"How does one describe A.K. Hangal?

A man of the people

A famous actor

A veteran stage an screen artist, known for his uninhibited and totally natural acting.

But that is only half his story.

A.K. Hangal has worked on stage with talented Indian film personalities like Ritwic Ghatak, Balraj Sahni and Sanjeev Kumar – the latter worked as a stage artist under his direction, before they both became popular film stars. He has been one of the main 'movers' of IPTA almost from its inception. A highly acclaimed character actor, he has worked with eminent Indian and foreign actors and directors, and is the recipient of the highest accolades.

A sensitive, unassuming, but buoyant person, A.K. Hangal is extremely secular in his outlook; a social and political activist all his adult life, he has graced several distinguished honourary offices in public life. He participated in and suffered greatly during the freedom struggle; and his lucid account of his jail experiences are moving and refreshingly true-to-life. An untiring champion of the underdog most of his life, Mr. Hangal continues tackling the highs and lows of life in his own unimitable fashion."