Itna Sannata Kyun Hai Bhai? By A.K. Hangal Translated by Anwar Iqbal Atlantis Publications ISBN: 978-969-601-817-9 198pp.

For some, Avtar Krishan Hangal (1914-2012) is remembered as the actor who appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bahaduri, Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman and Dev Anand in a number of films. For many others, however, he was far more than an actor. He was a living witness to history, with a life and character larger than life itself.

A convincing actor who could get into the skin of any character offered, he is known for films such as Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Des Pardes, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Shauqeen and Aamir Khan’s Lagaan. But he is best known as Imam Sahib in Sholay. That’s why Itna Sannata Kyun Hai Bhai? [Why is it so quiet?] — one of the most iconic dialogues from the movie — has been chosen as the title of the Urdu translation of his autobiography, Life and Times of A.K. Hangal.

Originally published in 1999, the English book traces Hangal’s life, much of which was spent in what is now Pakistan. The memoir chronicles his years as a stylish tailor, trained theatre actor, trade unionist and committed social activist. The recent Urdu translation by Anwar Iqbal is a remarkable effort.

The story begins in Sialkot, Hangal’s city of birth. From his earliest memories of his mother’s funeral to his father’s transfer to Peshawar, he records the 1920s and 1930s with such clarity that the period feels almost contemporary. For anyone seeking a glimpse of Peshawar in the 1930s and Karachi in the 1940s, this book is an invaluable read.

Best remembered as Sholay’s Imam Sahib, A.K. Hangal was also a tailor, theatre stalwart, trade unionist, political activist and eyewitness to some of South Asia’s defining moments. His autobiography is now available in Urdu

Best remembered as Sholay’s Imam Sahib,........

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