Mehmood: The Comedian Who Hid His Deepest Pain Behind Laughter

Legendary actor and comedian Mehmood was known for making generations laugh, but behind his cheerful screen image was a life filled with emotional wounds, regrets, and personal struggles. In an interview, Mehmood once revealed a painful truth about his sons:

“I gave each of them six lakh rupees and told them to invest wisely. But they spent all the money on enjoyment and pleasure.”

Today, as we remember Mehmood on his death anniversary—23 July 2004—we revisit one of the most painful chapters of his life, a chapter that stayed with him like a thorn in his heart till his last breath.

The Unseen Side of a Comic Genius

Mehmood’s life proves a harsh reality: a person who appears joyful on the outside is not always happy within. While audiences adored him for his humor, his personal life was marked by emotional turmoil—especially his relationship with his first wife, Madhubala “Madhu” Kumari.

Marriage to Madhu Kumari – A Love That Didn’t Last

Mehmood’s first wife was Madhu Kumari, the younger sister of legendary actress Meena Kumari. Madhu was a well-known child artist in the 1940s, popularly recognized as Baby Madhuri. Her real name was Malika.

She appeared alongside a young Shashi Kapoor in the 1945 film Bachpan, where both were child actors. After marrying Mehmood in 1953, Madhu chose to leave films and focus on family life.

Their Children and Individual Journeys

Mehmood and Madhu had four sons:

• Masood Ali (Pucky Ali) – Actor in a few films
• Maqsud Mahmood Ali (Lucky Ali) – Renowned singer and musician
• Makdoom Ali (Macky Ali) – Performer and stage artist
• Masoom Ali – Film producer, now settled in the USA

Lucky Ali became a celebrated singer, while Pucky Ali acted in several films, including Mehmood’s own production Ek Baap Chhe Bete and Hamare Tumhare (1979), which also marked Anil Kapoor’s Bollywood debut.

Macky Ali, who portrayed Mehmood’s disabled son in Kunwara Baap, was himself physically challenged in real life. Tragically, he passed away during Mehmood’s lifetime.

Infidelity, Separation, and Divorce

According to Mehmood’s autobiography “Mehmood: A Man of Many Moods”, the primary reason behind the breakdown of his marriage was his own flirtatious nature. Mehmood openly admitted to having multiple affairs, which caused growing bitterness between him and Madhu.

Eventually, Madhu developed a relationship with a man named Kishore Sharma. On Meena Kumari’s advice, the couple decided to divorce. Custody of the children remained with Mehmood.

Later, Mehmood married Tracy, while Madhu married Kishore Sharma.

An Emotional Reunion That Changed Nothing

Mehmood maintained that he never stopped his children from meeting their mother. However, the divorce deeply affected the family—especially Pucky Ali, who developed a serious drinking problem.

During the shooting of Ek Baap Chhe Bete, Mehmood was injured and recovering at home. Madhu visited him secretly, without informing her second husband, hoping Mehmood would allow her to return to his life.

Mehmood gently explained that both had moved on and remarried. After Madhu left, Mehmood broke down completely, overwhelmed by guilt and regret, realizing that his own mistakes had destroyed their relationship.

Madhu’s Death and a Painful Silence

Madhu passed away in 1993. Shockingly, neither Mehmood nor their sons were informed. Her funeral was attended by prominent film personalities, yet no one thought it necessary to notify her four sons.

The children learned of their mother’s death only after her cremation—a loss that left permanent scars.

The Second Family and Growing Conflicts

Mehmood’s second marriage to Tracy resulted in two sons—Mansoor Ali and Manzoor Ali—and a daughter, Ginny Ali. Tracy’s children regarded Madhu as their own mother, and Madhu reciprocated the same affection.

Over time, serious financial disagreements erupted. Mehmood once gave six lakh rupees each to Pucky Ali, Lucky Ali, and Macky Ali, advising them to invest wisely. Instead, the money was spent on travel and leisure.

When they later demanded more money, Mehmood refused—leading to severe conflicts. The sons suspected Tracy of influencing their father. At one point, Pucky Ali even filed a police complaint against his stepmother.

A Family Broken, Then Reunited—Too Late

The disputes eventually split the family into separate households. Though Mehmood later reconciled everyone, tragedy struck again. Just two weeks after the reconciliation, Macky Ali died of a heart attack.

Conclusion: Laughter That Masked Lifelong Pain

Mehmood remains one of Indian cinema’s greatest comedians, but his personal life reveals the heavy cost of fame, flawed choices, and unresolved emotions.

His story reminds us that behind every smile may lie an untold sorrow—and that even those who bring joy to millions can struggle deeply within.

Mehmood was not just a comedian—he was a complex human being whose life deserves to be remembered with empathy, honesty, and respect.