Cinemaazi remembers Manhar Desai on his death anniversary
25 Feb 1992
Remembering actor Manhar Desai on the occasion of his death anniversary. Hailing from a Gujarati Christian family of Ahmedabad, he was born Malcom Alfredo Desai on 3 August, 1917 in Bombay. Eager to pursue a career in films, his first brush with acting was less than satisfactory: he played the stunt double for the hero in riding sequences. Returning to college disillusioned, he pursued several jobs after graduating, till he landed lead acting roles. From Toofani Sawar (1947) to the Gujarati hit Gunsundari (1948), it was the start of a successful innings. Other hits in his kitty include Naseebdar (1950) and Gadano Bel (1950). He made his Hindi film debut with the Wadias’ Madhosh (1951) opposite Meena Kumari. Among his most popular films are Naya Rasta (1953), Anand Bhuvan (1953), Hazaar Raaten (1953), Nag Panchami (1953), Chandramukhi (1960), Madhosh (1951) and Banjarin (1960). Manhar Desai passed away on 25 February, 1992.
