Chimanlal Muljibhoy Luhar (1901-48)

Hindi director. Chemistry graduate from Bombay University. Noted author and critic in early 1920s, e.g. in journals like Vismi Sadi, Navchetan and Bombay Chronicle. Started career as laboratory assistant at Kohinoor Studio in the 20s. Became noted cameraman working e.g. for several documentaries with Bombay-based production unit K.D. Brothers, apparently under tutelage of an English cameraman affiliated to the Prince of Wales’s official entourage during his tour of India. Following a brief stint at Saurashtra Film in Rajkot (1925), and a longer one at Krishna Film, where he shot around 20 films, he joined Sharda with Dagabaaz Duniya (1926). His later films at Sharda included several Master Vithal stunt movies (e.g. Gul Badan, Kanak Kanta, both 1928). Wrote and shot Harshadrai Mehta’s costumed spectacle Janjirne Jankare (1927), praised by the ICC Report. Turned producer (1931) with partner Harshadrai Mehta (Mehta-Luhar Prod.) continuing in the Master Vithal vein of stunt and adventure thrillers starring Navinchandra. Then a partner in Sharda (1933) and a director at Sagar (1934-40), where he began signing his name to his films and introduced the stunt genre. Later directed Prakash Pics (1941-6).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1932: Sassi Punnu; 1935: Silver King; Talash-e-Haq; 1936: Do Diwane/Be? Kharab Jan; 1937: Captain Kirti Kumar; 1938: Dynamite; 1939: Kaun Kisika; Seva Samaj; 1940: Saubhagya; 1941: Darshan; 1942: Station Master; 1943: School Master; 1944: Us Paar; 1946: Bindiya.

Director