Veteran comedian Dinesh Hingoo, known for his impeccable comic timing across over 300 films, has revealed that he still steps out to work at the age of 86 — not out of choice, but necessity.In a video that has gone viral on social media, the actor candidly spoke about his current reality. “I am 86 years old. I go out sometimes to work. I fell down recently and got injured. It is fine now but I need money to go to the doctor,” he said.Opening up further about the financial strain, Hingoo added, “Doctor kabhi Rs 5000 mangte hai kabhi Rs 6000. Character artists ko itne paise nahi milte… I worked in black and white films. I have worked in Gujarati and Rajasthani movies.”“Doctor ke paas jaane ke liye maal chahiye,” he reiterated, underlining the need to keep earning even at this stage of life.Speaking about continuing to work despite his age, Hingoo said, “Jaata hoon kabhi kabhi, bulaya aaya toh (I go sometimes if I’m called).”
Internet reacts: ‘Inko help karna chahiye’
As the video spread online, it triggered a wave of emotional reactions. One user wrote, “Inko help karna chahiye guys.”Another highlighted the harsh reality behind long careers in cinema: “Great actor, bahut dukh hua… Bollywood walon ko inki koi kadar nahi.”A third comment read, “Veteran excellent natural super actor-comedian Dinesh Hingoo sir should be recognised & formally honoured by the Indian government, by CINTAA and by Filmfare, Screen & Zee Cine Awards.”Many expressed both admiration and sadness. “Dil dukhi ho jata hai jab aise mahaan kalakaron ko paise ki tangi mein dekhte hain,” read one comment, while another added, “Character artists ke paas kahaniyan hi reh jaati hain, paise nahi.”“Itne films mein kaam karne ke baad bhi unke paas doctor ke paas jaane ke liye paise nahi… bura laga, itna achha kalakar hai,” another user wrote.
A career that made generations laugh
For many cinegoers, Hingoo remains unforgettable for his roles in films like Baazigar, Humraaz, Saajan, and No Entry. His portrayal of quirky Parsi characters and his effortless comic timing made him a familiar face through the ’90s and 2000s.Who can forget his hilarious exchanges with Johnny Lever in Baazigar or scenes alongside Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri?Born on April 13, 1940, in Baroda, Gujarat, Hingoo — whose real name is Dinesh Hingorani — began his journey in theatre before moving to Mumbai. Over the decades, he worked across Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Bhojpuri cinema, building a vast and memorable filmography.
