FilmIndia (1940)

7L EDITOR'S HIRIb I [In this section, the editor himself replies to queries from the readers. As thousands of letters are received every month — some anxious and several frivolous — it is neither possible nor convenient to attend to all. Selected letters are usually treated in an informative and humorous strain and no offence is meant to anyone.] B. C. Jain (Bhagalpur) Why do film actresses in India assume Hindu names, even if, they are sometimes Mahomedans and Jews? A Hindu name is a peaceful passport for many a rough situation. By the way, admitting the general tendency, haven't we several names that are not Hindu, e.g., Nadia, Bibho, etc. And Bibbo seems to be quite a popular name. G. M. Jairam (Rohri) Which of our leading actors are fathers? t Almost all should be, but some have been known for fifth column activities and don't make an appearance till unpleasant things drop out of the parachutes. Masood Salebhoy (Bombay) Who is Vanmala of Navyug Chitrapat? She is what P. K. Atre is trying to make her. ■ According to her she is his "find." I don't know what that means t but that way every girl I see in Bombay must be called my "find" thereby acquitting their parents of the charge. In other respects Vanmala looks to be quite womanly especially whilst swimming in clear water. Which is a better picture: "Woman" of National or "Lapandav" of Navyug? "Lapandav" is not a picture. It is a caricature. "Woman" is a real picture which entertains and also instructs. The two things, therefore cannot be compared. Seth Hari Kishore (Chakrata) Will you mind giving me the address of Miss Ratnaprabha of "Dharmaveer"? I don't know it but you may write to Pandit Indra, Gujar Lane, Santa Cruz, Bombay, and he will provide the address. According to him she is his sister and I believe it. K. M. Raghavan Nair (Tellicherry) Why does not Mr. Shantaram appear again on the screen in a suitable role? He wants me to direct that picture in which he says he woidd work. And I have no time for direction. What is the reason of Shanta Hublikar leaving Prabhat? After "Life Is For Living," she decided to live it and got married. That was another ending to Shantaram's story. I. P. Kumar (Coimbatore) Which do you advise to young Indians: To marry the girl one loves or to love the girl one marries? Both. Failing both either. There is another variety amongst our journalists nowadays: Loving the girl some one else marries. Fools call it a phase of platonic love. Practical people call it measles. Md. Saleh (Dacca) For the fourth time; I wrote to Sohrab Mody and he has again refused to give me a chance. He has disheartened me every time and you say "he is a kind hearted man and anxious to get raw hands and train them." Is this what you say he considers his "sacred duty?" There is some mistake somewhere. I can't Imagine the kindly old Sohrab doing this to you. It is possible that your letters never reached him personally and some of his subordinates replied to them, out and out. Another man in a position exactly like yours arrived at the studio one day and refused to return. He toas given an important role in "Bharosa." Sohrab always finds it difficult to refuse in person. Krishna Dutta Misra (Gaya) Will you agree with me if I state that Radha Rani who works in Wadia pictures can acquit herself better under better direction? I agree that she is capable of doing better work, but what she needs is not better direction but better subjects. Radha Rani is definitely a good-looker in mid-shots and should be in some powerful social stories. M. G. Merchant (Surat) Who is the best sound recordist in India? What does he get? What is the average pay of a recordist? We have so many good recordists in our industry that it is difficult to say who is the best. But the top liners draw anything between Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per month. The beginners begin from Rs. 75 a month and with average talent go Tip to Rs. 300 a month.. .At present we have more men in this branch of the industry than we need and new comers should take note of this fact. Indrajit Singh (Bombay) Why don't the Indian cinemas allow concessions to soldiers and sailors? 13