Legendary actor Murad, renowned for his role in “Mughal-E-Azam” and over 500 films, faced significant financial challenges, living without electricity and never owning a car, a reality his son, Raza Murad, candidly discussed.
A Childhood of Scarcity
Raza Murad, a prominent actor himself, recently shared insights into his family’s past struggles. He recalled a childhood in Bhopal where their home lacked electricity, forcing him to study under a lamppost late into the night for his exams.
This stark reality existed despite his father, Murad, being a prolific actor from the Golden Era of Indian cinema. Murad’s career spanned decades, starting before India’s independence, and included iconic movies like “Do Bigha Zamin” and a Hollywood venture, “Tarzan Goes to India.”
The Cost of Not Planning Ahead
Raza Murad emphasized the importance of financial foresight, especially for those in the entertainment industry. He believes many yesteryear stars faced hardship in their later years due to a lack of savings and proper planning.
He cited numerous examples of actors who earned considerable wealth and fame during their peak but spent it all. This often led to them living in rented accommodations or relying on public transport in old age, a stark contrast to their earlier lavish lifestyles.
Learning from His Father’s Path
Raza Murad openly discussed how his father’s circumstances shaped his own financial outlook. Despite his father’s extensive filmography, their family never owned a car and lived in a rented house.
He considers buying his own home a crucial step he took early in his career. Raza Murad explained that sometimes, lessons on what not to do are learned from elders, a sentiment he expressed without disparaging his father’s choices.
Murad: The Prolific Performer
Murad was not only a prolific actor but also known for playing specific roles frequently. His son revealed that Murad acted in over 500 films and is believed to hold a world record for playing judges in approximately 300 movies, earning him the moniker “Murad Rampuri.”
His entry into acting was somewhat accidental; banished from his hometown of Rampur after an altercation, he moved to Mumbai in 1938 intending to become a writer. However, director Mehboob Khan hired him as an actor, setting him on a legendary path.
Raza Murad’s Own Journey
Inspired by his aging father and the need to support his family, Raza Murad embarked on his own acting career in 1968. He joined FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) with a clear five-year plan for success in the industry.
Like his father, Raza Murad has established himself as a respected character actor with a vast filmography. He continues the legacy, having learned valuable life and financial lessons from his father’s journey.
- Veteran actor Murad appeared in over 500 films, including “Mughal-E-Azam” and “Do Bigha Zamin.”
- Despite his prolific career, Murad’s family lived without electricity and never owned a car.
- His son, Raza Murad, emphasized the crucial need for actors to save for their old age.
- Murad holds an unofficial record for playing judges in an estimated 300 films.
Stories like Murad’s serve as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of careers in the film industry and the enduring importance of financial planning.
