MID-DAY (May 1, 2020)

I worked with Chintuji in films like Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani, and Ghar Ki Izzat. As a newcomer, I would be in awe [of him]. An effortless actor, he would barely rehearse, but the director would always be happy with his first take.

Though a little detached, he was always friendly. Chintuji [would arrive on set] at 10 am. He would often sit outdoors under a tree to have his make-up done. His make-up artiste, Shashi dada, would set out a neat table with the [products]. A tiny transistor radio would be turned on while the make-up was done. When done, Chintuji would impatiently pick up the sponge, rub it all over his face, and undo dada's effort, and then announce that he was ready.

As time went by, and we worked on more films together, including Bol Radha Bol and Saajan Ka Ghar, Chintuji [and I] would play Scrabble on set. I played well, but he was too good, and would often beat me. Nonetheless, I kept trying to win!

In September 2017, a charming script [of the upcoming film, Sharmaji Namkeen] was narrated to me. It was about a middle-aged gentleman called Sharmaji. I liked it immensely and found it amusing and heart-warming. It was tailor-made for Chintuji. Producer Honey Trehan wanted to hold a joint narration with the entire cast and crew. It seemed like a good ice-breaker.

Chintuji was reluctant, but agreed, because he said Amitabh Bachchan would do such sessions often. He said [he'd leave early] too, however, when the reading began, it was so joyful that he stayed till the end, and was the last to leave.

I last met Chintuji at HK hospital, where he had gone for a routine treatment, in early March.

A few days ago, I thought I should check on him. I heard the news [of his passing] this morning, and was devastated. I have many happy memories of him, and have laughed so much on the sets with him. I am going to miss him very much.

David Dhawan talks about being at ease as soon as 'my best actor' Kader Khan walked in on set
David Dhawan (MID-DAY; January 2, 2018)

I got to know at 5 am yesterday that Bhaijaan [Kader Khan] had passed away. I spoke to his son, Sarfaraz. He was crying because he knew the relationship I shared with his dad. I was shattered, and started crying too. You will never see me cry like that.

The first film I did with him was Bol Radha Bol (1992), and the last film was Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004). He was excited to work with a newcomer like me in Bol Radha Bol and listened attentively when I narrated his scenes. Role hila ke rakh diya! His work was fantastic. He'd play the most challenging characters with such conviction! I don't think we can get an actor like him again. He was my Hero No.1; an anchor in my career. We did 15 movies together, all of them were hits. Our relationship changed from a professional one, to one that was personal - a deeper, warmer friendship emerged.

When I saw him perform for the first time, I was shocked. He was completely different before the camera, and never did any prep. Today, people read scripts and prepare for days before shooting. He would understand how to perform scenes in no time. If there was a challenging sequence, I didn't have to instruct him about it. He was a race driver; one who was very fast. At times, I would tell him, Bhaijaan, kuch karo na? Mazaa nahi aa raha hai. He would be spontaneous and deliver.

The film industry has not given him what he deserved. Woh raja tha… pen aur acting se kya kamaal karta tha. People thought he wrote great comedies, but the kind of emotional [material] he wrote was unbelievable. He would work on a scene seamlessly, jaise teer maar diya ho. But, he'd never put up a front to imply that he was such a good writer or actor.

He deserved to get a Padmashri award, but did not. He has also got [limited] awards from Bollywood. At a point, the South film industry was in his pocket. Every producer wanted to sign him. When he would land at the airport, four to five cars, full of producers, would be waiting for him.

He conducted himself with dignity, and commanded respect when he came on set. He had the aura of a star - Pathani mein aate the, gaadi se utar ke van jaate the and would ask for the scenes. He would not sit and fool around with us. When he would come on set, my confidence would increase several notches, as I knew my best actor has come.

After he fell ill, I could not keep in touch with him, because he wasn't able to talk. He suffered a lot over the last 10 years. He was also losing his memory. I wish Varun [Dhawan, son] had the opportunity to work with Bhaijaan. But now, it won't be fulfilled. I salute Bhaijaan.