Nanubhai Vakil

Nanubhai Vakil Biography

Nanubhai Vakil was one of the directors of the silent era of Indian cinema. Vakil was born on 23 May 1902 in Bulsar, British India to Bhimbhai Desai. He was associated with Hindi and Gujarati films. Narsinh Mehta in 1932 was the first talkie of Gujarati cinema and the movie starring actress Mehtab was directed by Vakil. The movie also starred Mohanlala, Maruti rao and Master Manhar. The movie was based on the life of Saint Narasimha Mehta and hence belonged to Saint Film genre. Working with leading actresses of his time, leading actresses Zubeida and Patience Cooper frequently featured in his movies. Started with silent movies in the late 1920s he later moved to talkies. He was active in the field till early 1960s.

Taj Mahal (1941 film) is one of his noted films, best remembered for Suraiya’s memorable performance. Nazir Ahmed Khan was casted opposite Suraiya, who played young Mumtaz for the movie. The movie was released under the Banner of Sri Meenakshi Pictures and music was given by Damodar. Vakil later remade several earlier movies to talkies, mostly "based on Parsi theatre plays". He also remade Alam Ara, which once again offered India’s first playback singer - W. M. Khan an opportunity to sing the song once again at the age of 71. The memorable track was "De De Allah Ke Naam Pe Pyare". The film was released in 1971, produced by Maffatlal Shah, and music by Iqbal Qureshi.

Vakil was known as a producer, director as well as screen writer. He was married to Anuradha Vakil and had 6 children. Veer Pujan, Sinhaldweep Ki Sundari, Kumud Kumari, Desh Deepak, Noor-E-Alam, Hoor-E-Roshan, Baghdad Nu Bulbul and Albeli Mumbai are some of his silent movies. Flying Rani, Pehla Pehla Pyar, Hatimtai Ki Beti, Baghdad Ka Chor, Naya Zamana and Gul Bahar are his talkies.

Published: N/A

Updated: November 16, 2015