Haidar Ali/ Hyder Ali/ Haider Ali

Spelled variously as Haidar Ali, Hyder Ali, and Haider Ali, the name of this actor is synonymous with the historical stalwart Hyder Ali who was the Sultan of the Kingdom of Mysore in the late eighteenth century. The recent Haidar Ali is but a stalwart actor whose appearances in Hindi films are regrettably few.Television viewers of the 1980s would remember him well for his role as Raja in the classic comedy serial Nukkad (1986-87). Raja Patel was that unemployed vagabond who used to strut arounddressed smartly in a suit with an “I know it all” attitude. Doordarshan had telecast this serial which turned out to be hugely popular during those times. A subsequent serial on Doordarshan called Circus (1989) directed by Aziz Mirza had starred him as Ringmaster. This too became significantly popular. The monopoly of Doordarshan in those days meant that Haidar’s fame had reached a greater number of homes. The success of Nukkad compelled Doordarshan to re-launch it in 1993 with a new title Naya Nukkad. But this time, it couldn’t garner equal popularity.

Haidar’s fame seemed to diminish after the television serials Nukkad and Circus. Although he acted in quite a few serials and Hindi movies after these, none of them had him in a prominent role. Perhaps, due to Haidar’s dissipating age, he was portrayed as a character of subordinate value in films. Still, Haidar had the privilege to work alongside the renowned stars Shah Rukh Khan and Hritik Roshan.He has playedcharacter roles in the movies Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000), Chalte Chalte (2003) and Kismat Konnection (2008), which were directed by Aziz Mirza. Under Sudhir Mishra’s direction, he was cast in Main Zinda Hoon (1988) and Khoya Khoya Chand (2007). Under his former co-actor Gowariker’s direction, he was cast in Baazi (1995) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). Haidar had also been the co-writer of the film Jodha Akbar, in which he had a special appearance in the song Khwaja Mere Khwaja.  Perhaps, his contribution in Jodha Akbar (2008) is one of his best achievements in films.

Born: 16 February 1948

Place of Birth: Mumbai (Maharashtra), India

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Occupation: actor, screenwriter

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Years Active: 1986- present

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