FilmIndia (Dec 1937 - Apr 1938)

FILM INDIA April 1938 Why didn't Leela Desai reply to my letter "when I asked lor her photo? Probably she didn't like your name. Nor do I. In which pictures were Durga Khote and Jamuna at their best? Durga Khote in "King of Ayodhya" and Jamuna in "Devdas". From: M. P. Prabhakar (Jammu). Can one estimate the personal character ot a star simply by seeing her roles? What do you think of Rampyarl in "Milap". It will be unwise to judge a girl from the roles, because she is merely playing a part and contributing to the sequences in the story. Regarding Rampyari, I have no right to sit in judgment over her personal character, but what I think of her performance, you can read in the review of "Milap" which appeared in a previous number of "filmindia". I want autographed photos of Shanta Apte and Director Shantaram. Can you suggest any procedure? Write to them and I am sure they will not disappoint you. From: Gurumoorthy (Port Blair — Andaman). How to sell stories written in Hindi and Urdu for the screen? By buying them yourself. The more troublesome way is to send them to the producers and wait for their reply which will never come. If there is good material in the story it is sold when you submit the story, but you don't get the price for the same. You may however get a chance of consolation someday to find a part of your story in another picture produced by the producers. From: Mohd. Idris (Nagpur). Please excuse me for being personal. Who are your dearest friends among Indian actors and actresses? It is unnecessary to ask about the directors from whom, Shantaram is of course your best. Who told you that Shantaram is my friend? Don't talk nonsense. My best friend among the directors is Devaki Bose — among the actors, Motilal — and among the actresses Sabita Devi. They help me to sell "filmindia". From: Madhav Retrekar (Baroda). I have been repeatedly requesting Mr. Shan'aram the worthy Director of Prabhat for an auto 22 graphed photo. To my disappointment I have not received the photograph nor a courteous denial. Director Shantaram is the better judge of sentiments. Had he gauged my feelings in the matter as reflected in my letters to him, I am sure he would not have been so cruel. You have every right to feel hurt when you happen to be a patron of Prabhat pictures. If Director Shantaram wants to remain popular, he must nurse his fans. Why don't you write to Shantaram and tell him frankly what you think of him for lacking in courtesy to reply. I am surprised that a wise man like Shantaram should indulge in such errors. It is high time that all film personalities should learn to pay greater attention to their fans. They must maintain a special fan department. It is the price of popularity which if paid regularly will take them to greater heights. Prabhat ought to give others a lead with this idea, if they don't, they just lack enterprise. I shall speak about this to Shantaram the next time I meet him, and I'll see that he sends you his best photograph. From: M. A. K. Suri (Cawnpore). Why does Director Shantaram not take up production of Muslim subjects as others do? Does he believe in reforming a particular section of society and allow the others to go to the dogs? Director Shantaram is a good Hindu and as such is peace loving. He fights shy of the Muslims, who are often misled by mischief monaers who set up a riot if even a small thing goes wrong. As they are at present, the Muslim masses are not educated enough to think out things for themselves and allow their fanatic instincts to run errands for the selfish ends of mischief mongers. A large number of Urdu journalists have made fashion out of blackmail and live on their wits. As a businessman, would it be safe for Shantaram to undertake a Muslim production under these circumstances. Picture producers require a certain amount of latitude and freedom to tell the film story effectively but if they did so, the self seeking fanatics step in and spoil the soup. If responsible Mahomedan opinion assures Shantaram perfect security, he will be the first one to produce a Muslim picture immortalizing the glory of the Mahomedan culture and religion which I know he admires tremendously. Shantaram is aching to produce a Muslim picture if only the Mahomedans would allow him to do so. From: Sita G. Shahani (Hyderabad-Sind). 1. Who is better Saigal or Sanyal and why? 2. Please rate the talents of the following directors: Shantaram, Barua and Nitin Bose.