Babubhai Mistry

Babubhai Mistry Biography

Babubhai Mistry was a Bollywood film maker best known for the classics - Sampoorna Ramayana (1961), Mahabharat (1965), and Parasmani (1963). His films are mostly based on Hindu mythology. He is best known for special effects on Bollywood films and was honoured "for his contribution to Bollywood as the master of special effects" at an event, "Immortal Memories”. In fact, he is best known for the movie, ‘Khwaab Ki Duniya’ - Vijay Bhatt’s debut movie through which he introduced special effects for the first time on Indian screen and it happened in the year 1937. The phenomenal success of his experiment not only established him in the cine world but also made him famous as ‘Kaala Dhaga’. He has directed over 63 fantasy, mythological and religious films.  

Babubhai was born on 5th September 1918 in Surat, Gujarat. His father was a building contractor. He was the eldest of 10 siblings. His father died when he was only 14 and thus he had to take the full responsibility of the family at a young age. In search of a job he reached his paternal uncle’s home at Mumbai. His uncle Rangeeldass Bhagwandass was working as an art director in ‘Krishnatone’ Film Company. In 1933, he got a job as an assistant art director for the film ‘Hatimtai’ with recommendation from his uncle. The movie was made in 4 parts. His job was to make film posters and to assist in set designing. Gradually he expanded his work to other sectors as well, gaining experiences in the entertainment world.

‘Khwaab Ki Duniya’ proved to the turning point of his career for which he was credited as "trick photographer". He later became a cameraman and film director who made 63 movies in Bollywood. He continued with special effects. Mera naam joker, Dharm Veer, Alibaba Aur Chalis Chor, Nagin, Barood, Dream girl and Nagin are a few more movies worth mentioning. He made his directorial debut with Muqabala (1942) and Mauj (1943), both starring Fearless Nadia in female lead.

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Updated: May 19, 2014