'Ranjit Studio's Chandulal Shah!

'RANJIT MOVIETONE'S

CHANDULAL SHAH!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Today is 120th Birth Anniversary of one of the pioneers of our Indian Cinema..
Writer, Filmmaker & Founder of 'Ranjit Studio'..Chandulal Shah!

Gohar in film 'Achhut' (1940).

 

Started working in 'Kohinoor Film Company' Chandulal Shah first independently directed film 'Typist Girl' in 1926. Artist Gohar acted in that film and after it's success he directed 5 more films in which Gohar was in the lead. And her famous film was 'Gunsundari' (1927). Latter they married!

Malika-E-Husn in film of her name 'Madhubala' (1950).

In 1929 Chandulal Shah founded 'Ranjit Studio' at Bombay. In that silent pictures era he made 39 films up to 1932. In that includes mythologicals like 'Sati Savitri' and costume dramas like 'Chandramukhi' & 'Diwani Dilbar'!

Nargis and Dilip Kumar in classic film 'Jogan' (1950).

Then in 1932 he changed the name of studio to 'Ranjit Movietone' and started producing about 6 films every year! In that studio system era he employed around 300 artists & technicians!

Chandulal Shah wrote & directed social films like Gohar acted 'Achhut' (1940) & Raj Kapoor acted 'Papi' (1953). And produced notable films like 'Fariyad' (1942) and Nargis acted 'Jogan' (1950)..And a special film 'Madhubala' (1950) on a name of Malika-E-Husn!


He was a first president of 'Film Federation of India' when it formed in 1951. Then Golden Jubilee of Indian Film Industry celebrated under his guidance!

Humble Tribute to this devoted film genius!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]