Jayantilal Zinabhai Desai (1909-76)

Hindi director born in Surat, Gujarat. Entered films initially as Surat-based exhibitor, later scenarist for London Film, Rangoon, and for Krishna and Sharda Studios. Assisted Chandulal Shah (Rajputani, 1929). Turned director completing Nandlal Jaswantlal’s Pahadi Kanya (1930). Front-line Ranjit film- maker until 1943, then independent producer, owner of Jupiter Studio, Jayant Desai Prod. (1943) and Hemlata Pics. Also had exhibition interests with Hindmata Talkies and Star Theatres in Bombay and operated as a distributor in the 50s with his Jupiter Films. Directed K.L. Saigal’s last films. Desai’s devotionals (e.g. Har Har Mahadev) and historicals (Tansen) show how these genres were inflected towards neo-traditional melodrama (including his several Saint films and mythologicals) by a growing urban working-class audience and an economy determined by WW2.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1930: Pahadi Kanya (uncredited); Noor-e-Watan; Jawan Mard; Joban Na Jadu; 1931: Mukti Sangram; Banke Savaria; Vilasi Atma; Qatil Katari; Vijay Lakshmi; Fauladi Pahelwan; 1932: Lal Swar; Sipahsalaar (all St); Bhutia Mahal; Char Chakram; Do Badmash; 1933: Bhola Shikar; Bhool Bhulaiyan; Krishna Sudama; 1934: Nadira; Sitamgarh; Toofan Mail; Veer Babruwahan; 1935: College Girl; Noor-e- Watan; 1936: Laheri Lala; Matlabi Duniya; Raj Ramani; Rangila Raja; 1937: Toofani Toli; Mitti Ka Putla; Zameen Ka Chand; 1938: Ban Ki Chidiya; Billi; Prithvi Putra; 1939: Sant Tulsidas; 1940: Aaj Ka Hindustan; Diwali; 1941: Beti; Shadi; 1942: Chandni; Fariyad; 1943: Bansari; Bhakta Raaj; Tansen; Zabaan; 1944: Lalkaar; Manorama; 1945: Samrat Chandragupta; Tadbir; 1946: Maharana Pratap; 1950: Har Har Mahadev; Shaan; Veer Bhimsen; 1951: Dashavtar; Shri Ganesh Janma; 1952: Amber; Nishan Danka; Shivashakti; 1953: Hazaar Raatein; Manchala; Naya Raasta; 1954: Miss Mala; Shiv Ratri; 1955: Sati Madalasa; 1956: Basant Panchami; Hamara Watan; 1957: Lakshmi Pooja; 1961: Zamana Badal Gaya.

Director