FilmIndia (Jan-Nov 1942)

September 1942 FILMINDIA Sardar Chandulal Shah set the Kardar Productions going by switching on the cameras for "Sharda'\ From left to right: Mr. A. R. Kardar, Sardar Chandulal and Rai Bahadur Chuni Lall. as we sipped the cup of tea that had been kept hot and fresh. "But what made you take to the stage? What was your first feeling or reaction to it?" I asked. The reply had an emotional ring. "My feeling was one of eagerness and satisfaction. I have already had a deep urge for the stage. I had ample opportunities for my self-expression through this medium in my school days and had always looked forward to continuing it on a larger and more serious scale in later life." "What future is there for the stage in this country? Do you think that the cinema has affected the stage craft?" was my next question. "I personally feel," said Srimati Kamaladevi, "that there are not only vast possibilities, but also an absolute necessity, for the development of the stage. It should be an integral part of our cultural nationbuilding programme. It has played a decisive role in the national movement in Ireland and is playing an equally effective part in Chin? where dramatic work is not merely the occupation of a few progressive people, but part of the Government's activities for the develop ment of the national and social consciousness of the people". "How can the stage survive the cinema?" I asked. "The stage has a distinct place of its own and indeed, as far as experience in every country goes, including America, the stage has not only survived, but has thrived. In most of the Western Capitals and in Japan one has to book seats weeks ahead to see a play, which is not really necessary in the case of pictures. This testifies amply to the popularity of the stage. In all those countries the stage is making more and more progress and even new experiments are being carried cn." "But what about India?" "Unfortunately in India, however, the stage had not developed enough to have an identity of its own and occupy an indispensable position in the field of art before the cinema invaded the country. The stage not having taken a deep root as a creative expression, but regarded more as an entertainment, naturally receded to the background when easier and cheaper types of entertainment came in the shape of movies. Still, to some extent, it is the stage that set the tone for the films." A FILM ARTISTE ONCE Just as in the stage Srimati Kamaladevi found a medium for selfexpression, so in the screen she saw great possibilities of social value. She hailed the cinema by agreeing to act on the screen. She has appeared in two pictures. "Vasant Neena had a royal reception at Karachi, when "Ek Raat" was released. Here they are at a private function. From left to right: Mr. Rekhchand, Mr. Ayaz, Miss Neena, Mr. Mohsin Abdulla and Mr. W. Z. Ahmed. 43