Veteran Punjabi actor, producer and winner of Dadasaheb Phalke award, Mehar Mittal passed away after keeping unwell for some time in Mount Abu on Saturday. He was 81.
Born in Bathinda on October 24, 1935, he started as an actor in local Ram leelas but later became one of the finest comedians of his time. He had worked in around 200 movies and TV serials and ruled Punjabi entertainment industry cinema for three decades.
He was one of the actors who set a benchmark through his comic roles. He was awarded for his selfless, devoted and inspiring services as a cine artist in Punjabi films at Dadasaheb Phalke Academy at the 136th Dadasaheb Phalke Jayanti in Mumbai.
Mittal used to play small roles in Ram leela and audience used to like his comedy more than Ram leela. He even acted in few plays which helped him to get a break in movies.
Due to his popularity in Punjab, condolences from all quarters poured in.
Condoling the demise, Punjab Congress President Capt. Amarinder Singh described said it was a major loss not only for the bereaved family but also the Punjabi entertainment industry, He said Mittal’s contribution to the Punjabi film industry was immense. Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Captain Amarinder said in a statement here, “I pray for peace for the departed soul.”
Aam Aadmi Party also expressed grief describing it as a big loss to the nation. In a press statement, AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich said that Mehar Mittal was an asset for the Punjabi theatre and his demise is a great loss to the art world.
Waraich said that as an actor he learned a lot from Mittal and his work will continue to motivate coming generations to learn theater. Showing solidarity with the Mittal family, he prayed to almighty to give strength to the family to bear the loss.