Sopariwala: Bollywood’s most trusted party guest for two decades

There’s plenty of things that make old Hindi cinema vastly enjoyable. Obviously, there’s the magnetism of stars, snazzy costumes, scenic outdoor locations, and the song and dance routine, but a lot of joy lies in the minor parts and little details. Like the one-scene hero ke dost or heroine ki saheliyaan, common film sets, editing goof ups, continuity errors and many more. One such facet that I thoroughly enjoy is spotting the faces of non famous-but-familiar actors on screen.

There’s a certain gentleman who kept appearing in a particular role in a great number of old Hindi films throughout the ’60s and the ’70s.

His name is Sopariwala or Supariwala/ KC Supariwalla as credited in some of the films he featured in. Mr Sopariwala, a fair complexioned man with light eyes was more or less always seen as a party guest or night club patron so much so he takes the expression ‘being typecast’ to another league. And because of his seemingly Anglo features (he’s reportedly Parsi), he was often cast as a Westerner.

For many Hindi films of that era, a party sequence was intrinsic to the story. Sometimes it became the podium for the heartbroken protagonist to sing their blues away and it was a happy gathering of friends and family during others. At times, drama happened at these parties, and then there were the wild, glamorous bashes with cabaret performances.

Whatever maybe the scenario, our light-eyed guest seemed like a staple. Never too important for a scene, he’d sometimes be needed to greet the hero with a handshake or chatting and enjoying with a bunch of other people in a corner or admiring the stunning club dancer with a drink in his hands and grin on his face. Birthday, a house party, wedding reception — Sopariwala was the man for the job.

Here are some of the major films he was seen in:

From top left to right

1. In the song Khwab ho tum ya – Teen Devian (1965)
2. With Dharmendra and Feroz Khan in Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969)
3. In the song Meri Jaan Tune Kaha featuring Helen in The Train (1970)
4. In Aandhi (1975) with Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar
5. With Jaya Bachchan in Mili (1975)
6. Admiring Manoj Kumar’s patriotic fervour in Purab Aur Pachhim (1970)
7. Part of Frenny’s wedding orchestra in Khatta Meetha (1978)
8. Perplexed by the who’s Seeta who’s Geeta confusion in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

Some more of his appearances:

From top left to right:
Row 1: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Majboor (1974), Hulchul (1971), Raja Jani (1972), and Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968)
Row 2: Andaz (1971), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Lalkar (1972), Bawarchi (1972), and Love in Tokyo (1966)
Row 3: Bombay to Goa (1972), Kashmakash (1973), Loafer (1973), Sangam (1964), and Bobby (1973)

However, despite his vast number of roles, his IMDB page is greatly under-credited.

In fact, while looking for more data on the actor’s filmi appearances,
I stumbled upon this absolutely wonderful page where the user Mr Upendra S has maintained the most comprehensive list of Sopariwala’s filmography with meticulous details. This is some seriously cool research and perhaps the only thing substantial about the actor available online. *Respect*

Now somewhere during my numerous viewings of my favourite comfort movie Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), I noticed Sopariwala appearing multiple times in entirely different segments. And going by Mr Upendra’s entries and further checking, I realized this isn’t the only time. There are many instances of the actor being utilised in different capacities in the same movie. Eg: as a flight passenger and party guest in Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka (1975).

It’s not as if Sopariwala was always seen as a spectator in the background. In quite a few films, he has been assigned a meatier task and even a speaking role in some.

As the offended Nawab who walks away mid-performance during the song Thare rahiyo in Pakeezah (1972).

As the nattily-dressed doctor in Jeevan Mrityu (1978)

As the jailor in charge of overseeing Mangal’s (Rajesh Khanna) hanging in Roti (1974).

And finally, my very favourite: Yakeen‘s (1969) bald-headed, smiling evil general who is part of a foreign mission to steal classified information from India. Do check out the super entertaining extreme makeover sesh he is in charge of.

Unfortunately, there’s very little information available about this fascinating actor barring this tiny IMDB trivia: he and silent-era superstar Sulochana’s (Ruby Myers) were partners in the later part of their lives.

[Movie screenshots courtesy: SEPL/ Ultra/ Shemaroo/ Goldmines Hindi]