Nirendranath Lahiri(1908-72)
Bengali and Hindi director born in Calcutta. Started as actor in P.C. Barua’s studio (Ekada, 1932); assisted Barua at New Theatres. Music director for Ashiana, Tarubala and Annapurnar Mandir (all 1936), and acted in Debaki Bose’s Abhinav (1940) before turning director. Best-known films based on writers associated with progressive Kallol literature (e.g. Bhabhi-Kaal by Premendra Mitra). Themes often invoke nationalist idealism (Garmil, Bhabi-Kaal). Also filmed Saratchandra Chatterjee’s novels (e.g. Palli Samaj, Subhadra).
FILMOGRAPHY (* also music d): 1940:Byabadhan; 1942: Mahakavi Kalidas; Garmil; 1943: Sahadharmini; Dampati; 1944: Anban; 1945: Bhabhi-Kaal; Banphool; 1946: Arabian Nights; 1948: Sadharan Meye; Jayjatra/Vijay? Yatra; 1949: Niruddesh; Singhdwar; 1950: Garabini; 1952: Palli Samaj; Subhadra; 1953: Kajari*; Lakh Taka*; 1954: Shobha; Kalyani; Jadubhatta; 1955: Devimalini; 1956: Bhola Master; Shankar Narayan Bank; 1957: Madhu Malati; Bara Maa; Prithibi Amar Chai; 1958: Tansen; Indrani; 1959: Chhabi; 1966: Rajdrohi; 1983: Raat Dastay.