Anant Mane (1915-1995)

Marathi and Hindi director born in Kolhapur. Started as editor at Prabhat (1930-44) on films like Ramshastri (1944); left with Raja Nene, Datta Dharmadhikari, Bhole, etc. to work independently. Editor of Nene-Dharmadhikari films, including (uncredited) Daha Wajta (1942). In his autobiography, ‘Anant’ Athvani (1987), claims to have ghost-directed several Nene hits (e.g. Patthe Bapurao, 1950) and Dharmadhikari productions. Early work continues Dharmadhikari-style melodrama scripted by G.D. Madgulkar, occasionally abandoning literary sources for original screenplays (e.g. Paidali Padleli Phule). Helped graft All-India Film commercial formulas on to Marathi cinema. Set up Chetana Chitra (1956) for production. Pioneered the producer-director’s move into distribution with Chandravilas Films (1968). Best known for musical Tamasha films, e.g. the classic Sangtye Aika, one of Marathi cinema’s biggest successes. Introduced several new actors (Raja Gosavi, Nilu Phule, Sharad Talwalkar) and developed Loknatya-style ribald comedy genre. Among his script credits are Dharmadhikari’s Chimni Pakhare/Nannhe? Munne (1952), Shantaram’s Pinjra (1972) and Kulkarni’s Tamasgeer (1981).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1949: Jai Bhim; 1950: Ketakichya Banaat; 1953: Aboli; 1954: Kalakaar; Ovalani; Shubhamangal; Suhagan; 1955: Punavechi Raat; 1956: Paidali Padleli Phule; 1957: Jhakli Mooth; Preetisangam; 1958: Dhakti Jau; Don Ghadicha Dav; 1959: Sangtye Aika; Satajanmacha Sobti; 1960: Avaghachi Sansar; Paishyacha Paoos; 1961: Manini; Rangapanchami; Shahir Parashuram; 1962: Bhagya Lakshmi; Chimnyanchi Shala; Preeti Vivah; 1963: Mazha Hoshil Ka?; Naar Nirmite Nara; 1964: Kai Ho Chamatkar; Saval Mazha Aika; 1965: Kela Ishara Jata Jata; 1967: Sangu Kashi Mi; 1968: Ek Gao Bara Bhangadi; 1969: Dongarchi Maina; Gan Gaulan; 1971: Aai Ude Ga Ambabai; Ashich Ek Ratra Hoti; 1973: Mi Tuzha Pati Nahi; 1975: Paach Rangachi Paach Pakhare; 1976: Pahuni; 1977: Asla Navara Nako Ga Bai; 1978: Kalavanteen; Lakshmi; Sushila; 1979: Duniya Kari Salaam; Haldi Kunku; 1980: Savaj; 1981: Aai; Pori Jara Japoon; Totaya Amdaar; 1982: Don Baika Phajiti Aika; Galli Te Dilli; 1983: Sansar Pakharancha; 1984: Jagavegali Prem Kahani; Kulaswamini Ambabai; 1985: Gao Tasa Changla Pan Veshila Tangla; 1991: Bandhan; ZP; 1993: Lavanyavati.

Director