A.K. Hangal: From Freedom Fighter to 'Sholay' Fame, Debuted at 52

• A.K. Hangal, born February 1, 1914, in Sialkot, was a freedom fighter who spent three years in Karachi Jail before moving to Mumbai.
• He debuted in films at 52 with 'Teesri Kasam' (1966) after a career as a tailor and active involvement in theater from 1949-1965.
• Hangal gained widespread recognition for his role as Rahim Chacha in 'Sholay', with his iconic dialogue 'Itna sannata kyon hai bhai'.
• He worked in over 200 films, often portraying fatherly or elderly figures, and delivered a blockbuster with Zeenat Aman in 1978's 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'.
• His powerful acting made even small roles memorable, with his last film being 'Paheli' in 2005.

Why It Matters: A.K. Hangal's journey from freedom fighter to iconic actor, debuting at 52, left an indelible mark on cinema.