FilmIndia (Jan-Nov 1942)

This section is the monopoly of "JUDAS" and he writes what he likes and about things which he likes. The views expressed here are not necessarily ours, but still they carry weight because they are written by a man who knows his job. SHANTARAM, A HEADACHE This man Shantaram is proving a headache to the newspeople. Every day he is upto something new. Since the day, he entered the Maharashtra Film Company studios in Kclhapur, as a bell-boy, nearly 22 years back, he has been constantly changing himself to suit new ambitions. Only last month we reported that he had submitted his resignation as the F.A.B. Film Producer to the Government of India. We now understand that the Government are net so anxious to relieve him from the post. But to meet Shantaram's new business commitments, they have reshuffled his resignation and now call him. the Honorary Film Adviser to the Government of India — which means that from now onwards Shantaram stops drawing Rs. 2500/ which he used to every month and, while giving his supervision free to the F.A.B. productions, he continues with his own business activities. That reminds us of Shantaram's business activities. Last month he burst into our offices and bubbled out that he had purchased the National Studios for a little over seven lakhs of rupees. Caught by his own enthusiasm and loving his own voice, which he has always done, he went out of his way to deliver an address to the entire staff of the National Studios and assured them all of permanent prospects under him. He even suggested that all producers working with him should assemble for a common community lunch every day so that feelings of fellowship may be promoted between one another. All seemed to have been set fair and Shantaram started negotiating for new man-power, for efficient management and called on a hundred and odd people to discuss new ideas, sign up new arrangements and incidentally be congratulated on his enterprise by one and ail. Because Shantaram can't live without constant appreciation. He needs it as much as air, water and food. BECOMES A LAUGHING STOCK But little did Shantaram dream that he was soon to become the laughing stock of the very people to whom he had given an assurance of permanent prospects. With his rural honesty, cultivated in Kolhapur and Poona, little did he foresee the competitive tactics of the city business life. Mr. SHANTARAM tional Studies: Wise and clever guys at the head of the National Studios suddenly realized that by his big offer Shantaram had brought the National Studios into a competitive market. And true to their hopes, Keki Mody, the Western India Theatres Chief, stepped into severe competition with an increased offer of eight lakhs and put more money down than Shantaram could place on the table. For a while the Directors of the National Studios looked stunned and they decided to hand over the studios to the highest bidder. So they asked both the competitors to submit their revised offer in sealed envelopes. While K. M. Mody with his characteristic enterprise submitted an offer of eight and half lakhs, Shantaram vindicated himself with the following short letter to the Na17th Sept. 1942. "My best compliments to all the Gentlemen of your Board of Directors. Reference yours of 17th instant. I regret, I AM NOT FOR SALE ON YOUR AUCTION BLOCK ANY LONGER. Cordially Yours, V. Shantaram'. That shows that Shantaram got angry for being frustrated so sadly in his very first business skirmish in the metropolis. Now Shantaram has started doubting himself. Every morning he gets up and pinches his own bottom to see whether he is really living or dead. HIS NEW TEMPLE OF ART The necessity of saving his face now became a virtue of the moment. So Producer-director Shantaram went out and purchased the Wadia Movietone Studios lock, stock and barrel, for a little over two lakhs. Only a month back, when we had suggested his buying up these studios, Shantaram had refused to go even the way that leads to the stud os. To make sure of at least these studios he got hold cf Producer Jamshed Wadia and made him sign away the studios at 2 A.M. in the morning. It was late in the afternoon of the next day that gentle Jamshed rea