FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

August 1938 FILMINDIA From: P. Krishna Murthy (Madras). May I know why Chandramohan left Prabhat? To become a partner in Huns Pictures They say that he has a share in the profits of "Jwala". The question is whether "Jwala" will leave any profits behind. By the way, Chandramohan is reported to have left Huns now. From: B. Rabindranath (Guntur). Why do not our producers produce short comedies tor the Indian screen? Comedy needs greater intelligence than the ordinary plot of which our producers are fond. Producers follow the line of least resistance and minimum intelligence. Several producers, as 1 find them to-day have not yet sighted humour. Their life has been a tragedy and how do you expect them to turn out humour. I, however, agree with you that we ought to have comic shorts with our usual film fare. From: Krishna Rao Kisri (Cocanada). Can you give me a good plan to construct a cinema house? I want the estimate also. Write to Mr. Jagannath J. Patel, International Talkie Equipment Co., Roxy Chambers, Queen's Road, Bombay, and he will give you the most reliable details. Will you print a tri-colour photo of Padmadevi, the Colour Queen? Will I? Old chap, you have asked me a question! From: G. S. Preet (Rawalpindi). Why not introduce some awards like "The Academy Awards" in our him industry? Don't you think that persons like Shantaram and Sircar should give a lead in this and train public opinion? Indeed, why not, is what I have been asking them in private I don't know whether Sircar will take the lead, but Shantaram might, with his usual enterprising spirit. I have already spoken to him and he has promised to set aside a large fund for granting annual awards. You know Shantaram can afford to do it. What worries me now is to find the "academy". Failing to find one, we shall, of course, have to name the awards after Shantaram. J object to Padmadevi being a constant favourite of "our Editor". One paper describes you as her guardian; another paper calls you a 2nd Barua in our film industry who doesn't tell the truth about himself? Who told you that Barua doesn't do so? Why do you drag him in and couple an innocent man with me? What personal objections have you to Padmadevi being my favourite? As an Editor, I am doing my best to serve you. Why do you want me to trade in my personal likes and dislikes, for your pleasure? As regards truth, I think I have always told my readers everything about myself. Is there anything wrong in a human being having faults and weaknesses? I have them in plenty and they make me all the more interesting to my friends and readers. Are you by any chance, a saint? If so, change your profession and remember that there is more glamour in sin. From: Om Prakash Sharda (Ludriana) Why do our producers get laymen as 'directors' for their pictures? Because the producers themselves are laymen. From: W. S. Ranney (Karachi). I want to know the present activities of Sulochana, Ermeline, Shanta Apte and Devika Rani. Sulochana is playing the heroine opposite D. Billimoria in "Prem Jyoti". When she is not doing that she has her husband on hand, which means, that she looks after her family, which, so far is only made up of two persons — the other being Dr Weingarten. Ermeline has also acquired family worries after her retirement from the screen. Shanta Apte is being shot by Director Kale in the settings of a new social picture by Prabhat called "My Son". Devika Rani works from mom till night at the Bombay Talkies studio so that Rai Saheb Chunilal may get a quicker chance to lord it over at the Roxy, Bombay during the release of "Vachan" When Devika is not working, she keeps on smoking cigarettes. From: Miss Tilly C. Kirpalani (Karachi). What are the real names of the following: Sulochana, Sabita Devi and Yasmin (Malti). 1. Ruby Mayers (Sulochana) 2. Miss Gasper (Sabita Devi) 3. Betty Gomes (Yasmin). From: Lila K. Gurbaxani (Karachi). Who is the best actor from the following: Saigal, Prithvirai, Pahari, Yusuf Effendi and Chandramohan. Prithviraj is easily the best. From: Miss P. G. Badlani (Karachi). Please rate the acting talents of the following: Devika Rani, Sabita Devi and Jamuna. Jamuna is easily the best artiste in so far as real acting is concerned. Her work in "Devdas" was eloquent of art and realism Devika Rani comes next. She is sincere in her work and tries to give her best every time. Her wonderful personality makes up for a lot in acting. Sabita gave only one good performance in all her career and that was in some parts of "300 Days & After". With the exception of that she has not done anything worthwhile considering in the field of acting. 17