Mehmood once mistook Rajiv Gandhi for a new actor

On the birth anniversary of legendary Hindi cinema comedian Mehmood, an anecdote from Hanif Javeeri’s book, ‘Mehmood: A Man of Many Moods’, has resurfaced regarding the actor's encounter with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Before the release of the film ‘Bombay to Goa’, Amitabh Bachchan brought a young friend from Delhi to Mumbai. Impressed by the young man's appearance, Mehmood believed he was a rising actor and attempted to sign him for his next film by offering 5,000 rupees through his brother, Anwar Ali. However, Mehmood was informed that the individual was actually Rajiv Gandhi, the son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Mehmood reportedly took the money back immediately after the revelation. The incident is noted as a humorous moment shared by both Bachchan and Gandhi. The story also highlights Mehmood's early recognition of Amitabh Bachchan's talent, providing him with a significant opportunity in ‘Bombay to Goa’.