Khwaja Ahmad Abbas – Most Underrated Director of Indian Cinema

The man was not Jack but a master of various traits. Prose writer of English and Hindi, journalist, screenplay writer and, of course, an underrated director, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas bestowed Indian cinema with various gems.
As a screenwriter, he created several masterpieces like Mera Naam Joker, Bobby, Awara, Neecha Nagar, and Shree 420, to name a few. It will not be incorrect to say that he was the strongest pillar in Raj Kapoor’s journey as a movie director.
Talking of directorial ventures, his movies hardly tasted commercial success. The unique quality of his cinema was close touch to reality and efficient depiction of the social and political situation of the contemporary era.
Sadly, the present generation is not aware of his directorial works.
Let’s look at some of the movies directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas to understand the quality of his work in a better manner.

Dharti Ke Lal

With this cinematic marvel, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas embarked his journey of film direction. The film depicts the sufferings of a farmer family during Bengal famine of 1943. This film marked the first major role of the veteran actor Balraj Sahni. The film is also credited as the one to launch renowned actress and dancer Zohra Sehgal.
It was appreciated by the critics due to its realistic depiction of changes in economic and social phases of Indian societies during the period of Second World War.

Saat Hindustani

You might have heard the title of this movie, as it marked the debut of Indian megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He played one of the seven Indians whose endeavors to free the Goa from Portuguese rule was beautifully depicted by this master director. In fact, it is the only Hindi film to portray the Indian freedom struggle against the Portuguese. This ethereal piece of realistic cinema won National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Owing to its amazing characterization and unconventional representation, the film, definitely, deserves a viewing at least once by every cinema lover.

Do Boond Paani

This was the second flick directed by this gifted director that won National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. The film represents the story of Ganga Singh (played by Jalal Agha) whose sacrifices helped in building a dam in a village facing scarcity of water. This social drama also garnered favorable reviews, but sadly bombed at the box office.

Anhonee

With this psychological drama, Abbas gave a classic that depicted the beautiful and talented actress Nargis in a dual role. This movie, in fact, is credited to be the first Indian flick with a protagonist in a double role.

Shehar Aur Sapna

The movie was based on his touching short story, ‘One Thousand Nights on a Bed of Stones,’ and depicts the life of street dwellers in Mumbai. This movie, which had a backdrop of industrialization, won National Award for Best Feature Film.

Ek Aadmi

It was his last endeavor in film direction, which was released in 1988. This human drama was first rejected by Doordarshan and, ultimately, NDFC took the project and produced it. The movie depicts an ailing man, who recalls his past, and the temptations of which he was a victim. Most of the movie is presented in the form of flashbacks.
His other important projects include Naxalites, Faslah, and Nanga Fakir (TV film).
In an interview with the author Suresh Kohli, he mentioned that he stopped making films with big stars in 1958 on the request of her dying wife. It was actually due to cases filed against by two popular actors who had doubt that he might not return their dues.

In 1987, he left this world leaving behind a rich legacy for aspiring writers and filmmakers. It is disheartening to witness that he hardly recalled for contribution to cinema in the form of directorial ventures, though, he is regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters. You can read the short stories of Khwaja Ahmad Abbas to know his worth.

10 biopics that Indian cinema (Bollywood) should definitely produce!

For those who have confusion, biopic is a biographical movie which depicts life events of a person onscreen. Some renowned personalities on which directors have already created biopics include Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey, Milkha Singh and Dhirubhai Ambani to name a few.
Lives of some lesser known personalities like Dashrath Manjhi, Arvind Desai and Manjunath have also been converted into films (Do not miss their movies if you love biopics.)
Let’s look at some well-known personalities which deserve a film of their own due to their heroic acts or just because of their exciting life. (The list does not contain the name of Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar as someone in future will definitely carve out their lives on big screen.)

10) Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966)
Profession – Politician, Freedom Fighter

Second prime minister of independent India, he was the man behind ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’ His role behind the glorious victory of India against Pakistan in 1965 made him a true patriotic leader. His was also part of Indian Independence movement who followed leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi.
Though as per the official reports, he died due to heart attack, but it is believed by many Indians that he was poisoned. A great biopic maker like Ketan Mehta can do justice to his life by reflecting persona of this common man’s hero.
9) Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava (1912–2009)
Profession – Conman

Popularly referred as Natwarlal, he was the most popular con man of India. He was prominent personality who “sold” monuments like Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Rashtrapati Bhavan as a part of his con job. He is also said to have conned some business giants like Dhirubhai Ambani and Tatas. The man was able to run away from jail nine times which is also the number of times he was arrested.
His vibrant life can definitely be turned into an entertaining biopic. If made effectively, the movie on his memoirs will prove to be a better flick than Hollywood’s ‘Catch Me If You Can.’

8) Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)
Profession – Politician

It is surprising that there is no movie yet which is dedicated to her life. Though Gulzar’s movies like ‘Aandhi’ and ‘Kissa Kursi Kaa’ had very few hints related to her life, we still need a film showcases her vibrant career as the first Indian lady Prime Minister. Her personal and professional life was an amalgamation of achievements and controversies. Various events of Indian history like associated with her life like:
 Indo-Pak 1971 war
 Operation Blue Star
 Emergency
Movie on her life will definitely be worth watching but it is possibility that it may itself become part of some controversies.

7) Dhyan Chand (1905-1979)
Profession – Hockey Player

This legendary hockey player deserves a grand presentation of his life in form of a sports movie dedicated to his achievements.
There is an incident where his hockey stick was broken by the authorities of Netherlands to check if there was any magnet inside it. He was even offered Colonel’s post in German army by Hitler himself. Such was his popularity in the world!
There is already an autobiographical book by him with the title ‘Goal’ published in 1952.

6) Aryabhatta (476 AD - 550 AD)
Profession – Mathematician, Astronomer

The man behind great mathematical discoveries like ‘zero’ and place value system definitely deserves a movie to pay off what he has given to the society.
He also gave theories related to astronomical phenomenon like eclipses, sidereal periods and motions of the solar system.

5) Amrita Pritam (1919-2005)
Profession – Novelist, Poet

She has written an array of literary works like poems, novels, short stories and autobiographies. In her writing career, 28 novels are penned down by her.
The popular Hindi movie cinema was based on one of her novels of the same name. Her autobiographical book ‘Rasidi Ticket’ is quite controversial and can be source of plot points for her biopic. Several of her works also depicted the scenario of Indo-Pak partition period.

4) Kalpana Chawla (1962–2003) =
Profession – Astronaut

This will also mark of debut of Indian cinema in a movie depicting space travel. Her life as first Indian lady in space will definitely be an inspiring story for Indian women. She was part of crew members which were killed during Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.

3) M F Hussain - (1915–2011)
Profession – Painter, Film maker

Just like his paintings, his own life was full of depth and controversies. Someone like Amitabh can do justice for the role of this great artist who has left a legacy for Indians in the shape of art form. It will be heartening to see the life of such a great artist who banned to enter his own country.

2) JRD Tata – (1904-1993)
Profession – Aviator, Businessman

The man was first licensed pilot of India and founder of prominent companies like TCS, Tata Motors and Air India. He received Padama Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna for his contributions. A controversy is also attached to his life where he supported Emergency implemented by Indira Gandhi. His gigantic life definitely deserves a film!

1) APJ Abdul Kalam (1931-2015)
Profession – Scientist, Former President

I guess there is hardly any Indian who does not respect this great personality. His sudden death few weeks ago shocked the whole nation. His life with multiple facets was indeed an inspiration for every struggling individual. Do I really need to say more about him?

Moviemakers! If you are reading this, please give a thought on crafting a great biopic dedicated to these Indian personalities!