Raj Khosla (1925-91)

Hindi director born in Ludhiana, Punjab. Family moved to Bombay (1934). Studied music from an early age and learned singing under Pandit Jagannath Prasad. Graduated in history and economics from Elphinstone College; arts degree from Bombay University. Joined AIR as singer (1946). Dev Anand made him assistant to Guru Dutt who gave him first major directorial assignment, CID. Acted a small role in Dutt’s Jaal (1952). Worked for Navketan and Filmalaya. Production partnership with cameraman Jal Mistry, Naya Films (e.g. Bambai Ka Babu, about incest). Then solo with Raj Khosla Films (1967). His Do Raaste helped make Rajesh Khanna a superstar. Returned in late 70s to the themes of bravely borne suffering, mainly addressing female audiences, which is unusual in recent Hindi cinema (Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki; Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon, etc.). Known for inventive song picturisations, a skill he learnt from Guru Dutt. Also producer (e.g. Do Chor, 1972).

FILMOGRAPHY: 1955: Milap; 1956: CID; 1958: Kala Pani; Solva Saal; 1960: Bambai Ka Babu; 1962: Ek Musafir Ek Hasina; 1964: Woh Kaun Thi; 1966: Do Badan; Mera Saaya; 1967: Anita; 1969: Chirag; Do Raaste; 1971: Mera Gaon Mera Desh; 1973: Kachche Dhaage; Shareef Badmash; 1975: Prem Kahani; 1976: Nehle Pe Dehla; 1978: Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki; 1980: Do Premi; Dostana; 1981: Daasi; 1982: Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon; 1984: Mera Dost Mera Dushman; Sunny; Mati Mange Khoon; 1988: Naqab.

Director