Balwant N. Bhatt (1909-65)

Hindi director associated with stunt film genre; elder brother of Nanabhai Bhatt and uncle of Mahesh Bhatt. Born in Porbandar, Gujarat. Assisted Naval Gandhi (1930-31) and N.B. Vakil? at Sagar (1932). Then turned director during the last days of silent cinema at Royal Art, the predecessor of Prakash Pics. Moved to Royal Cinetone with the advent of sound and subsequently to Prakash Pics with Actress. Although working mostly in Hindi, made some Gujarati films as well (e.g. Sansar Leela, Seth Sagalsha, Divadandi and a version of Snehlata). Became a producer in 1942 (Dillagi).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1932: Chalta Purza; 1933: Gunehgaar (all St); Alif Laila (co-d Shanti Dave); 1934: Actress; Nai Duniya; 1935: Sansar Leela; 1936: Tope Ka Gola; Snehlata; 1937: Challenge; His Highness; 1938: Purnima; 1939: Hero No. 1; Bijli; 1940: Shamsheerbaaz; Suhaag; 1941: Circus Ki Sundari; Madhusudhan; 1942: Dillagi; 1943: Aankh Ki Sharam; 1944: Collegian; 1946: Her Highness; 1947: Seth Sagalsha; 1949: Delhi Express; Joker; 1950: Circuswale; Jodidar; Divadandi; 1951: Hamari Shaan; 1952: Mordhwaj; 1953: Khoj; 1955: Shahi Mehmaan; 1957: Hazaar Pariyan; 1966: Nagin Aur Sapera.

Director