New Delhi, February 13: Rajendra Nath remains a prominent name in the history of Hindi cinema, especially when discussing comedians. With his unique comic timing, witty dialogue delivery, and memorable characters, he carved a special place in the hearts of audiences during the 1960s and 1970s. This golden era was dominated by seasoned comedians like Johnny Walker and Mehmood, yet Rajendra Nath proved that one could stand out with a distinctive comedic style.
In the 1961 film “Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai,” featuring Dev Anand and Asha Parekh in lead roles, Rajendra Nath played a supporting character named Popatlal. His remarkable chemistry with Dev Anand, impeccable comic timing, and Popatlal’s iconic look made the character so popular that “Popatlal” became synonymous with him.
This film catapulted him to fame, leading to success in numerous subsequent films. Rajendra Nath appeared in over 200 Hindi and Punjabi films. His comedy continues to entertain audiences who watch classic films, solidifying his immortal contribution to the comedic history of Hindi cinema.
By the 1960s and 70s, Rajendra Nath had established himself as a Comedian in Hindi cinema, collaborating with all the major actors of the time. However, he, too, faced struggles to make his mark in the industry. In his early career, he worked at Prithvi Theatre, taking on any small roles that came his way. He taught today’s actors that one should focus on their performance, regardless of the size of the role, as a good performance will always earn applause in theaters. He was a comedian who could overshadow even lead roles.
Born on June 8, 1931, in Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajendra Nath passed away from a heart attack on February 13, 2008. His comedy still brings smiles to viewers of classic films. The character of Popatlal remains a shining chapter in his career, forever immortalized in the comedic history of Hindi cinema.