Skip to content
MovieCove
A.K. Hangal

A.K. Hangal

Actor · Died August 26, 2012, aged 95 · Sialkot, Punjab, British India

His childhood was spent in Peshawar, where he had performed in theater for some major roles. However, his primary occupation for the early part of his life was that of a tailor. He was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle. Following his father's retirement, the family moved from Peshawar to Karachi. He moved to Bombay after the Partition of India in 1949 after 3 years in prison in Pakistan. He was involved with the theater group IPTA along with Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi, both of whom had Marxist leanings. He started his Hindi film career at the very late age of 30 with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam in 1946, and went on to play the quintessential meek and oppressed old man in innumerable Hindi movies. His own favorites are the roles he played in Sholay and Shaukeen. In movies he has played a very large number of character roles, mostly positive. He has acted in more than 125 films so far.

Read more

Biography from IMDb.

Born
February 1, 1917
Died
August 26, 2012 (aged 95)
From
Sialkot, Punjab, British India
Works as
Actor
Titles
19 on MovieCove · 110 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Down 19% in 30 days

What are A.K. Hangal's films like?

Across their 14 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama7 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 76th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Action4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 48th percentile
: browse their Action movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
40%
Morality
35%
Power
16%
Self
7%
Society
3%
Romantic love7 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds5 titles, browse their movies with this themeSacrifice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 14 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 6 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 3

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 7 · Intense 5

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 4 · Shifting 8 · Whiplash 2

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 7 · Some laughs 7 · Funny 0

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 8 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 6 · Engaged 8 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 4 · Affecting 4 · Heavy 6

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 9 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Mentor: 4 of 5 analyzed roles.

Mentor
4 of 5
Ally
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
8
Tense
6
Romantic
6
Bittersweet
5
Thrilling
3
Other
9

How their films linger

Bittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteRousing2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet9

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch A.K. Hangal's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 11 of their 19 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Netflix (4).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for A.K. Hangal's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

110 credits, 19 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Soulmates (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Hookah Man

  • Krishna Aur Kans(2012)

    as Ugrasen (voice)

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Mr Prime Minister (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Actor

  • Paheli(2005)

    as Jeevraj

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • Hari Om (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Actor

  • Shararat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Actor

  • Dattak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Satya Babu

  • Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India(2001)

    as Shambukaka

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Thakshak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Homeless Teacher

  • Tere Mere Sapne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Dattabhau

  • Kismat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Nanaji

  • Dilwale(1994)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Khal Nayak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Shaukat Bhai

  • Apradhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Vishembar Nath

  • Dushman Devta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Actor

  • Police Public (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Actor

  • Abhimanyu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Shyam Lal

  • Ilaaka (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as School Master

  • Aakhri Adaalat(1988)

    as Retired Judge Kapoor

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Tamas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 6 episodes · as Bakshiji

  • Jaan Hatheli Pe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Ram's Father

  • Jalwa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Jojo's Father

  • Satyamev Jayate (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Mr. Shastri

  • Mera Yaar Mera Dushman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Raj Narayan Singh

  • Dacait (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Bhiku Chacha

  • Ek Chadar Maili Si (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Trilok's Dad

  • Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 6 episodes · as Vallabhbhai Patel

  • New Delhi Times (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Vikas's Father

  • Bewafai(1985)

    as Hariharnath

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Ram Teri Ganga Maili (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Brij Kishore

  • Meri Jung(1985)

    as Advocate Gupta

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Saagar(1985)

    as Baba (in the lighthouse)

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • Arjun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Actor

  • Pighalta Aasman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Masterji

  • Sharaabi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Meena's Blind Father

  • Kamla (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Kakasaab

  • Bandh Honth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Yaadon Ki Zanjeer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Avtaar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • Star (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Mr. Verma

  • Dil... Akhir Dil Hai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Ashok Mehta

  • Shaukeen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Indrasen

  • Shriman Shrimati (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Vishwanath Gupta

  • Saath Saath(1982)

    as Professor Chaudhary

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Kudrat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Kalyug (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Bhisham Chand

