Filmindia (1941)

FILMINDIA November 1941 Shah to desert cotton and return to his first love, the Film Industry. His place is definitely in the film industry. "Now the last Film Congress was held in Bombay with all pomp and splendour to the accompaniment of trumpets; nothing was lacking; there was enormous propaganda and publicity and my friend Mr. Prithviraj, over there, who was in charge of the artistes' section also gave us delightful melodies from the various stars. "We passed very many good resolutions. We discussed every item in detail for full three days and we even quarrelled to give reality to the proceedings. And what has happened after that? I warn you against neglecting yourselves. You will not get a fair deal whether from the Government or from any other quarter unless you are organized and you learn to put a united front. What, on the contrary, has actually happened is that we have begun each to blame the other. Even as the saying goes "Each man for himself and God for all." In unity Ues the solution. It is in your own interest, in the interest of the Indian film industry. A FREE INDIA "India has a very great future before her and the Film Industry has a great part to play in the cultural and social advancement of Here is Rita Carlyle in the midst of some of them at the Tea Party in honour of Mr. Satyamurthi. Left to right: Sardar Akhtar, Mrs. A. R. Kardar, Miss Carlyle, Miss Naseem and Miss Flo Gubbay. India. We have been born as slaves; let us not die as slaves. Let me tell you, that this War will be over one day and much sooner than the most optimist amongst us believe, India will be free. She is bound to be free. A free India will enable the Indian Film Industry to .develop to its fullest extent and be a powerful instrument for national unity and national progress. "There is something more than the mere spirit of the market place in the numerous technicians and other workers of this industry. I still want better pictures and more patriotic pictures which would make the authentic voice of free India Baburao Patel seems more attentive to Sardar Akhtan and to the ladies. Here he is seen speaking making Mrs. Kardar laugh. heard throughout the world inspite of censorship and the existence of a foreign Government. You have got to see that the problems which cannot be solved with the help of the Government, are solved with the help of the public. BeUeve me, the public have always been anxious to co-operate with you_ No one, man or woman, likes to miss a good picture. Your help is most essential. "I know the Government of India. They are not a very grateful people. They have no imagination but they can do the day's work. They need our co-operation, and take it rightaway from everyone right from A to Z and they will then offer nonsense in return. You have, therefore, to act in co-operation for your common requirements like cheaper and sufficient raw films, more equitable customs duties and machinery, more adequate supply of petrol and other necessaries. ''Believe me. nothing, nothing can be done unless you unite. "Only co-operation produces success. The busiest man can always find some time for some good public work. I am not talking of any philanthrophy. It is for your own existence— of the Indian film industry. You are the trustees of the future growth of this film industry and you should help us by producing better pictures. I personally endorse Mr. Chandulal Shah's suggestion. It may be not quite so easy to convene a 26