Remembering yesteryears comedian Rajendra Nath on his 86th birth anniversary.
Rajendra Nath Malhotra (8 June 1931 − 13 February 2008) was a comedian actor in Nepalese, Indian Hindi and Punjabi films.
Initially, Rajendra Nath struggled to get roles till Sashadhar Mukherjee offered him a comedian’s role in Dil Deke Dekho, a film directed by Nasir Hussain, starring Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. Rajendra Nath along with Asha Parekh were a regular feature in many Nasir Hussain films like Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Teesri Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam. He also played a villain’s role in Hamrahi opposite Shashikala whom he kills. He has done 187 movies. He was one of the most famous comedians. His best role as comedian was in Mere Sanam and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. He also played the role of Hero/Second Lead in “Vachan” and “Teen Bahuraniyan”. He played supporting roles in films like Dharkan by Devendra Goel and Jeevan Mrityu by Rajashree Productions. He played a buffoon called Popatlal in Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, and since then the name became synonymous with Rajendra Nath. He used this name in the TV series Hum Paanch.
He then did a large number of films, mostly comic roles, such as in An Evening in Paris and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. One of his most applauded performances was in Manoj Kumar’s Purab Aur Paschim though it was not a full-fledged comedy role. He also contributed for Nepal’s first movie called Maitighar which was shot in Kathmandu, Nepal.
He starred in a number of Punjabi films such as Jatt Punjabi. He also acted in the very famous TV serial Hum Paanch as Mr. Popat Lal.
He died on 13 February 2008 from a cardiac arrest.
