== Fattelal, Sheikh (1897-1964) ==

Marathi director and technician. Real name:
Yashin Mistri, aka Sahebmama Fattelal also
spelt Fatehlal. Born in Kagal, Kolhapur.
Belonged to hereditary artisanal caste (Mistri
means ‘ carpenter’, although his father was a
stonemason). Apprenticed to the Kolhapur
artist Abalal Rehman. Lifelong partner of
Vishnupant Damle. Co-disciple with Damle
of Baburao’s technician-artist cousin, Anandrao
Painter. Co-founder of and all-round technician
at Maharashtra Film. Partner and head of art
department at Prabhat where he organised
spectacular sets (e.g. Amritmanthan, 1934).
Debut as co-dir of his only silent film,
Maharathi Karna (1928). Co-directed Saint
films with Damle, including Sant Tukaram
(1936) (for Filmography, see Damle). Also
major achievements as art director: e.g.
Ayodhyecha Raja/Ayodhya Ka Raja,
Maya Machhindra (both 1932), Amar Jyoti
(1936), Kunku/Duniya Na Mane (1937),
Mazha Mulga/Mera Ladka (1938),
Manoos/Admi (1939), Shejari/Padosi
(1941) and Ramshastri (1944). Produced a
film after Damle’s death (1945) for Prabhat;
then solo direction of two features.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1955: Jagadguru
Shankaracharya; 1956: Ayodhyapati.