Johnny Walker

Badruddin Jamaluddin Khan Kazi (1924? – 29 July 2003), professionally known as Johnny Walker, was an Indian actor and comedian who acted in around 300 films. He was best known for his humorous roles in Indian films, notably being typecast as a hapless drunkard.

Early life Badruddin Jamaluddin Khan Kazi was born in Indore, British India (present-day Madhya Pradesh, India), one of twelve children of a weaving teacher. Sources generally place his date of birth around 1924 or 1926, either in March or November.

When his father lost his job, the family moved to Mumbai. Kazi, who got a job as a Bombay Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) bus conductor, took it upon himself to entertain his passengers with his comical way of calling out bus stops, funny impressions and tricks.

Career Johnny Walker nurtured his desire to work in films and entertained passengers while working the BEST buses with amusing routines, hoping that he would at some point be spotted by someone with connection in a film. Balraj Sahni was either at that time writing the script for Baazi (1951), or acting in Hulchul, told Kazi to demonstrate his drunkard act to Guru Dutt. From that meeting, he gained a role in Baazi. It was Guru Dutt who gave him the name of Johnny Walker, a reference to the brand of Scotch whisky, when he was inspired by Kazi's display in the role of a drunkard.

Thereafter, Walker appeared in all but one of Dutt's movies and the director encouraged him to ad lib and to draw on his varied life experiences.

Death Johnny Walker died on 29 July 2003 after a long period of illness.

Legacy Johnny Walker is regarded as one of the greatest comedians in Indian Cinema. Many actors like Mehmood Ali, Johnny Lever and Govinda were influenced by his style of comedy. Actor Rajpal Yadav sees him as his inspiration and said, "He is such an actor in our lives that if we consider a century of actors, then Johnny Walker sahab is one of the greats."

The Hindu wrote, "He was known for his honesty, commitment and punctuality on sets". He was very fond of poetry too. He could recall hundreds of 'ashaars' to suit all occasions. A thorough gentleman, he would keep everyone in good humor through his jokes."

Awards Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in Madhumati Filmfare Best Comedian Award for his role in Shikar

Filmography

Johnny Walker acted in around 300 films. Debut film

Jaal Joseph Final film appearance