V. Shantharam

V. Shantharam Biography

V.Shantharam was one among those directors of Bollywood who made social dramas during 1950’s. His wife Sandhya is also a talented actress who worked with him in a series of movies. V.Shantharam was one among those talented directors who provided the basement of Bollywood movies, on which its present structure has been constructed.

Born on November 18, 1901, he started his filmy journey by doing an assistant’s job in Maharashtra Film Corporation. He entered the silent era of Hindi cinema in 1921, opposite Sureka Haran. He was one among those film makers who identified the real potential of movies and the impact it can make on masses. Through his movies, he propagated many messages to common man and handed many delicate social issues too. In the movie ‘Do Ankhen Bara haath’, he was the leading hero who did the role of a jailor who tries to convert 6 prisoners to good persons and wins in the end, though he lost his life. His wife did the role of toy seller in this movie. She provided enough strength and support to him and has played a significant role of this great film maker in producing social dramas. Sandhya also worked for his movies like Jhanak Jhanak Payal baaje, Navrang, Sehra and a few more movies.

In addition to the social message he conveys through his films, he gave much importance to its music too. It’s believed that he used to renovate the music of his movies, though didn’t take its credits. He has married thrice – Vimala, Jayashree and Sandhya. Rajshree, the famous Bollywood actress of 60’s is the daughter of Shatharam-Jayashree couple. Bhagyashree debut Bollywood through Shantharam movie Geet Gaya Patharon ne, opposite Jitendra.

Shantharam has done the roles of producer, director as well as actor. His most famous include Janak Janak Payal baaje and Do ankhen barah haath that gave him many awards. It includes National awards as well as many international awards.  A few of his movies include Toofan aur diya, Dahej, Amar Bhopali, Sehra, Banwasi, Jal Bina Machali Nritya Bina Bijli, Raja Rani Ko Chahiye Pasina, Duniya Na Mane, Netaji Pulkar and Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani. He was awarded by Dada Phalke Award in 1985 and Padma vibhooshan in 1992 for his contributions given to Indian cinema. Every year V.Shantharam awards are given to talented people related to Marathi movies.

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Updated: May 20, 2018