Actor Mirza Abbas Ali — popularly known as Abbas — was one of the most charming faces of the 1990s. He had a strong fan following in the South, having appeared in several Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. Abbas made his debut with ‘Kadhal Desam’ and soon became a familiar face in hits such as ‘Pooveli’, Jeans’, Padayappa’, ‘Suyamvaram’, and ‘Kandukondain Kandukondain’. However, he gradually made the decision to step away from the film industry.Abbas about making an exit from the industryAbbas’ career began to decline steadily in the early 2000s following a few commercial setbacks. After his small role in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s romantic hit ‘Minnale’ (2001), starring R. Madhavan, he was mostly seen in cameo and supporting roles. Eventually, he withdrew from cinema entirely. Abbas spoke about his decision to leave the industry in an old interview.
Abbas was heartbroken after his first break upIn a conversation with Rednool, Abbas shared that he had reached a breaking point after failing his Class 10 exams and going through a heartbreak. At one point, he even contemplated ending his life but became concerned about the pain it would cause his loved ones.He ventured into Bollywood with ‘Ansh: The Deadly Part’. The film was unsuccessful, and Abbas soon found himself struggling financially. “Following my initial achievements, some of my films failed, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride stopped me from seeking alternative employment. However, I eventually approached producer R. B. Choudary and requested work. He offered me a role in Pooveli. But over time, I left films because I got bored. I wasn’t enjoying my work. I distinctly remember advising my friends, who had come to watch my Bollywood debut Ansh: The Deadly Part, not to waste their time as I considered it ‘bakwaas’,” he admitted.Abbas did odd jobs in New ZealandAbbas later relocated to New Zealand and took up a variety of odd jobs to support his family. From working as a bike mechanic to driving taxis, he did what was necessary. Sharing some of his experiences abroad, he recalled, “I would not use the toilet at the construction site. Instead, I would go to a petrol station, buy something, and use the restroom there. People there would often say they felt they had seen me somewhere. I would respond, ‘Yes, I get that a lot.’ Sometimes, I would reveal I was Abbas, and they would be shocked. I just registered their reactions in my mind.”
