FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

"Lala Alopi visited the studio and whispered a few things into Director Raj nans' ear which made him blush and beam with pleasure" reads a studio report of Ideal Films. Lucknow. "Blush"! what do you think Lalaji must have said —and in Lucknow? We thought Lalaji had retired from this sort of thing long before. • • • Kardar is so much on the mind of the "Movies" that old Kriparam while writing of Korda says "Alexander Kardar stands second to none in harming India through his pictures." (Vide pp. 20, 11th September 1938). Whichever name is misplaced, the news seem to fit in rather well. The latest Huns picture "Brahmachari" (The Bachelor) has proved a sensational success in Bombay. The hero (Vinayak) begins as a sworn bachelor and after going through numerous 'mishaps' in a world infected with women, and particularly by that bad epidemic— the modern girl, ultimately falls into the lap of a persecuting young beauty where his bachelorhood is dissipated. Atre, the brilliant writer, in writing this story for the screen has rudely shaken the placid masks of several people. Here's how some of them should feel while seeing the picture. Baburao Pendharkar: (with a toothpick in hand). I was one of the first to advocate bachelorhood. (People have already forgotten that I was once married). You see bachelorhood is a profession that pays strange and sweet dividends. Baburao Patel: What does that fellow Atre, with his size and possibilities, mean by asking people to be bachelors. I would rather tell them to be old Moghuls. B. P. Samant: What a pity, I have to advertise "Brahmachari" now that I am married. Oh, how wonderfully I had held out, but for friends. Baburao Pai: Marriage is such an expense and worry while bachelorhood such an excuse and solace. Oh! for my lost rights! Shanta Apte: (swinging a stick in the air) : I like Atre's idea. The nation requires healthy bachelors. Many of my friends are strong, full blooded bachelors. Look at my own brother. He is still a bachelor and if I can help it he will remain one all his life. Baburao Apte: Yes, look at me I am a bachelor, true and honest. The only woman I know is my own sister, and she helps me to live this life of austerity. Pralhad (Prabhat Actor): Look at me, I am a prize bachelor, though I believe in rescuing any damsel in distress. V. Shantaram: (curling his hair with the index finger): I wish Huns had produced "Brahmachari" earlier. Keshavrao would not have run out of the firm thus, Damle (with one eye half closed): I don't blame the hero (Vinayak) with such a heroine (Meenakshi). Anybody should disagree with Atre. Fatehlal: I wish she gives me a sitting. (Poor Meenakshi!) I shall draw angles which even Baburao Patel can't imagine. A. H. Gadre: (Editor, Pramod): After seeing "Brahmachari" I should call every public woman a sister and submit to her an apology for my existence. Women are brave after all. And they should not be misused by marriage. R. K. Rele (Editor, Moving Picture Monthly): I hope the cult of bachelorhood spreads. It will eliminate the necessity of going home. So troublesome it is to meet the same old woman every day. Mahomed Nazir: (Editor, "Mussavvir") : What a blooming mess, when I had just started organizing my life on English "lines". It is no use showing "her" this picture. She might call back her old boy-friend. Abid Gulrays: (Editor, "Caravan"): Only if Atre had met my old friend Mrs. Abdulla, his ideas about bachelorhood would have changed in a minute. She has definite views about life and many convincing arguments. She thinks that every young man should get married and I didn't wait for a second telling. Chandulal Shah: (In defiant words): I challenge Vinayak (The hero of "Brahmachari") to remain a bachelor and remain good in the film industry. We believe in family ties. Master Vinayak: Chandulal doesn't know me yet. With all these stars twinkling, I might still remain unmoved. You see it is noft in my nature tof be deeply moved in such matters. In fact, I suspect Atre having got his real inspiration from me. Chi ma n la) Desai: (whispering to Bulbul his son): We shall produce a picture with Sabita as the spinster. That will keep the boys spinning. Sabita Devi: (Dancing with joyj No one could fit the role better than me. I don't like boys. Mummy: (adjusting glasses): Oh, my Sabita hates men. In India "off ton" you don't get the right sort. Well someday, we are going to Hollywood. Bibbo: (smiling knowingly): You know most of the scenes in this "Brahmachari" are shot during the day and in day-light. They are alright for that purpose. You know things are always different later in the evening. Atre doesn't say anywhere fehat people should be bachelors even after dark. Leela Chitnis: (with a knowing wink): I know Atre and Baburao 37