Master Vinayak

Master Vinayak Biography

Master Vinayak’s real name is Vinayak Damodar Karnataki. He was an actor and director associated with Bollywood and Marathi cinema in the 1930s and 1940s. Master Vinayak is best known as the film personality who introduced the singing legend Lata Mangeshkar to the film industry as a child artist through the movie - Pahilee Mangalagaur. She worked as a child artist in the production company established by Master. Master Vinayak is known for giving first break to many cine artists to film industry like Lata Mangeshkar, Meenakshi Shirodkar, Vasant desai etc. Noted filmmaker Bhalji Pendharkar was his step-brother. Master faced an unexpected death in 1947. Noted Bollywood actress Nanda of Gumnaam fame was his daughter. His son Jayaprakash Karnataki was also a filmmaker.

Master Vinayak was born on 19 January 1906 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Many of his family members and close relatives were associated with Bollywood. He was married to Sushila, and the couple had two children – Nanda and Jayaprakash Karnataki, both associated with Bollywood. His brother Vasudev Karnataki was a cinematographer while his step-brother Bhalji Pendharkar was a famous film celebrity. The legendary film director V. Shantaram was his cousin and actresses Sandhya and Rajshree too were relatives of him.

His film ‘Achut Kanya’ (1936) starring Ashok Kumar is the best film of Master Vinayak as a director. As a filmmaker he is best known for the movies, Maya Machhindra (1932), Sairandhri (1933) and Ayodhyecha Raja (1932). He was the director of the controversial film, Brahmachari (1938) which featured its heroine Meenakshi Shirodkar in a swimming suit. Brahmachari was actress’ debut film and Master himself played the lead hero role. He passed away on August 19, 1947, just a few days after Indian independence. He died at a very young age of 41.

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Updated: April 09, 2016