FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

December 1938 FILM INDIA Rate the talents of the following actors: Baburao Pendharkar, Barua and Keshavrao Datey. You have done so yourself. From: J. K. Rao (Parvatipur). May the Andhras know why the editor of "filmindia" never speaks a word about the Andhra stars in his mag? When the Andhras themselves do not proclaim their existence, why should, I, of all people, go and wake them up? Why don't the Andhra producers tell the world that they have stars? Even a thief would not rob one if the possessor didn't let the world know that he has gold in his house. From: R. S. Mudaliar (Madura), Who is the girl whose photo we find in the advertisement of the Bombay Telephone Co.? Is she a film star? Yes, she is the new Wadia starlet and known to the screen as Pramilla. Previously, Pramilla was working with the Imperial Film Co. From: M. V. Krishnayya (Nellore). What are the present whereabouts of Chandramohan and Vasanti? Chandramohan is working in "Pukar" which is being produced by Minerva Movietone, while Vasanti will be seen in "Sant Tulsidas" and "Achoot" both under production at the Ranjit studios. Who looks more handsome of the two? Kumar or Jal Merchant? Tastes differ. I like Kumar. ' From: L. Ashoke (Poona). Has Mrs. Shantabai Hublikar, Prabhat's new star, done any screen work before? To the best of my knowledge, she has done a small role in Kolhapur Cinetone once. Thereafter, she has given a bit of her music in "Sathi" produced by Nataraj Films. From: G. S. Saxena (Lucknow). How do you rate the acting and singing talents of the following: Vasanti, Bimla Kumari and Prabha? Vasanti is easily the best both in acting and singing. Bimla comes second. From the child stars, Parsuram, Ram Marathe and Mahalingam, whom do you like most? Mahalingam is easily the best. From: A. S. P. Bhimji (Dar Es-Salaam). Can you judge the ability of an actor when he has appeared on the screen only once? Yes. If his performance is good, I can also foretell his future. Not that I am an astrologer, but because I have seen too many pictures which experience helps me to size up the talents of a budding actor. Have you ever thought of publishing the reports of the Bombay Board of Film Censors? Why should I, when I can use the same space for more interesting material. Is there any film actor, who apart from his professional work, takes a keen interest in political affairs? If you mean national politics, none. But in studio 'polities', most of them do plenty of wire pulling. From: T. M. Hamsa (Madras). I am in deep silence about Mr. Jal Merchant and Miss Zubeida. Why? You are becoming a yogi. From: A. Purushottam Rao, (Ponnur). I am an admirer of Nalini Tarkhud. What do you think of her? Go ahead with your admiration and why do you worry about what I think of her? If I edit a cinema magazine, and if I write something about Shanta Apte, will she travel from Poona to Ponnur with a stick in her hand and accompanied by her brother and sister to see me? That will all depend on what you write. However, the experiment is worth trying, if you don't lack courage. From: T. N. Srivastava (Jhansi). I think Kumar to be the greatest actor of the Indian screen? Do you agree? No! As a villain, who acts better: Nawab or Kumar? Nawab. From: V. Srinivasan (Madura). Which is the best and biggest studio in India? The best and the youngest director, the best and the youngest cameraman, the best and the biggest distributor, the best and the youngest actor, the fattest and the leanest actor, the best and the youngest actress, the best singer and the best baby star. You have forgotten one item. Ask me which is the best film magazine? From: Shanti Shah (Dacca). I love Padmadevi's film acting? Do you? Ask me another. Will you please print your photo? I did it once and I didn't get any proposals. I don't think it is worth risking once again. From: Tehmul D. Elavia (Deolali). Please let me know who will act in the picture "Daughter of India" which the foreigners are going ■n