Prabhakar Manajirao Nayak (1920-86)

Marathi director born in Nanded Dist. Joined Navyug in Bombay in the 30s as a projectionist. Assisted Naqvi (1942-5), Pendharkar and Raja Paranjpe, débuting as director in 1958. Made melodramas and comedies adapting the style of the ribald urban Tamasha. His best-known films include Pathrakhin, a classic Jayashree Gadkar weepie, and Thapadya, a parable about honesty in which a chronic liar reforms and claims the sexy Tamasha dancer. Often cast stars from the Loknatya tradition, e.g. Usha Chavan, Sarla Yevlekar, Nilu Phule and Ram Nagarkar. Occasionally acted, e.g. in Y. Pethkar’s Keechaka Vadha (1959) and in many of his own films. Produced his own last film. Also lyricist.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1958: Punarjanma; 1960: Sangat Jadli Tujhi An Majhi; 1965: Sudharlelya Baika; Chala Utha Lagna Kara; 1966: Hi Naar Rupasundari; 1968: Khandobachi Aan; 1970: Aai Aahe Shetat; 1971: Dam Kari Kaam; 1972: Pathrakhin; 1973: Patla Tar Vhay Mhana; Thapadya; 1974: Tevdha Sodun Bola; 1975: Pandoba Porgi Phasli; Varaat; 1977: Manasa Paris Mendhre Bari; Padarachya Savleet; 1978: Chandal Chaukadi; 1979: Baeelweda; 1981: Laath Marin Tithe Pani.

Director