Jagatrai Pesumal Advani, (b. 1903)

Hindi director born in Hyderabad (now Pakistan). Studied film-making in Germany in the 20s and returned to become Mohan Dayaram Bhavnani’s assistant. Directorial début at Krishnatone with Heer Ranjha, then at Saroj Movietone where he directed Sardar Akhtar (Gafil Musafir, Johar- e-Shamsheer, Shah Behram, Tilasimi Talwar). Made the Sardar Akhtar film Farebi Duniya at the Karachi-based Golden Eagle company; then directed e.g. Khursheed films (Elaan-e- Jung, Shokh Dilruba, Sipahsalar) and Anil Biswas musicals such as Veena, Ladli and Lajawaab. Apparently known as a director who could handle female stars to their advantage, his films starring Nimmi included Wafaa and a title probably produced by the star, Danka. His Sassi Punnu is a Hindi/ Punjabi bilingual.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1931: Heer Ranjha; 1933: Zehar-e-Ishq; 1934: Afghan Abla; Dilara; Gafil Musafir; Johar-e-Shamsheer; Tilasmi Talwar; Vasantsena; Flashing Sword; 1935: Bahar-e- Sulemani; Farebi Duniya; Shah Behram; 1936: Elaan-e-Jung; Shokh Dilruba; Sipahsalaar; 1937: Saqi; Insaaf; 1939: Dekha Jayega; 1940: Dharma Bandhan; Sneh Bandhan; 1941: Shehzadi; 1942: Suhagan; 1943: Sahara; 1946: Sassi Punnu; 1948: Veena; 1949: Laadli; 1950: Wafaa; Lajawaab; 1952: Saloni; 1954: Danka; 1955: Hasina.

Director