Basu Chatterjee (b. 1930)

Hindi director born in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Arrived in Bombay in the 50s and worked for 18 years as cartoonist-illustrator for weekly tabloid Blitz. Helped found the Film Forum Society (1959). Assisted Basu Bhattacharya on Teesri Kasam (1966). Worked in western region of Federation of Film Societies of India and on editorial board of Close Up, published by Film Forum in the 70s. First film Sara Akash noted for award-winning work of cinematographer K.K. Mahajan. Second film, Piya Ka Ghar, adapted Raja Thakur’s Marathi melodrama Mumbaicha Javai (1970), set in a lower-class tenement in Bombay. Moved to low-budget middle class comedies starring Amol Palekar (Rajanigandha, Chhotisi Baat), which he adapted into a formula of rapidly shot sentimental low budget films. Made 4 TV serials (1985-9), shooting and editing 30’ episodes in two days each. Best known for Rajani (about consumer rights), Darpan (a dramatisation of well-known short stories) and Kakkaji Kahin, a satire about politicians. Like Hitchcock, the director appears in very minor parts in his own films.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1969: Sara Akash; 1971: Piya Ka Ghar; 1974: Us Paar; Rajnigandha; 1975: Chhotisi Baat; 1976: Chit Chor; 1977: Swami; Safed Jhooth; Priyatama; 1978: Khatta Meetha; Chakravyuha; Dillagi; Tumhare Liye; Do Ladke Dono Kadke; 1979: Manzil; Baaton Baaton Mein; Prem Vivah; Ratnadeep; Jeena Yahan; 1980: Man Pasand; Apne Paraye; 1981: Shaukeen; Hamari Bahu Alka; 1983: Pasand Apni Apni; 1984: Lakhon Ki Baat; 1985: Rajani (TV); Darpan (TV); Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (TV); 1986: Sheesha; Chameli Ki Shaadi; Kirayedaar; Bhim Bhawani (TV); 1987: Zevar; 1988: Kakkaji Kahin (TV); 1989: Kamala Ki Maut; Durga; 1990: Hamari Shaadi; 1993: Byomkesh Bakshi (TV).

Director