Iftekhar
Actor
About Iftekhar
Iftekhar was a distinguished Indian character actor who became one of Hindi cinema's most recognizable supporting performers, known for his authoritative presence and dignified portrayals. Beginning his career in the 1940s after working as a radio announcer, he quickly established himself as a reliable character actor, particularly excelling in roles of police officers, judges, and government officials. His breakthrough came with films like 'Sagai' (1951) and 'Mirza Ghalib' (1954), but his appearance in Raj Kapoor's iconic 'Shree 420' (1955) brought him wider recognition. Over his remarkable five-decade career spanning from 1944 to 1995, he appeared in more than 400 films, working with three generations of Bollywood stars from Raj Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan. Despite never playing a lead role, Iftekhar became synonymous with the police inspector character in Bollywood, earning him the nickname of the 'perennial police inspector' of Indian cinema. His tall stature, deep voice, and natural acting style made him the go-to actor for roles requiring gravitas and authority. He continued working until his death in 1995, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as one of Indian cinema's most prolific and respected character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Iftekhar was known for his natural, dignified acting style characterized by restraint and authenticity. He possessed a deep, resonant voice and tall stature that made him perfect for authoritative roles, bringing gravitas to every character he portrayed. His approach was subtle yet powerful, relying more on expressions and voice modulation than dramatic gestures. He had the unique ability to make even minor supporting roles memorable through his consistent performances and professional dedication. Whether playing a stern police officer, a compassionate judge, or a government official, he brought credibility and depth to his characters that elevated the entire production.
Milestones
- Debut in 'Sikandar' (1944)
- Breakthrough role in 'Sagai' (1951)
- Memorable performance in 'Shree 420' (1955)
- Filmfare Award for 'Mausam' (1975)
- Over 400 films in career
- Iconic police officer roles in 1970s cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - 'Mausam' (1975)
Nominated
- Filmfare nominations for various supporting roles throughout 1970s-80s
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of Bollywood's most prolific character actors
- Posthumously honored in retrospectives of classic Hindi cinema
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Iftekhar significantly shaped the archetype of the authority figure in Indian cinema, creating a template for how police officers, judges, and officials would be portrayed in Bollywood for decades. His consistent and dignified performances helped establish the credibility and importance of supporting roles in Hindi cinema, proving that character actors could be as memorable as leads. His work in landmark films like 'Shree 420', 'Zanjeer', and 'Deewar' contributed to some of the most significant films in Bollywood history, with his presence lending authenticity to the narratives. He demonstrated that supporting actors could have sustainable, long-term careers in the film industry, paving the way for future generations of character performers.
Lasting Legacy
Iftekhar's legacy lies in his unparalleled contribution to character acting in Indian cinema and his role in establishing the importance of supporting performers. His name became synonymous with the police officer role in Bollywood, creating an iconic image that influenced how these characters were written and performed for decades. With over 400 films to his credit, he created a comprehensive document of the evolution of Hindi cinema from the 1950s through the 1980s. Contemporary character actors frequently cite him as an inspiration for his dedication, professionalism, and ability to make every role memorable regardless of screen time. His performances continue to be studied and appreciated in film schools and retrospectives of classic Hindi cinema.
Who They Inspired
Iftekhar influenced generations of character actors in Indian cinema, particularly those specializing in authoritative roles. His natural acting style and dignified presence set a standard for supporting performances that many actors still aspire to emulate. Directors often wrote specific roles with him in mind, demonstrating his impact on the filmmaking process itself. His success showed that character actors could achieve recognition and respect without playing lead roles, encouraging many performers to pursue supporting roles rather than struggling for stardom. His work ethic and professionalism became legendary in the industry, influencing how actors approach their craft and careers.
Off Screen
Iftekhar was known as a private individual who maintained a low profile despite his long and successful career in the film industry. He was married to Hannah Iftekhar and remained devoted to her throughout his life. Colleagues and co-actors remembered him as extremely professional, disciplined, and always punctual on film sets. Despite appearing in hundreds of films and working with the biggest stars, he lived a humble life away from the glamour and publicity that often accompanied film stardom. He was respected in the industry for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to help younger actors.
Education
Limited information available; worked as radio announcer before entering films
Family
- Hannah Iftekhar (married until his death in 1995)
Did You Know?
- Despite appearing in over 400 films, he never played the lead role
- He was originally a radio announcer before entering films
- He was often typecast as a police officer but played it differently each time
- He worked with three generations of Bollywood actors from 1940s to 1990s
- His deep voice made him a popular choice for narration in documentaries
- He never received formal acting training
- He was known for his punctuality and professionalism on sets
- He appeared in both Raj Kapoor's and Amitabh Bachchan's most iconic films
- His role in 'Zanjeer' as the police commissioner was crucial to the film's success
- He continued acting even in his later years despite health issues
- He was one of the few actors to successfully transition from black and white to color cinema
- His real name was Iftekhar Ahmed Shareef but he used only his first name professionally
In Their Own Words
Acting is not about being the hero, it's about being true to the character
Every role, big or small, deserves the same dedication and respect
The audience remembers good performances, not the length of the role
In character acting, you learn to make an impact with limited screen time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Iftekhar?
Iftekhar was a prolific Indian character actor who appeared in over 400 Hindi films from the 1940s to 1990s, best known for playing authoritative roles like police officers and judges with his distinctive dignified presence and deep voice.
What films is Iftekhar best known for?
He is best known for his roles in classic films like 'Shree 420' (1955), 'Waqt' (1965), 'Zanjeer' (1973), 'Deewar' (1975), 'Sholay' (1975), and 'Don' (1978), where he often played police officials and authority figures.
When was Iftekhar born and when did he die?
Iftekhar was born on February 22, 1920, in Jalandhar, Punjab, British India, and passed away on March 4, 1995, in Mumbai, India, at the age of 75 after a career spanning five decades.
What awards did Iftekhar win?
He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'Mausam' (1975), though he received numerous accolades throughout his career for his consistent and memorable character performances.
What was Iftekhar's acting style?
Iftekhar was known for his natural, dignified acting style with a restrained approach, using his deep voice and tall stature to portray authority figures with authenticity and gravitas, making every role memorable regardless of screen time.
Why was Iftekhar called the 'perennial police inspector'?
He earned this nickname because he played police officers and inspectors so frequently and convincingly that it became his signature role type, appearing as a law enforcement official in dozens of films throughout his career with unique variations each time.
How did Iftekhar influence Bollywood cinema?
Iftekhar established the importance and credibility of character actors in Bollywood, created the template for authority figure portrayals, and demonstrated that supporting actors could have long, respected careers while significantly contributing to classic films' success.
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Films
3 films
