Atma Ram (1930-94)

Hindi director born in Calcutta as Atmaram Padukone; younger brother of Guru Dutt. Did clerical work and joined the Socialist Party (1948-50); active trade unionist and secretary of the Press Workers’ Union. Studied at the University of Bombay (1952); then assisted Guru Dutt. Worked for a while in London (1958-61) directing films produced by Stuart Legg and Arthur Elton for the Shell Film Unit; also scripted documentaries for James Beveridge for India’s Shell Film Unit (1955-62). Turned to features, mostly musicals, after Guru Dutt’s death (1964) and ran the company. Tried to go in a new direction with Umang, his first independent Atma Ram Films production, dispensing with major stars in favour of ‘youth movie’ ensemble play (with the then unknown Subhash Ghai as actor). His Yeh Gulistan Hamara, for Guru Dutt Films, is a nationalist movie in which Dev Anand, on behalf of the Indian government, quells the North Eastern frontier tribals with love to the tune of classic S.D. Burman numbers (Kya yeh zindagi hai, Raina soyi soyi). The Saira Banu and Vinod Khanna hit Aarop addressed corruption in journalism. Also made advertising films with his younger brother, Devi Dutt. Active in official institutions (e.g. at the FTII in the late 70s). Often worked for television.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1960: The Living Soil (Doc); 1961: The Peaceful Revolution (Doc); 1964: Kaise Kahun; 1968: Shikar; 1969: Chanda Aur Bijli; 1970: Umang; 1971: Memsaab; Yaar Mere; 1972: Yeh Gulistan Hamara; 1973: Aarop; Resham Ki Dori; 1974: Imaan; 1975: Qaid; 1976: Ladusingh Taxiwala (TV); 1977: Aafat; Ashanti Shantidas (TV); 1978: Ramlal Shyamlal (TV); 1979: Khanjar; 1982: Pyar Ke Rahi; 1988: JP (Doc); Yeh Sach Hai (Doc); 1990: Beeswa Oonth (TV); 1992: Tulsidas; 1993: Vividha (TV).

Director