When Pran got pat on the back from former Prez Zakir Hussain for portrayal of 'Malang Chacha' in Upkar 


Dr Zakir Hussain was astonished that the famous villain had played Malang Chacha's role with such finesse 


By Rajesh Ahuja 


His portrayal of 'Malang Chacha' in Manoj Kumar’s Upkar won him the accolades and admiration of film lovers across the country as well as his industry colleagues. 


However,  it was not just fans and industry colleagues who gave a resounding approval to Pran for his portrayal of Malang Chacha. 


For the portrayal of the iconic role,  Pran got a pat on the back from no less a person than former President Zakir Hussain. 


Pran got a pat on the back from President Zakir Hussain for his portrayal of Malang Chacha in Upkar 




During the premiere show of Upkar,  where the then President Zakir Hussain was the chief guest,  the producer and director Manoj Kumar presented the members of the cast to the President, it has been revealed in the biography of Pran,  penned by Bunny Reuben. 


When the President was introduced to Pran,  he was astonished to find that the famous villain had played Malang Chacha's role with such finesse. 


Talking about the incident, the biography says, 'Presenting Pran to the President,  Manoj Kumar said, 'this is Pran who played the role of Malang Chacha in the film. On hearing this, the President stood rock still and  he  kept looking  at  Pran as if he was unable  to believe what he had just  heard. 


Then,  with a great deal of enthusiasm, he stepped  forward towards Pran  and, after congratulating him for his excellent performance,  shook his hand and patted him on his  back. ' 


According to the biographer, the reaction of the President revealed that he too was astonished that it was the famous  villain  who had played Malang Chacha's role with such finesse. 


'Dr Zakir Hussain's surprise when he was introduced to Pran reveals how, even in the mind of the President of India, Pran's villain image had been so firmly fixed. The President was astonished to find out that it was the famous villain who had played Malang Chacha's role with such finesse, 'the biographer said. 


The role of Malang Chacha in Upkar marked Pran's transition from villainous roles to character roles. 


His performance in the film evoked praise from fans, critics as well as industry colleagues. 


Pran's performance won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting actor. 


Also Read 


Kishore Kumar's refusal to sing 'Kasme Vaade Pyar'  for Manoj Kumar’s Upkar paved way for Manna Dey 




When Pran charged just one rupee from Raj Kapoor for Bobby 


When Manoj Kumar joined the cast of Aadmi after last minute exit of Dharmendra 



Pran recommended Dev Anand to Prakash Mehra as hero  for Zanzeer 




When Rishi Kapoor turned down offer to do a guest appearance in Koi Mil Gaya 


When RD Burman sought Rishi Kapoor's help to get work in his films in 90s 









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