Adds Shabana Azmi, “He was a very close friend of my family.He costarred with my mother in several plays by IPTA. He was committed to using art as an instrument of social change and was in the forefront of all demonstrations and protests held on social issues.He used to be a tailor, and till the very end dressed nattily and stitched his own suits.He played a wily godman in Shatranj Ke Mohre to perfection, as also a film producer in Sagar Sarhadi’s Tanhai opposite my mum(Shaukat Azmi). I’d rate Sholay, Deewar and Arjun among his most memorable roles.He was a perfectionist and would ask so many questions about his character that all at IPTA would tease me if I asked too many questions and say, ‘Hangal ho gayi ho kya?!!’.He was a progressive liberal and a secular individual.We will all miss him.”
Raza Murad,a selfproclaimed fan of A K Hangal’s talents is deeply disappointed by the poor turn-out at the deceased actor’s funeral. “It was disappointing. The man gave 50 years of his life to this film industry.I feel the busy stars could have spared at least 50 minutes of their time to pay their final respects. And to think that the crematorium in Vile Parle is not too far off from these stars’ bungalows.In fact many cops were deployed in anticipation of a huge turn-out.I have to admit with a heavy heart that it’s a cruel world. They didn’t consider this departed soul important enough to be given an honourable send-off. God bless.”