Bhagwati Prasad Mishra (1896-1932)
Hindi director, actor and producer born and educated in Benares. Achieved some renown as photographer and painter; apprenticed to painter Hussain Bux (1916-21). Worked in theatre group Vyakul Bharat Natak Mandali in Meerut. Joined Star Film as poster designer (1921). Directorial début: Razia Begum, causing communal controversy in Hyderabad (see Dhiren Ganguly). Worked with Ardeshir Irani’s Star, Majestic, Royal and Imperial Studios as actor-director, making some of the latter’s big-budget sequels to Alam Ara (1931). Promoted independent companies Indian Pic. Corp. and Zarina Pics. Then worked in Sharda and Sagar Studios until his death. His films, with those of colleague R.S. Choudhury, are often cited among the first silent productions to stress the visual rather than the plot. Did several covers and illustrations for press books, including the striking designs for Naharsinh Daku.
FILMOGRAPHY (* also act/ act only): 1924: Razia Begum; Veer Durgadas*; Paap No Fej; Mumbai Ni Sethani; Shahjehan; Vijaya; 1925: Kangal Qaidi Naharsinh Daku; Noor-e-Deccan; Devi Ahalyabai; Rana Pratap; Amarsinh Daggar; Paisa Ni Khumari; Kali Nagin; Ra Navghan; Ujaint Kumar; 1926: Indrajal; Slaves of Custom; Pahadi Pindharo; Sheesh Mahal; Pyari Mamta; Pagal Premi; 1927: Alladdin and the Wonderful Lamp; Gutter Nu Gulab; Poonam No Chand; Alibaba and the Forty Thieves; 1928: Hoor-e-Baghdad; Ek Abla; Haiyan No Haar; Kamala Kumari; Rajrang; Samrat Ashok; 1929: Anarbala; Mirza Sahiban; Jai Bharati; Be Dhari Talwar; Mewad Nu Moti; Raj Ramani; Shashikala; 1930: Cinema Girl; Nai Roshni; Sher-e-Arab; Arunodaya; 1931: Golibar; Toofani Taruni; Toofan (all St); Draupadi; 1932: Zalim Jawani; Sati Madalasa.