I envied Farooque Shaikh's fine chikan kurtas, says SM Zaheer

Veteran actor SM Zaheer hails from Lucknow yet he envied the late Farooque Shaikh's elegant white chikan kurtas that he sourced from the city. "I would always laugh and say Farooque Sahab, aap aisa libaas kahaan se haasil karte hain. Hum Lucknow ke hain par humein toh nahin milta," he laughs.
Farooq Shaikh's 67th birth anniversary will be observed on Wednesday, March 25.
Zaheer Sahab, whose career spans theatre, television and cinema, did one film with Farooque Shaikh but treasures that association to this day.It was a mad comedy titled Ab Ayega Mazaa which was directed by Pankuj Parashar in 1984. The team spent considerable footage reshooting this whacky picture as the cast and crew dissolved in laughter while filming several scenes.
READ: Vikram Gokhale: Genuine respect for Farooq Shaikh as a human being
Shaikh Sahab's leading lady Anita Raj had earlier said to TOI how the Delhi winter made this film memorable because the actors got to bring out their warm woolens. The weather heightened the flavour of the lovely street food as well. "That was the first time I saw an actor order food for the entire unit," she had said recalling Shaikh Sahab's generosity.
Zaheer Sahab had an important role in Ab Ayega Mazaa. "I have beautiful memories of that film. Farooque Shaikh was a wonderful man, a perfect blend of charm and wit. His manner of speaking would bind you to him instantly. He dealt equitably with everybody. Be it his co-artistes or the common spot boy you would see him speak kindly and politely with every person."
READ: Rekha Sahai: Imagine my loss if I had never met Farooq Shaikh
"I have particularly noticed his courtesy towards ladies. Various people would drop in to meet the actors on set. Each time a woman came up to him, either to meet him or seeking an autograph, he would stand up to greet her. It did not have to be someone he knew, Farooque Sahab could not remain sitting when a lady was approaching him. His eyes reflected a respect for women that was not contrived, not formal, not forced, it was innate and inborn. Andarooni jazba tha. Unmein dikhava nahin tha,'' Zaheer Sahabsays, adding, "Sirf bade insaan hi aisa kar sakte hain."
The actors shared a couple of scenes in the film and the inherent humour prompted a spontaneous give and take. "There were many retakes because everybody kept laughing all the time," Zaheer smiles.
SM Zaheer, a qualified engineer, stayed in Delhi where he worked and also did theatre. Afterwards, he moved to Mumbai when he gave up his job to become a full-time actor. He became a household name thanks to television serials Hum Log and Buniyaad.
He says, "Farooque Sahabhad a phenomenal memory. We did not meet for 10-12 years, but when we did, he remembered every little detail of the time we had spent together. Jaise kal hi ki baat ho. Woh mere dost the, mere azeez the."
On December 28, 2013, Zaheer was shooting in Andhra Pradesh when he heard Shaikh Sahab was no more. "His passing is a big loss. Farooque Sahab was a great actor but a greater person, of that there is no doubt. I tried my best but I was unable to arrive in time for the last rites on December 30. Maine unki maghfirat ki dua'a ki. It was a while before I returned home to Mumbai with a heavy heart, but by then it was too late to visit his household. And what do you say about such a colossal loss."
LISTEN: Songs of Farooq Shaikh on Gaana.com
For latest Bollywood updates follow TOI Entertain on Twitter >>>@TOIEntertain
For the latest in Bollywood news, like TOI Entertaiment on Facebook >>>TOIEntertain
WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Farooq Shaikh, Deepti Naval & Rakesh Bedi