It’s Farooq Sheikh’s birth anniversary today. Considered as one of the flagbearers of parallel cinema, the underrated veteran actor had delivered some terrific performances throughout his acting career. For this article, we have handpicked for our readers a list of his five must-watch performances which can be watched on OTT. We have intentionally tried to include a blend of his popular films from the 80s and a few contemporary ones. So, here we go.
Katha (1983, Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Mubi, Shemaroo Me)
Helmed film by Sai Paranjpye and based on S.G. Sathye’s Marathi play Sasa Aani Kasav (Hare and Tortoise), ‘Katha’ is an endearing love triangle that features a simple and diffident Chawl resident Rajaram (Naseeruddin Shah), his street smart and charming friend Bashu (Farooq Sheikh), and Rajaram’s neighbor Sandhya (Deepti Naval). The film is Indian cinema’s underrated gem that came out in 1983. But don’t let the film’s age deter you from watching it.
Chashme Buddoor (1981, Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, MX Player)
Also directed by Sai Paranjpye and set in Delhi, the simple and sweet romantic drama revolves around three roommates and friends Siddharth (Farooq Shaikh), Omi (Rakesh Bedi), and Jai (Ravi Baswani), who fall for the girl next door Neha (Deepti Naval). But when Neha shows romantic interest in Siddharth, the jealous duo Omi and Jai make hilarious plans to create a rift between the two. Another effortless and timeless act by Farooq Sheikh.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013, Streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video)
Although the film was a coming-of-age romantic drama that was essentially about two characters Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone), it’s also a fine example that proves how an actor’s performance can still have a huge impact despite short screen time. The late actor’s brief yet impactful role yet again demonstrated why he is considered one of Indian cinema’s best discoveries. In the film, Farooq Sheikh’s heartrending portrayal as an understanding and friendly father to Ranbir Kapoor’s character was spot on.
Shanghai (2012, Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Mubi, MX Player, Lionsgate Play)
‘Shanghai’ is a political thriller directed by Dibakar Banerjee. When the leader (Prosenjit Chatterjee) of a campaign against a government project is fatally injured in a road accident, his former pupil (Kalki Koechlin) suspects foul play and teams up with a local video shop employee (Emraan Hashmi) to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, an inquiry is set up to investigate the case led by an upright IAS officer (Abhay Deol). The film featured another spellbinding supporting act by Farooq Sheikh.
Saath Saath (1982, Streaming on Mubi, Shemaroo Me)
The film follows the story of an idealistic, and non-materialistic young man Avinash (Farooq Sheikh), who is admired by his classmate Geeta (Deepti Naval) for the principled person he is. They soon marry and things take an interesting turn as she observes a drastic change in his personality. He becomes a ruthless businessman in order to fulfill his extended family’s financial needs and to cope in a cutthroat world.