Veteran Bollywood actor Nazir Hussain was active in the film industry from 1948 to 1996. Although he typically played supporting roles, his memorable performances have left a lasting impression on audiences. Today, we are going to share a few intriguing facts about Nazir Hussain that you might not be aware of. Nazir was born on May 15, 1922, in Usiya village, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Shahbazad Khan, worked as a guard for the Indian Railways. Following his father’s recommendation, Nazir secured a government job as a fireman in the railways. After a few months, he left the job and joined the British Army.
According to media reports, the Second World War broke out during Nazir’s tenure in the British Army, leading to his deployment to the battlefield. He was stationed in Singapore and Malaysia for a significant period, facing the intense conditions of wartime. As the war escalated, Nazir was captured by enemy forces and imprisoned in a Malaysian jail. His time in captivity was challenging, but after a few days, he was released and repatriated to India. Upon returning to India, Nazir’s experiences had a profound impact on him. He decided to join the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), led by Subhas Chandra Bose and aimed at securing India’s independence from British rule. His involvement in the Azad Hind Fauj marked a significant shift in his life, showcasing his dedication to the cause of India’s freedom.
Nazir was also sentenced to death by the British while he was in jail and not knowing about his whereabouts, his family considered him martyred. Once, the British were taking Nazir from Howrah to Delhi by train. During this time, Nazir secretly wrote a letter on a piece of paper informing them about his well-being and as soon as he reached Dildarnagar junction, he threw the paper out of the window. Only then did his family get to know about him. At that time, the villagers did try to free him from the British, but they failed. Later, when the country became independent, Nazir was released.
It is said that after his release, Nazir was given a lifetime railway pass. His entry into the film industry was facilitated by the renowned filmmaker Bimal Roy. Following this introduction, Nazir appeared in numerous films, both in minor and major roles. Some of the notable films he acted in include Parineeta, Jeevan Jyoti, Musafir, Anuradha, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Naya Daur, Kati Patang, and Kashmir Ki Kali. In 1960, Nazir had the honour of meeting India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad. During this meeting, President Prasad encouraged Nazir to take the initiative in promoting Bhojpuri cinema. Inspired by this suggestion, Nazir Hussain went on to produce the first Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo, in 1963. This film marked the beginning of Bhojpuri cinema.
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