  • Naram Garam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Masterji

  • Baseraa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Sharda and Purnima's father

  • Hum Paanch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Pandit

  • Humkadam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Raghunath Gupta

  • Judaai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Narayan Singh

  • Neeyat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Phir Wahi Raat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Vishwanath

  • Thodisi Bewafaii (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Kali Ghata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Diwan

  • The Jewelled Lamp (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Meera(1979)

    as Saint Raidas

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • Manzil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Anokhelal

  • Jurmana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Pt. Prabhakar Chaturvedi (Nandlal's Mamaji)

  • Prem Bandhan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Amar Deep (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Naukri (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Ranjit's Father

  • Besharam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Ramchandra

  • Satyam Shivam Sundaram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Bansi (Rupa's uncle)

  • Badaltey Rishtey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Professor

  • Des Pardes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Pujari

  • Mukti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Colonel

  • Kalabaaz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Poojary

  • Alaap (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Pandit Jamuna Prasad (Guest Appearance)

  • Aaina (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Ram Shastri

  • Aafat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Chala Murari Hero Banne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Murari's Father

  • Balika Badhu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Master ji

  • Chitchor(1976)

    as Geeta's father

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Jeevan Jyoti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Raja Kamlakar

  • Tapasya(1976)

    as Chandranath Sinha

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Salaakhen(1975)

    as Ram Lal (Seema's father)

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Sholay(1975)

    as Imaam Saheb

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Aandhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Brinda Kaka

  • Deewaar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Chander's Father

  • Ishk Ishk Ishk (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Guruji

  • Bidaai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Ramsharan

  • Trimurti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Jagannath

  • Kora Kagaz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Principal Gupta

  • Aap Ki Kasam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Kamal's Father

  • Us-Paar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Mohan's Father

  • Namak Haraam(1973)

    as Bipinlal Pandey

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Joshila (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Lala Gulzarilal

  • Naina (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Abhimaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Sadanand

  • Girl Without a Name(1973)

    as Shiv Prasad

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Chhupa Rustam(1973)

    as Prof. Harbanslal

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Daag: A Poem of Love(1973)

    as Prosecuting Attorney / Judge

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Garm Hava (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Heera Panna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Sweekar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Dr. Verma

  • Parichay(1972)

    as Ravi's Uncle

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Jawani Diwani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as College Principal

  • Bawarchi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Ramnath

  • Guddi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Guddi's father

  • Mere Apne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as College Principal

  • Anubhav (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Hari

  • Heer Raanjha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Saat Hindustani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Doctor

  • Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Sara Akash (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Mr. Thakur

  • Shagird (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Bombay In The Night's Embrace (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Teesri Kasam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Dak Ghar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    as Pandit, doctor

Career shape

Star power in the 85th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 110 titles from 1965 to 2025; peak year 1974.

Biggest box office

Paheli (2005)

$2.4M worldwide

Highest rated

Sholay (1975)

Midcredits 95th

Film career

19652025

Peak 1974 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1972Screen debut· Bawarchi

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting110 of 110: 110 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score79th

By decade

1960s7 · acting1970s48 · acting1980s39 · acting1990s8 · acting2000s6 · acting2010s1 · acting2020s1 · acting

Billing

usually 10th · top billed in 0% of 7 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do A.K. Hangal's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 79th percentile, the median of all 19; across their 14 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 70th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

70thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Approval · how many liked their films

78thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Reach · how many have seen their films

29thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Midcredits score across 19 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up13
  • 50th to 74th2
  • 25th to 49th3
  • Below 25th1

Shape of the crowd

8 of their 19 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved5
  • Divisive1
  • Crowd Pleaser5
  • Mixed8

Most divisive · actor

Bewafai (1985)

93rd percentile spread · 42% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Midcredits 97th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 77/100 in their films, across 11 reviewed titles; fans 82, detractors 35. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does A.K. Hangal work with?

People who share at least 2 of A.K. Hangal's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Rahul Dev Burman shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers

Mixed roles