| | 4 | Hindi and Tamil director born in Mianwali, now in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Studied at the Rangmahal High School (1931) and at Craik Technical School, Lahore. Joined films as an extra in Lahore a year before moving to Calcutta (1932). Then went to Bombay (1933) and became assistant director until débuting as director in 1936, making many of his early films in Tamil, including Minnalkodi. Known as a stunt film director associated with Mohan Pics, one of the major B-movie producers and filmed often with S. Nazir (Chashmavali, Midnight Mail, Bandookwali); made the Nazir-Lalita Pawar film Captain Kishori. Bazaar, with Shyam and Nigar Sultana, was a well-known musical success. Shifted to love stories in the late 40s with e.g. Nurjehan’s last big films in India (Village Girl and Mirza Sahiban, the first film he produced). In the early 50s he introduced Shammi Kapoor to films in romances such as Laila Majnu and Mehbooba. Started his own K. Amarnath Pics with Alif Laila. Directed Ajit’s leading roles in Baradari (with Geeta Bali), Bada Bhai (with Kamini Kaushal), Baraat (with Shakila) and the colour film Kabuli Khan (with Helen). |