Chachi 420 on the eccentric Mrs Doubtfire

Actor Kamal Haasan credits the late Robin Williams with bringing dignity to male crying.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, whose portrayal of Chachi 420 in the eponymous film was based on actor Robin Williams Mrs Doubtfire, mourned the demise of the Oscar-winning star. Credited with revolutionising the portrayal of men on the big screen,  Williams brought dignity to male crying, Haasan feels.

63-year-old Williams was found dead in his home in California in a case of suicide. “I dislike Williams for ending his life before his due date of expiry. That’s a copout, which I don’t expect from an artiste of his calibre,” said Haasan. “Same applies to my Indian idol Guru Dutt,” he added, IANS reported.



Kamal considers comedians as “critics of society.” He commented, “They have masked their anger with humour. Constantly maintaining a funny façade leads to depression. Williams’ true nature is being quick to tears. You can see it in his films.”

Williams was popular for his roles in films such as Good Morning, Vietnam (1987). “He could have never become a star in the 1960s, for American film heroes were too scared to cry on the screen. The Vietnam war changed the American psyche,” Kamal pointed out. “Rambo was the first popular action hero to show panic cry and scream in fear. Williams brought dignity to male crying,” he said.

Celebrities and fans have been paying their respects to the legendary actor in unique ways. As they attempt to cope with the demise of the comedian, some headed to the steps of the house where Williams weaved magic as Mrs Doubtfire in 1993. Several flowers, candles and heart-warming notes have been placed by the San Francisco home, where the film was shot, reported E! Online. The widely-known movie house is one of the many memorial spots being visited by fans across the country.



Police officials recently confirmed that the actor died of asphyxia caused by hanging, reported Time. Funeral arrangements for the actor have, so far, not been made public.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2014.

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