A.K. Hangal was born as Avtar Kishan Hangal in 1917 in Sialkot; Punjab. Hangal is a character actor of Indian Hindi films. Spending his childhood in Peshawar, he was a great performer in theatre for some major roles. A.K. Hangal was a tailor in the early days of his life. A.K. Hangal was an active accomplice in the Indian freedom struggle. After his father's retirement, the family shifted from Peshawar to Karachi. He travelled to Mumbai after the Partition of India in 1949 after 3 years in jail in Pakistan. A.K. Hangal was closely involved with the theatre group IPTA along with Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi, both of whom had Marxist leanings.

Film Career of A.K.Hangal
A.K. Hangal started his career in Hindi film at a much matured age of 30 with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam in 1966. He went on to play the conventional humble and oppressed old man in numerous Hindi movies. A.K. Hangal's own favourites are the characters played in the films Sholay and Shaukeen. A.K. Hangal did play a very large number of character roles in most of the Hindi films and majority of the characters reflected positive idea. A.K. Hangal has acted in more than 125 films till date.

Awards and Honours of A.K.Hangal
The Government of India conferred A.K. Hangal with the prestigious Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Hindi Cinema in 2006. After the death of his wife, he lives alone in his flat in Santa Cruz, Mumbai. His son Vijay Hangal has retired as a Bollywood photographer.

Filmography of A.K. Hangal

Humsey Hai Jahaan (2008)
Hum Laakh Chhupayein Pyaar ... Magar (2007)
Mr Prime Minister (2005)
Paheli (2005)
Dil Maange More!!! (2004)
Hari Om (2004)
Kahan Ho Tum (2003)
Thakshak (1999)
Sautela Bhai (1996)
Khalnayak (1993)
Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993)
Apradhi (1992)
Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)
Saagar (1985)
Satyamev Jayate (1985)
Kamla (1984)
Sharaabi (1984)
Bemisal (1982)
Shriman Shrimati (1982)
Naram Garam (1981)
Hum Paanch (1980)
Judaai (1980)
Manzil (1979)
Des Pardes (1978)
Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978)
Tumhare Liye (1978)
Imaan Dharam (1977)
Balika Badhu (1976)
Chitchor (1976)
Aandhi (1975)
Deewaar (1975)
Sholay (1975)
Kora Kagaz (1974)
Trimurti (1974)
Abhimaan (1973)
Anamika (1973)
Chhupa Rustam (1973)
Heera Panna (1973)
Joshila (1973)
Namak Haraam (1973)
Sweekar (1973)
Bawarchi (1972)
Jawani Diwani (1972)
Parichay (1972)
Guddi (1971)
Mere Apne (1971)
Saat Hindustani (1969)
Teesri Kasam (1966)