Homi Master (?-1949)

Top Kohinoor director in the 20s, esp. 1924-6: Lanka Ni Laadi, Fankdo Fituri, The Telephone Girl were big silent hits. Joined leading Parsee theatre company Baliwala aged 13; became very popular stage actor, notably in Pakzaad Parveen. Employed briefly at sent abroad to market Phalke’s films in Europe. Joined Kohinoor as actor (he played Duryodhan in Bhakta Vidur, 1921; the lead in Kala Naag, 1924) and as assistant to Kanjibhai Rathod. As director created one of the most successful teams of 20s Indian film with scenarist Mohanlal Dave and cameraman D.D. Dabke. Described by silent star Gohar as perhaps the most ‘dramatic’ film-maker she worked with, contrasting with e.g. the ‘realism’ of Bhavnani and Chandulal Shah. Made several B films in Hindi and in Gujarati. Ended his career as production manager at Kardar’s Studio in Bombay.

FILMOGRAPHY (* also act): 1924: Bismi Sadi; Kanya Vikraya; Manorama; Ra Mandlik; Sati Sone; Veer Ahir; 1925: Ghar Jamai; Kunj Vihari; Lanka Ni Laadi; Sansar Swapna; Fankdo Fituri*; Hirji Kamdar; Kulin Kanta; Mari Dhaniyani; Rajnagarni Rambha; 1926: The Telephone Girl; Briefless Barrister; Lakho Vanjaro; Mumtaz Mahal; Sati Jasma; Shirin Farhad; Delhi No Thug; 1927: Rangmahal Ni Ramani; Return Of Kala Naag*; The Mission Girl; Bhaneli Bhamini; Surat No Sahukar; 1928: Lekh Par Mekh; Gul Sanobar; Veerangana; Rajani Bala; Sarojini; 1929: Bilwamangal; Lanka Lakshmi; Punjab Kesari; Punya Prabhav; Sinh Ka Bachha Sinh; Lutaru Lalna; 1930: Mast Fakir; Shoorveer Sharada; Ranchandi; Patan Ni Paniari; 1931: Rao Saheb; Shahi Firman; Dushman-e-Iman; Bulbul-e-Shiraz; 1932: Ranadevata; Mahiari; Hind Kesari; Jai Bajrang; Prabhu Na Chor (all St); Hoor-e-Misar; 1933: Jagat Mohini (St); Misar Nu Moti (St); Saubhagya Sundari; 1934: Samaj Ki Bhool; Gul Sanobar; Khwab-e- Hasti; 1935: Do Ghadi Ki Mauj; Ghar Jamai; Naya Zamana; 1936: Akkal Na Bardan; Zaat-e-Sharif; 1937: Jagat Kesari; New Searchlight; Punjab Lancers; 1938: Chhote Sarkar; 1939: Fankdo Fituri; 1940: Neelamalai Kaidhi; 1946: Chamakti Bijli; 1948: Bhaneli Vahu; Gharwali; Jai Ranchhod; Lagan Na Umedvar; 1949: Shethno Salo.

Director