Remember the chaotic charm of ‘Hera Pheri’? Thank Neeraj Vora, the mastermind behind its enduring appeal. Born January 22, 1963, in Bhuj, this son of a classical singer grew up in Mumbai, diving into theater young and winning drama prizes in college.
His film debut ‘Holi’ (1984) introduced him to Aamir Khan and stalwarts. TV’s ‘Circus’ honed his craft, leading to ‘Rangeela’s’ memorable lines. But Neeraj’s writing redefined comedy. ‘Hera Pheri’ launched Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty into comedic stardom with dialogues that became cultural catchphrases.
Sequels and spin-offs like ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ and ‘Bol Bachchan’ proved his consistency. As director, he helmed ‘Familywala’ and ‘Run Bhola Run’; as actor, he lit up ‘Mann,’ ‘Khatta Meetha,’ and more with nuanced performances. Neeraj’s genius lay in wholesome humor that families cherished.
In 2016, a brain stroke changed everything. Coma lasted 13 months under constant care in Mumbai. He passed on December 14, 2017, at 54, prompting industry-wide grief and PM Modi’s heartfelt note. Today, his films remind us of joy’s power in cinema.