Navin Nischol was a gold medallist at the Film and Television Institute of India, which led to him being signed on as the lead for Sawan Bhadon (1970). He enjoyed a successful run as a lead hero in the 70s, before transitioning to a character actor. Today is his 10th death anniversary.
Superstar Mohan Babu was born on this day in 1952 as Manchu Bhathavatsalam Naidu. After working as a physical education instructor in YMCA college, he persevered to get an entry into the film world. In 1975, he finally got his chance to appear on screen in Swargam Narakam, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, a collaborator who plays a significant role in his career. Rechristened as Mohan Babu for the screen, he began his journey in an antagonist role and made a name for himself playing such characters in Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974), Driver Ramudu (1979), Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980), Premabhishekaram (1981), Adavi Donga (1985), and Annamayya (1997). The 1978’s blockbuster hit Sivaranjani was a breakthrough film. Despite playing the role of a villain most often, Mohan Babu displayed a wide range in his acting skills. However, it was Assembly Rowdy (1991) that established his superstar status. As a producer, he made films such as Pratigna, Assembly Rowdym Rowdygari Pellam, and Pedarayudu and Major Chandrakanth. He served his tenure as an MP in Rajya Sabha from 1995-2001. Mohan Babu is known for his philanthropic contribution and has been awarded with Padma Shri in 2007. Cinemaazi wishes him on his birthday!
Cinemaazi remembers documentary filmmaker and cinematographer Fali Bilimoria on the occasion of his birth anniversary – 18 March, 1923. Bombay-born son of a lawyer, Fali quit his medical studies in 1946 to move to politics. A documentary director and producer since the late 40s, he partnered with other makers like P V Pathy and Paul Zils, before starting his own Fali Bilimoria Productions in 1959. Among his well-known documentary films are The House That Ananda Built, A Village in Travancore, The Weavers, Four Families, and Coir Worker. He explored topics such as agricultural technology, co- operative movements in handloom, fisheries, housing, etc. His clients included Shell, British Transport, Deutsche Condor, the USIS and private American sponsors. Bilimoria blurred the line between documentary and fiction narrative in many of his works, by introducing professional actors. This is evinced in his documentary on malaria, titled A Tiny Thing Brings Death, which starred Sombhu Mitra. He also made documentaries on the Congress Sessions of 1947 and 1948. Retiring in 1987, Fali Bilimoria passed away in 2001.
In image: A still from the House That Ananda Built (1968). Courtesy: Mubi
A noted director and writer, R S Junnarkar made his debut co-scripting Master Vinayak's first directorial venture Vilasi Ishwar/Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935) along with the renowned playwright Mama Warerkar. He continued his association with Master Vinayak in Chhaya (1936), Dharmaveer (1937), Premveer (1937), Jwala (1938). He made his directorial debut alongside Mubarak in Bahurani (1940), followed by Navyug Chitrapat's Sangam (1941). He was called upon to complete the filming of Pahili Mangalagaur (1942) when Master Vinayak left Navyug midway. The film was Lata Mangeshkar's debut as a singer. His other films were Ladai Ke Baad (1943), Pundalik (1944), Main Tera Hoon (1947), Pandharicha Patil (1949), Aahuthi (1950), Sant Bahinabai (1953), Baby (1954) and Shashi (1954). Today is his birth anniversary.
In picture: Miss Rose in Bahurani (1940).