'''Dinshaw Bilimoria (b. 1904)''' Actor-director born in Kirkee. Usually described as the highest-paid silent star in India. Formed the celebrated lead couple with [[Sulochana]] esp. at [[Imperial]]. Introduced in stunt movie-derived historicals and mythologicals adapting Maratha legends at [[N.D. Sarpotdar]]’s United Pics. First two films at [[Imperial Films|Imperial]], [[Bhavnani]]’s [[Wildcat of Bombay (1927)|Wildcat of Bombay]] and [[Choudhury]]’s Anarkali, were massive hits for him and Sulochana. His John Barrymore- style image was born in elaborate costume fantasies opposite Sulochana’s Orientalised ‘Queen of Romance’, a reference elaborated later by some of the biggest directors of the silent era, e.g. Choudhury, [[Chandulal Shah]], [[Homi Master]], [[Jaswantlal]] and [[Nanubhai Vakil]]. Several of his silent hits were remade as sound films, notably [[Indira MA]] and Anarkali. Acted in some films at [[Ranjit]]. Azadi-e-Watan (1940), advertised as directed by him, is probably a dubbed version of an American import. '''FILMOGRAPHY''' (* also d): 1925: Chhatrapati Sambhaji; 1926: Dha Cha Ma; Tai Teleen; Umaji Naik; 1927: Wildcat of Bombay; Vilasi Kanta; Daya Ni Devi; 1928: Anarkali; Qatil Kathiyani; Madhuri; Rajrang; 1929: Khwab-e- Hasti; Mewad Nu Moti; Punjab Mail; Heer Ranjha; Rajputani; Hawai Swar; 1930: Pahadi Kanya; Rasili Radha; Diwani Dilbar; 1931: Baghdad Nu Bulbul; Mojili Mashuq; Noor-e- Alam; Premi Jogan (all St); Devi Devayani; 1932: Sati Madalasa; 1933: Daku Ki Ladki;Saubhagya Sundari; Sulochana; 1934: Gul Sanobar; Indira MA; Khwab-e-Hasti; Piya Pyare; Devaki; 1935: Anarkali; Do Ghadi Ki Mauj; Pujarini; 1936: Bambai Ki Billi; Jungle Queen; Shaan-e-Hind; 1937: Jagat Kesari; New Searchlight; Wah Ri Duniya; 1939: Prem Ki Jyot; 1942: Jawani Ki Pukar*. [[Actor]] [[Director]]