Last week, he was awarded the Dadsaheb Phalke award, recognising a career spanning 53 years in show business. Over the years he made films which mixed much needed comedy into the lives of the middle class of India, reflecting their hopes and aspirations. His protagonists were always based on the common man caught in uncommon situations.

Guddi, Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Namak Haram, Milli, Chupke Chupke, Khubsoorat, Golmaal, Naram Garam have all etched themselves in the Indian consciousness. And, don't forget his award winners: Anuradha which won the President's Gold Medal, Anupama (1966), Aashirwad (1968) and Satyakam.

rediff.com spoke to the man who realised his aim in life is to be happy and in doing so has made millions of Indians smile.

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