Mumbai: Large eyes, a stern mustache, and a deep voice—don’t be misled! We are talking about the magician of comedy, Utpal Dutt, whose impeccable comedic timing made audiences burst into laughter. Even in serious roles, Dutt infused an unmistakable comic touch that left a lasting impression. His film Gol Maal is still one of the first names that come to mind when discussing comedy movies, bringing an instant smile to many faces. As we celebrate his 96th birth anniversary on March 29, let’s take a look at some of his most hilarious films.
Utpal Dutt began his cinematic journey with the Bengali film Michael Madhusudhan. Though he acted in relatively fewer Hindi films, each of his performances left an indelible mark. Some of his most iconic movies include Gol Maal, Shaukeen, Naram Garam, Kissi Se Na Kehna, and Angoor.
Gol Maal (1979)
One of Utpal Dutt’s most celebrated films, Gol Maal, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, became an instant classic. The movie follows the story of Bhavani Shankar (played by Dutt), a wealthy but conservative man who despises modernity and extravagance. The film revolves around Ram Prasad (Amol Palekar), who tries to meet Bhavani’s expectations in a hilariously convoluted way. Dutt’s impeccable comedic timing made the film unforgettable, earning him the title of ‘Comedy King’. Gol Maal also starred Bindiya Goswami in a key role.
Shaukeen (1982)
Another gem in Utpal Dutt’s filmography is Shaukeen, directed by Basu Chatterjee. This film tells the story of three elderly men, whose shared weakness for young women lands them in amusing situations. With veteran actors Ashok Kumar and A.K. Hangal joining Dutt in the lead roles, along with Mithun Chakraborty and Rati Agnihotri, the film remains a beloved comedy classic.
Kissi Se Na Kehna (1983)
Dutt’s role as Kailashpati in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Kissi Se Na Kehna left audiences in splits. The story follows a traditional father who wants his son (Farooq Sheikh) to marry an uneducated girl, only to discover that his son is in love with a well-educated woman, Ramola (Deepti Naval). The hilarious series of events that follow showcase Dutt’s ability to blend stern expressions with impeccable comic timing. The film also featured Saeed Jaffrey in a significant role.
Naram Garam (1981)
This 1981 comedy, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, revolves around Kusum (Swaroop Sampat) and her father Vishnu Prasad (A.K. Hangal), who become homeless due to unpaid debts. Ramprasad (Amol Palekar) steps in to help, and the situation turns hilarious when Utpal Dutt enters the scene as an eccentric landlord. His comic brilliance added another feather to his cap in this light-hearted entertainer. The film also starred Shatrughan Sinha, Swaroop Sampat, and other talented actors.
Angoor (1982)
Inspired by William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, Angoor is another masterpiece starring Utpal Dutt alongside Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma. The film, directed by renowned lyricist Gulzar, follows the chaos that ensues due to mistaken identities involving two pairs of twins. Dutt played the role of their father, delivering a performance that perfectly complemented the film’s witty narrative and humorous twists.
A Legacy of Laughter
Utpal Dutt’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly in comedy, remains unparalleled. His ability to deliver humor with a straight face and unique dialogue delivery continues to entertain audiences even today. On his 96th birth anniversary, his timeless performances remind us why he remains one of the greatest comedic legends of Indian cinema.
