He was seen alongside the biggest legends in Indian cinema — from Mughal-E-Azam to Do Bigha Zamin — but veteran character actor Murad, who acted in over 500 films, never owned a house or a car. In a sobering reminder of how fame doesn’t always translate to financial security, his son, actor Raza Murad, opened up in a recent interview about the difficult realities behind the glamorous façade of showbiz. The anecdote is not only a tribute to his father's legacy but also a cautionary tale about the importance of financial planning.
Speaking on the Filmy Charcha YouTube channel, Raza Murad shared that despite his father’s prolific career and iconic filmography, their family faced severe financial constraints. He mentioned witnessing “difficulties in life” and experiencing poverty. Recalling his childhood in Bhopal, he added that their home didn’t even have electricity and that he would have to study for his exams under a lamp post. He would start at midnight and finish at 6 am.
Raza Murad’s father, Murad, known for his roles in films like Devdas (1955), Sanyasi, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Tarzan Goes to India (1962), was one of the most sought-after character actors of his era. Yet, Raza revealed that they “never had a car” and “used to live in a rented house.” He pointed out how many celebrated stars from the 1950s and 60s failed to save for the future and were left struggling in their later years. According to him, those actors should have planned for the future.
While Raza made it clear that he had no intention to criticise his father’s choices — “he lived like he wanted to” — he said that he chose a different path after witnessing those struggles. Hence, the first thing he did after establishing himself in the film industry was to buy a house.
Interestingly, the veteran actor was also related to Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman — she is his niece.
Speaking on the Filmy Charcha YouTube channel, Raza Murad shared that despite his father’s prolific career and iconic filmography, their family faced severe financial constraints. He mentioned witnessing “difficulties in life” and experiencing poverty. Recalling his childhood in Bhopal, he added that their home didn’t even have electricity and that he would have to study for his exams under a lamp post. He would start at midnight and finish at 6 am.
Raza Murad’s father, Murad, known for his roles in films like Devdas (1955), Sanyasi, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Tarzan Goes to India (1962), was one of the most sought-after character actors of his era. Yet, Raza revealed that they “never had a car” and “used to live in a rented house.” He pointed out how many celebrated stars from the 1950s and 60s failed to save for the future and were left struggling in their later years. According to him, those actors should have planned for the future.
While Raza made it clear that he had no intention to criticise his father’s choices — “he lived like he wanted to” — he said that he chose a different path after witnessing those struggles. Hence, the first thing he did after establishing himself in the film industry was to buy a house.
Interestingly, the veteran actor was also related to Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman — she is his niece.
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