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?, Maya Machhindra (both 1932), Amar Jyoti? (1936), Kunku? (1937), Mazha Mulga? (1938), Manoos(1939),Shejari (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.

Director