he has left behind which will always remain etched in our hearts. Farooque Sheikh was known for many of his memorable performances in a career spanning almost four decades with films like ‘Garam Hava’, ‘Bazaar’, ‘Rang Birangi’ ‘Lahore’, etc. But, for us undoubtedly his best performance was ‘Chashme Buddoor’ (1981), which is considered as one of the most iconic comedy films ever made in Bollywood.

Directed by Sai Paranjpye, this is by far the most cherished work of Farooque Sheikh as an actor. However, not many would know that it was during the shooting of this film that director Sai got to know about Farooque’s kind-hearted nature which made him an angel in her eyes. It was after the actor’s sudden demise in year 2013 when Sai recalled in one of her interviews about a heart-touching incident while she was filming ‘Chashme Buddoor’ in capital city. (Also Check: In pictures: Farooque Sheikh’s 7 most impactful roles)

She had said, “During the shooting of ‘Chashme Buddoor’ in Delhi one of our light boys fell from the roof. He had to be hospitalised. Farooque would quietly visit the injured lightman and pay for his treatment. He said nothing about his generosity to any of us. He was a silent doer.”

“Farooque was an angel. He was god’s child. One always says nice things about the departed. But honestly, even if Farooque were alive, I wouldn’t have a single bad thing to say about him,” added the director.

After ‘Chashme Buddoor’, Farooque and director Sai had yet again teamed up for ‘Katha’ (1983) co-starring Naseeruddin Shah and Deepti Naval (the lead actress in ‘Chashme Buddoor’ as well).

Well, it is but difficult in today’s times to find a person so generous and so kind-hearted like late Farooque Sheikh.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.