Naval Gandhi (b. 1897)

Hindi director born in Karachi. Graduated in Ahmedabad (1919) and went on European study tour. Joined Irani’s Majestic (1923). Later worked at Orient Pics where he made one of the most discussed quality films of the silent era, Balidan, adapted from Tagore. Went on Jayshree Gadkar in Patlachi Soon (1966) film, imaged repeatedly as innocent and tearful daughter-in-law in some of the longest and most sentimental Marathi socials/melodramas (e.g. Bhalji Pendharkar’s Mohityanchi Manjula). Early work strongly influenced by Hansa Wadkar who played her foster-mother in her first major hit, Sangtye Aika. Played Tamasha dancing-girl in several Anant Mane and Dinkar D. Patil rural melodramas in the 60s, when Dhirubhai Desai and Babubhai Mistri also cast her in Hindi mythologicals. Now associated with roles opposite stunt star Dara Singh in Chandrakant films (Har Har Mahadev, Kisan Aur Bhagwan). Published autobiography in 1986. FILMOGRAPHY: 1956: Dista Tasa Nasta; Gaath Padli Thaka Thaka; 1957: Aliya Bhogasi; Aai Mala Kshama Kar; Pahila Prem; Devagharcha Lena; Utavala Narad; 1958: Sanskar; Padada; 1959: Sangtye Aika; Yala Jeevan Aise Nav; Pativrata; Ek Armaan Mera; Madari; Do Gunde; Charnon Ki Dasi; 1960: Avaghachi Sansar; Lagnala Jato Mi; Saranga; Paishyacha Paoos; Pancharati; Bindiya; Police Detective; 1961: Kalanka Shobha; Manini; Rangapanchami; Shahir Parashuram; Vyjayanti; Jai Bhawani; Ramleela; Sasural; 1962: Baap Mazha Brahmachari; Bhagya Lakshmi; Preeti Vivah; Sukh Ale Majhya Daari; Private Secretary; 1963: Mohityanchi Manjula; Naar Nirmite Nara; Subhadra Haran; Sukhachi Savli; Yeh Dil Kisko Doon; Mere Arman Mere Sapne; 1964: Ek Don Teen; Kai Ho Chamatkar; Saval Mazha Aika; Sundara Manamadhye Bharli; Vaishakh Vanava; Sati Savitri; Seeta Maiya; 1965: Gopal Krishna; Mahasati Ansuya; Aai Kuna Mhanu Mi; Malhari Martand; Sadhi Manse; Yugo Yugo Mi Vat Pahili; Kadhi Karishi Lagna Mazhe; 1966: Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan; Hi Naar Rupasundari; Hirva Chuda; Patlachi Soon; Pavanakathcha Dhondi; Veer Bajrang; 1967: Poonam Ka Chand; Baharon Ke Sapne; Bai Mi Bholi; Sangu Kashi Mi; Shrimant Mehuna Pahije; Thamb Lakshmi Kunku Lavte; Suranga Mhantyat Mala; Lav Kush; 1968: Balaram Shri Krishna; Har Har Gange; Mata Mahakali; Ek Gao Bara Bhangadi; Jivhala; 1969: Dongarchi Films Division 97 to direct its star, Zubeida, at Orient and at Kohinoor UA. Worked at the Directorate of Services Kinematography, the film wing of the armed forces during WW2, where he produced P.V. Pathy’s documentaries. Went into radio in the early 50s.

FILMOGRAPHY : 1924: Chandan Malayagiri; Mumbai Ni Sethani; Paap No Pashchatap; Shahjehan; Paap No Fej; Sanyasi; 1926: Yauvan Chakra; 1927: Balidan; 1930: Devadasi; Veer Rajput; 1931: Nadira; Diwani Duniya (all St); 1932: Shikari.

Director