Johnny Walker will live on

I will forever regret that I couldnâ€™t visit Baddruddin Qazi (Johnny Walker), a dear friend, while he was ailing. Some time ago, we had a tiff and he was angry with me. We didnâ€™t interact much after this. Whatever the reason, I know it was my fault. I didnâ€™t realise that time doesnâ€™t stop, specially when you are in the twilight of your life. Johnnyâ€™s death was a rude awakening from my deep slumber. I first met Johnny on the sets of my film Hulchal. He was very serious at that time. But when he got down to work, he was sincerity personified. Later on, we did about 13 films together. He was undoubtedly the soul of comedy. Each time there was a function on Independence Day or Republic Day, I was was asked by the then defence secretary on behalf of Pandit Nehru to get Johnny and Muqri to perform. And I could get them as they were my friends. I am not exaggerating, but Johnny was a very noble soul. He was a humorous person with loads of jokes. Today, Johnny is no more. May his soul rest in peace.(As told to Afsana Ahmed)

TOI

Johnny Walker will live on