FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

The Editors Mail • ! ! Benders " when you are worried " write to me. I will do my beat , | in serving you. Serious matters will be treated seriously, while J ! flippant letters will receive like replies. — The Editor. \ From: K. Kutumba Rao (Masulipatam). I heard that "Tulsidas" was once produced as a talking picture and one Mr. Joshi had worked in it. Who is Mr. Joshi and what is he doing now? You have heard correctly. Digveer Cinetone, under the management of Mr. Narayan Devare, had produced "Sant Tulsidas" with Mr. G. N. Joshi in the lead. Mr. Joshi is a law graduate, but does not practice as such, music being his first passion. He is now associated with the Gramaphone Company, and if you like his songs, why not purchase some H.M.V. records? From: J. N. Jagcthi (Sitapur). You seem to be sweet on Devika Rani. But what do you think of Kanan Bala as seen in "Vidyapati"? Don't you think she excels your Devika as an artiste in this picture? I always said that Kanan Bala had given a wonderful performance in "Vidyapati". There were two reasons for this. One being an exceedingly sympathetic role, and the second being excellent direction. In a similar role, Devika, perhaps, would have given an equally good performance under the same conditions. But Kanan had another strong point in her musical talent. Comparisons are not always happy, still, I think Devika is likely to prove a better artiste from a versatile angle than Kanan. This is because, we have not seen much of Kanan still. From: Miss Sushila Devi (Calcutta). Where is Raja Nene who worked in the "Unexpected"? He is now on the shelf in the Prabhat Studio. Remembering Shanta Apte's caning exhibits in pictures and in life, I think she has more vigour and strength than is found in the women of our country. You have forgotten courage. It needs courage as well to do what Shanta Apte ha? done, apart from the fact that conviction may have urged her to do so. It is a sign of the good times that are coming to our country, that our women should shatter the shackles of eternal bondage to men. On my side, Shanta Apte's action has not left behind any bitterness, as I have always admired courage in any form or shape, either in men or women. From: V. Ramaswami (Erode). Who is superior in singing? Saigal or Sanyal? In actual singing Saigal is more melodious. In exact music, Sanyal is better. Which is the better picture, "Jeevan Prabhat" or "Nirmala"? From a pictorial point of view, "Jeevan Prabhat" was better. But as a theme, "Nirmala" had a better story. From: Zaffer Alii (Bandra). Can you possibly tell me why Devika Rani has not sent me her photograph inspite of my request? The other day, my friend received Devika's photo without having asked for it. And this unsolicited photo created trouble in his peaceful home — his wife having become wild with him? It seems that your friend has misguided you in telling you that the photo was unsolicited. Besides, how was Devika to know that your friend was a married man. As regards yourself, I suggest that you write to her again, but tell her in clear words whether you are married and if so, say that your wife is not a jealous lady. If you give her this assurance, she will feel herself protected. From: Nuruddin Sultan Aly (Poona). Why are the Indian films so long? Can't we get some short features with some news-reels? Yes, you will get what you want in time to come. At present, the producers are compelled to meet a demand which has been created by the early chaos which is natural in a budding industry. The general idea is, providing a programme for 2i hours and not telling the story or delivering a message. When producers realise the exact mission of their life, they will give pictures which the people want. Name the best Indian picture which is recently produced. The cne I liked much as an intelligent spectator is called "Adhikar" and is produced by N.T. Your opinion may be different, nevertheless, don't miss this picture as an intellectual. From: S. J. Tanna (Pretoria — South Africa). In the "Picture Show", an English cinema paper, I read that Ramon Novarro has become a Yogi. Is it true? In America any one can become a Yogi. It is a pastime of the rich, which provides good publicity. 17