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, “Doctors sometimes ask for Rs 5000, sometimes Rs 6000. Character artists do not get this much money… 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: ‘I need help’
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, very sad hua… Bollywood walon ko inki koi kadar nahi.”A third comment read, “Veteran excellent natural super actor-comedian Dinesh Hingoo sir should be recognized & formally honored by the Indian government, by CINTAA and by Filmfare, Screen & Zee Cine Awards.”Many expressed both admiration and sadness. “My heart feels sad when I see such great artists in the throes of money,” read one comment, while another added, “The stories of character artists remain the same, not the money.”“Even after working in these films, he had no money to go to the doctor… felt bad, he is such a good artist,” 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 beside Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri?Born on April 13, 1940, in Baroda, Gujarat, Hingoo — whose real name is Dinesh Hingorani — began his journey in theater before moving to Mumbai. Over the decades, he worked across Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Bhojpuri cinema, building a vast and memorable filmography.
